Aerospace

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A company can be busy, growing, hiring, quoting, producing, shipping, reporting, and still be fundamentally complacent.

Trevor Campbell, Sales Development Manager of Microscopy at Zeiss Industrial Quality Solutions, discusses artificial intelligence, microscopy, and a new manufacturing report deployed by Zeiss from the MAX Show in Nashville.

In aerospace manufacturing, precision is not optional.

Since my early days in manufacturing, I’ve been participating in what is termed “digital twins.” It’s been largely covered and frankly overused in anything from construction planning to flight simulators.

Aerospace manufacturers face constant pressure to increase precision, reduce lead times, yet stay adaptable as designs and production volumes change.

The next few years mark a major convergence in quality and compliance standards. ISO 9001, the foundational global quality management system (QMS) standard, is being revised for 2026. In aerospace and defense, AS9100 is evolving into IA9100, aligning with ISO’s revisions, and incorporating tighter supply-chain and digital assurance practices.

As industries transition to higher-performance technologies, the materials used in electric vehicles, semiconductors, and aerospace systems are operating under increasingly demanding conditions.

The aerospace and manufacturing sectors are bracing for change as the IAQG (International Aerospace Quality Group) Standard Development Organization works to revise AS9101 and AS9104/1 with IA9104/1 (Requirements for Aerospace Quality Management Systems Certification Bodies) and IA9101 (Requirements for Aerospace Auditor Competence).

Quality engineers on aircraft and defense programs must verify that every part meets design requirements and keep records that can be audited for years. 

In the manufacturing landscape, the disconnect between design, production, and quality is a growing challenge. As OEMs embrace Model Based Definition (MBD) and Product Manufacturing Information (PMI), suppliers must adapt quickly. Discover how innovative solutions are bridging these gaps, streamlining the journey from 3D design to inspection, and driving a more efficient future in manufacturing.