Collins Aerospace Systems has introduced PrecisionPlank, a next-generation, environmentally-friendly lumber alternative that provides accurate colour-matching to wood veneers for business jets.

In addition, it claims that PrecisionPlank uses patent-pending technology to construct custom-sized boards from existing veneers.

“Today’s methods of matching lumber materials to existing aircraft veneers is time consuming, expensive and, at times, wasteful,” said Collins Aerospace’s vice-president of business development Ian Webb.

“With PrecisionPlank we are able to provide the exact board required to match the chosen veneer.”

Exact board matching is achieved using PrecisionPlank’s proprietary method of spacing the board’s wood grain to replicate the grain of the chosen veneer.

Additionally, it claims that the board is free from the knots, defects and colour variance commonly found in raw lumber, enabling Collins Aerospace to provide business jet cabinet shops with the precise board at the right size to match their veneer.

“Typically, cabinet shops spend an incredible amount of time milling down raw lumber in the hopes of finding an exact board match. The amount of wasted lumber and man hours is enormous,” said Webb.

“We’re thrilled to eliminate that guesswork and give our customers a more environmentally sustainable alternative.”

PrecisionPlank is available to business jet operators in as little as one week – a fraction of the 9 to 12 week lead time typical of composite lumber procurement.