Automated Composite Repair Cell Incorporates Digital Shape Scanning Technology

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2006

BOSTON, May 1, 2006. Dimensional Photonics International, Inc. (DPI) announced today that a multi-year project with GFM of Steyr, Austria and its US subsidiary, American GFM (AGFM), Chesapeake, VA to produce digital shape scanners for automated composite repair workcells is nearing completion. DPI expects to launch the new scanners, designated AFI 5000P, this summer to support composite repair workcells and related automation systems.

The concept of the Inspection and Repair Preparation Cell (IRPC) was publicly introduced by GFM's Frank Elliott at a recent conference hosted by AGFM at its plant in Chesapeake, VA. According to Mr. Elliott, "the purpose of IRPC systems is to automatically detect and repair sections in composite parts such as C-130 nose radomes and F-15 speed brakes that may contain flaws of some sort. An IRPC system consists of one or more digital shape scanners, nondestructive testing (NDT) sensors and GFM automated machining centers. The scanner(s) feeds precise surface contour information to the work cell, NDT sensors locate potential flaws and the machining centers cut plies and core plugs in order to repair composite parts. The IRPC concept is the latest in an ongoing series of programs championed by the GFM organization to address the need for keeping military aircraft flying-while minimizing repair down time."

The IRPC cell concept is described in more detail in the May 2006 issue of High-Performance Composites. Copies can be obtained on the DPI website: www.dpi-3d.com/.

"The digital shape scanners in the IRPC cells snap 3D " 'photos' of composite parts almost as simply as your digital camera snaps family photos," according to Olaf N. Krohg, DPI's Chairman & CEO. "3D photos are essentially CAD (computer aided design) models of objects. Our 'photos' are accurate to microns (a human hair is about 25 microns thick) and can be taken in as little as ten seconds. AFI 5000P digital shape scanners have been designed from the ground up to be integrated into automated systems like GFM's IRPC."

Industry experts like Peter Marks note that digital shape scanners can be used in a variety of automated applications. As in the IRPC case, canners can be used to create a CAD model of an object ("reverse engineering"). But, they can also be used to compare a scanned object to it's associated CAD model ("inspection"), to monitor changes in objects that are manufactured on assembly lines ("process control"), and to scan objects for the simple purpose of communication ("visualization"). See DPI's website for a link to Mr. Mark's white paper published by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and entitled: "Capturing Competitive Edge through Digital Shape Scanning and Processing."

DPI's shape scanners are based on technology developed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) called Accordion Fringe Interferometry (AFI). AFI based scanners use lasers to essentially immerse an object in 3D interference patterns. A digital camera records the way that the patterns reflect off of a part surface in order to create the 3D photograph of the object.

About GFM

GFM develops specialty machine tools and automated systems/cells, for forging, milling, ultrasonic cutting, routing and tape laying applications. It is a major supplier of machines for aerospace composite applications such as the IRPC cell discussed in this press release. For additional information visit the companys' websites at www.gfm.at/ and www.agfm.com/ or contact Frank Elliott, GFM/AGFM at (817) 577-4488.

About DPI

DPI is a leading provider of high performance digital shape scanners to global industry. DPI's scanners are plant floor capable, metrology grade and easy to use. For additional information, please visit DPI at www.dpi-3d.com/ or call at (978) 988-8825.

Media Contact

Olaf N. Krohg
181 Ballardvale Street
Dimensional Photonics International, Inc.
Wilmington, MA 01887-1050
(978) 988-8825
marketing@dpi-3d.com

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