Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Physical Digital first to gain Nadcap accreditation for 3DSL inspection

Aerospace

Physical Digital first to gain Nadcap accreditation for 3DSL inspection

UK company Physical Digital has become the first in the world to have been awarded a Nadcap accreditation for Measurement and Inspection using 3D Structured Light (3DSL).

Above: Physical Digital's ScanBox for automated 3D Scanning.
 
Nadcap has recognised Physical Digital for its commitment to continual improvement in aerospace quality.

Physical Digital have provided 3DSL measurement services to the aerospace industry for many years, completing repeatability studies, batch measurement, inspection and analysis on industrial components from single turbine blades to complete jet turbine engines and full aircraft.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Physical Digital provides 3D Structured Light scanning services within the UK, improving its facilities and refining business processes to ensure it continues to deliver the highest level of accuracy and traceability. The company operates a state-of-the-art metrology facility optimised for 3DSL optical measurement with environmental monitoring and controls including precise temperature control, diffused airflow distribution, optimised lighting and humidity monitoring to ensure any effects are understood and mitigated.

Physical Digital’s Managing Director Tim Rapley commented: “Physical Digital is the first and only company in the world to achieve a Nadcap accreditation for Measurement and Inspection using 3D Structured Light. Using industry-leading GOM metrology systems, we specialise in capturing high-accuracy surface data for a wide variety of industrial sectors such as aerospace and power generation. All measurement data captured is completed under the rigorous constraints and stringent business processes, with all data traceable back to the international standard.

"This accreditation is the highest accolade that we could have hoped to achieve as a business and as Managing Director and company founder, it fills me with pride. It is also well-deserved recognition for the hard work and dedication of our highly-skilled and experienced team of Metrologist and Engineers. Achieving a Nadcap accreditation of our 3DSL services will provide our customers with the added assurance that Physical Digital deliver the highest quality data with unprecedented levels of traceability”.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

Michael J. Hayward, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Performance Review Institute, said: “Nadcap accreditation is universally acknowledged as a significant undertaking. Validating compliance to industry standards, best practices and customer requirements, Nadcap has long been incorporated by the aerospace industry into their risk mitigation activity. Congratulations are therefore due to Physical Digital as their hard work has resulted in achieving Nadcap accreditation for Measurement and Inspection using 3D Structured Light and their supporting company Quality Management System.”

 

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Airframe Designs rebrands to AFD Systems

Aerospace

Airframe Designs rebrands to AFD Systems

28 January 2026

Engineering and manufacturing specialist, Airframe Designs, has announced a strategic rebrand to AFD Systems, reflecting the company’s expanded lines of business, services, broader sector reach and long-term growth ambitions.

OS extends DEA Aviation contract

Aerospace

OS extends DEA Aviation contract

28 January 2026

Ordnance Survey (OS), the national mapping service for Great Britain, has extended its existing framework contract with Aerial data acquisition company, DEA Aviation.

Fenner Precision Polymers achieves AS9100 accreditation

Aerospace Defence

Fenner Precision Polymers achieves AS9100 accreditation

27 January 2026

Fenner Precision Polymers has achieved AS9100 accreditation for aerospace and defence manufacturing activities conducted on its site in Lincoln.

Birmingham Airport expands terminal transformation

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport expands terminal transformation

27 January 2026

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has announced plans for three eateries and a new executive lounge within the Departures Lounge to open in phases during 2026 as part of the airport’s ongoing transformation.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Heathrow completes £1bn security tech upgrade

Aerospace Security

Heathrow completes £1bn security tech upgrade

26 January 2026

Heathrow has now completed a £1 billion security technology upgrade, becoming the world's largest airport to fully roll out next-gen CT security scanners.

Acron Aviation gains ANAC Brazil approval to train Brazilian pilots at LTC

Aerospace

Acron Aviation gains ANAC Brazil approval to train Brazilian pilots at LTC

26 January 2026

Acron Aviation today announced that it has received regulatory approval from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to provide training for ANAC Brazil-licensed pilots at its London Gatwick Training Center (LTC).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB