CORE-DG - Optical Multi–Gauge System

At the Control 2010 in Stuttgart WENZEL ScanTec presents a new technological innovation: Non-contact, fast, accurate and flexible – these are the strengths of the newly developed optical multipoint-measuring-system CORE-DG. WENZEL ScanTec, a subsidiary of WENZEL Group, has a profound experience in the field of optical metrology, which has benefited the development of this new revolutionary product.

The optical multipoint-measuring-system offers a valuable technical and commer-cial alternative to traditional tactile multi-point-measuring-systems, which are used in throughout the automotive, aerospace and medical industries for, production based, quality assurance of manufactured parts. The current practise of using tactile point measurement requires a mechanical supporting structure to be designed and manufactured for each part and part variant; the measurement data acquisition is completed simultaneously using the multiple tactile probes. The quality of the part can be verified within seconds and in the event of displayed errors corrective feedback action can be provided to the production process. One advantage of these traditional systems is their high throughput allowing for 100% inspection of manufactured parts in many applications.

A significant disadvantage, however, is their lack of flexibility and dedication of the device to a single part design. In the event of a part design change an expensive fixture redesign must take place and the device can become redundant upon a complete part redesign.

An increasing trend is the introduction of new designs in shorter times, which con-sequently has an increasing impact on time and cost. This is where the new solu-tion of WENZEL ScanTec provides a valuable alternative. Using an optical sensor measuring points on the part are defined and recorded. Several defined points are recorded with an optical sensor. A highly dynamic 5-axis system provides optimum accessibility to the part. The speed of measurement is fast and similar to that ob-tained from traditional tactile systems. Unlike many other optical technologies shiny surfaces do not need to be coated in advance of measurement which would be a huge draw-back of the offered solution.

The real strength of the optical multipoint-measuring-system takes effect when switching over to a new component design. In contrast to tactile multipoint-measuring-systems no special sensor holding fixture must be defined and manu-factured. Reconfiguration is easily realized by simple reprogramming using the associated software modules. Converting times are reduced to a minimum as are associated costs and training efforts. The total system can be implemented for operation on the production floor using a single-button operation. The robustness of the solution allows its use even in the most hostile production environment.

The system is manufactured by the WENZEL Group providing a seamless solution integrating precision mechanics, software and motion controller.