Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has a new technology to reduce quality inspection delays in large-scale manufacturing operations. Combining laser tracking with laser radar functionality, it enables manufacturers to measure detailed features and meet tight assembly tolerances from tens of metres away. Built on established measurement and positioning technology, the new Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800 offers significant productivity improvements in large-scale part manufacturing and assembly operations by safely and rapidly measuring critical features.

The new system enables manufacturers to measure fine edges and features across large volumes productivity from a convenient stand-off distance. Whether inspecting large aerospace or automotive structures, ship sections, or wind turbine components, there is no need for operators or robots to be in close proximity to the part. This capability avoids unreliable measurements and safety issues,while also providing significant time savings. 

By combining direct scanning and reflector tracking capabilities, the system replaces two pieces of hardware with a single device. Using Hexagon’s patented PowerLock technology, the ATS800 automatically and immediately ‘locks on’ to a fixed reflector and tracks its movements in real time, providing an absolute position reference. The ability to measure target reflectors also greatly simplifies robotic automation processes, providing precise position referencing within a wider co-ordinate system when the tracker is mounted on a linear rail or an autonomous mobile robot (AMR). 

It is possible to measure an aircraft fuselage, for example, quickly and without bringing target reflectors to the part, reducing total inspection time from hours to minutes. Using multiple devices or an AMR, several fuselage sections or panels can undergo batch inspection overnight, further reducing inspection time and avoiding disruption during shifts. 

More information www.hexagon.com

Nikon Metrology has welcomed the recent update to Volume 5.1 of the automotive measurement standards issued by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). The newly updated VDA standards cover a more comprehensive array of measurement applications within the automotive sector, addressing the industry’s growing demand for more diverse and sophisticated metrology solutions.

“We already offer innovative, traceable measurement solutions based on national and international standards for the automotive industry,” explains Andreas Fuchs, application engineer at Nikon Metrology. “The new standard defines very clearly the procedures for evaluating the precise technology that we provide. After all, with the APDIS laser radar, our portfolio has featured a product for some time now that can also deliver traceable inline measurements as described in VDA Volume 5.1. Incidentally, those who use this technology no longer need a dedicated measuring room for a fixed CMM, enabling them to save a great deal of money, time and space.”

The APDIS laser radar measures details at a distance without needing handheld probes, targets or surface preparation, making it suitable for automating repetitive inspection tasks with high accuracy. The system covers many manufacturing, industrial and research applications, including those that involve hard-to-reach features and are complex, delicate or labour-intensive.

Additional benefits include fast and accurate automated measurements with minimal set-up time for high productivity with flexible and portable installation. This capability allows for the absolute and accurate measurement of parts during production or wherever required, including directly on the production line. In particular, Nikon Metrology says the APDIS laser radar displays its strengths in the automotive industry. For example, the system can measure automotive features with absolute accuracy at high speed with no part preparation, whether inline or offline.

More information www.bit.ly/3Tt6d9a