Czech company Lukov Plast, a producer of injection moulded plastic parts, electronic components and electrical sub-assemblies for the automotive industry, reports considerably faster inspection cycles and feature measurements following the purchase of a Nikon Metrology LC15Dx laser scanner.

Miroslav Pavlu, measuring technician at Lukov Plast, explains: “To manufacture assemblies and components that will withstand regular daily use, parts are subjected to various life cycle and climatic tests, as well as quality assurance (QA) procedures and analysis to assess performance. Previously, QA involved using various manual gauges and taking touch-probe measurements on a co-ordinate measuring machine. Larger plastic parts, in particular, were problematic to inspect using tactile techniques as they were difficult to clamp without distortion.”
To control the production of injection mould tools so that manufacturing processes could be steered correctly from the outset, as well as to measure the plastic parts produced, it was decided that inspection needed to be faster, more efficient and more accurate. The ability to check a part against the CAD model and highlight areas of concern using colour mapping was another reason to consider investing in newer technology.
An upgrade from Nikon Metrology proved to be best solution due to its cost effectiveness and the supplier’s experience of retrofitting to third-party systems. Additionally, Nikon’s LC15Dx laser scanning technology with Focus point cloud software was considered best-in-class.
Pavlu says: “The laser scanner has accelerated measurement by about 50%, while and the creation of programs for new parts is about 40% quicker. Costs are also lower due to the use of less dedicated fixtures than are needed for traditional tactile inspection.”
For further information www.nikonmetrology.com