As aerospace manufacturers race to ramp up production amid labour shortages and rising costs, Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has launched the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800, a next-generation laser tracker for high-mix, large-structure production environments. The system represents an entirely new quality inspection solution in large-scale manufacturing areas such as aerospace and wind energy, delivering direct scanning accuracy comparable to reflector measurement systems, packaged in a portable lightweight design.

With integration into digital and robotic automation workflows, the ATS800 reduces inspection time while enabling real-time measurement and process alignment. A key innovation is FeatureDetect, an automatic feature recognition capability that identifies important part geometries without the need for manual programming. By reducing operator workload, FeatureDetect unlocks productivity gains in both automated and manual inspection processes.

FeatureDetect operates from CAD data or independently, using the ATS800’s built in high-resolution panoramic camera. This wide-aspect live image feed allows the system to recognise features directly from the physical part, accelerating set-up and streamlining inspection.

With set-up times reduced from hours to minutes, Hexagon says the ATS800 supports unattended or in-process inspection – from fuselage alignment to composite lay-ups – without compromising on accuracy or traceability.

“Today’s manufacturers are under immense pressure to increase output while maintaining the highest quality standards, and traditional labour-intensive processes can’t keep pace,” states Rodrigo Alfaia, laser tracker product director at Hexagon. “The ATS800 eliminates hours of set up and ‘boots-on-the-ground’ measurement activity without sacrificing precision.”

He adds: “We’re physically and digitally automating large-scale inspection by bringing data-driven processes to the operational level, whether scanning a full fuselage overnight or guiding critical assembly processes in real time without the need for complex operator training.”

More information www.bit.ly/408wLA8

Vaisala has launched its DMP1 dew point and temperature probe to monitor environmental conditions in critical manufacturing rooms and spaces. With dew point measurement capability down to -70°C and rapid response capabilities that the company says is hundreds of times faster than competing measurement technologies, the new compact DMP1 is highly suited to dry rooms. 

The new Vaisala DMP1 probe provides precise measurements in demanding dry processing applications that include lithium-ion battery production, where humidity control is critical to manufactured battery performance. Employing advanced measurement technology, the DMP1 ensures dew point conditions stay as specified in all areas of a manufacturing dry room, helping to maintain both product quality and manufacturing safety. The DMP1 offers easy integration into centralised production, safety and quality monitoring systems.  

“The fast response of the new probe means that customers’ control systems are able to respond quickly, in a timely manner, ensuring the protection of product quality and safety,” says Juhani Lehto, product manager for precision instruments. “This means that customers can efficiently control any deviations in the dry room dew point. Quick reaction times translate into improved workplace safety in battery manufacturing, maintaining high product quality and avoiding waste in the production process.” 

The DMP1 is a part of the modular Vaisala Indigo measurement ecosystem, offering plug-and-play compatibility with connected smart devices. For example, it can be connected to an Indigo300 transmitter to display data locally and transmit measurement values to automation and control systems. The probe can also be connected to an Indigo80 handheld device for maintenance work, where interchangeable probes mean that downtime is minimised and service work is simplified. 

More information www.vaisala.com