3D scanning and tactile measurement: Our portable measuring arm makes it possible
The portable measuring arm with its seven axes is a versatile device that achieves fast and precise measurement results on all surfaces. It provides data in real time and is ideal for measuring tasks directly in production. ‘This was a key factor in our choice,’ explains Muhammed Dilbaz, CAD designer and expert for the measuring arm at Deloro. While conventional measuring equipment such as calipers are still used in the direct production environment, they are often not sufficient for the complex geometry of a component. That's where the portable measuring arm comes in. ‘The measuring arm makes the production process much easier. Today, we use the measuring arm to carry out quality checks during production where we previously reached our limits. This allows us to react immediately to dimensional deviations. This increases the productivity considerably as, in the best case scenario, we can save components that would otherwise have to be remanufactured.’ In addition, quality checks in parallel with production save a lot of time and make the entire production process much more efficient.
Thanks to the mobile measuring arm, quality checks can be carried out during production and possible deviations can be recognised at an early stage and rectified in good time.
The measuring arm creates precise 3D scans of components, which are then compared with CAD models to check the component for accuracy.
Flexible usability and precise 3D scanning
The measuring arm is particularly impressive due to its flexibility. The measuring arm can be used in various departments such as the foundry, welding department and mechanics as well as in many other areas. It can be moved quickly and easily to the required location in just a few simple steps.
Another key benefit is the measuring arm's ability to create precise 3D scans of components. These scans can be compared with CAD models to check the component for accuracy. This is particularly helpful for large components that are difficult to measure physically. ‘Before the implementation of the measuring arm, such checks were much more time-consuming and less precise, as they were usually carried out manually using templates. A complete inspection was often not possible until the end of the production process in quality assurance,’ explains Dilbaz.
3D scanning in the field of reverse engineering
The measuring arm is also used in the field of reverse engineering. This enables us to create missing technical sketches of older machine components by using the measuring arm to scan a 3D model of the component and create a draft based on this. Thanks to this wide range of applications, the measuring arm has already met with great approval from the Delorians, who regularly take part in training sessions on how to use the portable device. ‘Our colleagues are impressed with the speed and precision with which we are now able to measure components. The measuring arm brings us enormous added value, which is recognised and used across all departments,’ says Dilbaz. ’I am therefore convinced that many more applications will open up at Deloro over time.’
