Metrology & Reverse Engineering

Precision built large curved steel structures is the key to the Maglev transportation system. The pencil thick magnetic gap between the vehicle and the guideway is the controlling tolerance and as the train passes a football field length every second, the gap cannot vary by more that the pencil's point. This high precision system requires accurate measurements in all aspects of Maglev manufacturing, installation and maintenance.

MAGLEV, Inc. (MLI) understands this challenge and has developed the tools and technology to meet these requirements. MLI is working with state of the art metrology equipment and is developing the plans and procedures needed to achieve high tolerances not usually found in the steel fabrication and erection industries.

Technologies used by MLI include cutting edge coherent laser radar, laser tracker and total stations in addition to planer laser equipment needed for accurate measurement and monitoring of manufacturing and construction efforts. In the field, installation of guideway structures will require the use of micron level accuracy Global Positioning System (GPS) techniques where MLI has leading edge experience in this unique form of satellite measurement.

Currently MLI is performing weld distortion analysis for large curved plate beams structures and has defined the need to monitor dynamic material surface conditions during and after the welding process. Angular distortion, buckling and twisting will affect the curved beam accuracies to an extent where sub-millimeter distortions will create major dimensional discrepancies in its final shape. MLI is working with industry to measure these distortions and monitor the effects of these processes in an effort to validate computer models and predictions for future welding applications. This technology is of great value to many industries including aerospace, shipbuilding and the transportation sectors that have already benefited by MLI's efforts.

It is MLI's task to identify applicable technology in the industrial metrology field, analyze it's capabilities and demonstrate that this technology can perform within project requirements and is compatible with the integrated engineering software systems developed for the stringent tolerances required to make magnetic levitating transportation system viable in the world.