Scientific Measurement Systems not only sold computerized industrial X-ray tomographic scanners but also provide a service. Companies would bring in items for scanning. Most companies would ask for a test scan to see how accurate our systems were. One company brought in two types of jet engine turbine blades that are used in commercial jet airlines. The company wanted a new automatic way to measure blades for quality control that was faster than the method they were using. We designed a computer program to measure selected locations from tomographic cross sections. Some of the areas measured where deep inside a metallic blade where small channels allowed air flow to cool the blade. We did this measurement non-destructively with x-rays. After the tests were completed the company physically cut open the blade and used calipers to measure the same locations. The company found the measurements we provided were very accurate. Because of this SMS got a contract to scan batches of blades, that if passed would be used in commercial airlines. With the automatic process in place the scans and measurements went very smooth and the results were sent back with the blades. Shortly after the batch processing of the blades the company canceled the future contracts with us. We were puzzled and ask why. The company said that our measurements were so accurate that a significant number of the blades did not pass the requirement because of flaws, and could not be used. The company decided not to use SMS even though we measured more areas and locations that were impossible with the previous older method, and faster. The company decided to use the older method; they said the older method was slower but would not find as many flaws and pass the requirement for use in commercial airlines. When we asked what if a plane crashed becasue of a flaw in one of the blades, they said if the blades meet the requirements legally they were not responsible and that it was a financial decision. The power of the mighty dollar. Every time I heard of a plane crash on the news, it would make me think was the cause a flawed turbine blade?
