Leading automotive OEM deploys Hexagon Metrology 360° SIMS
Hexagon Metrology has announced that one of Europe’s leading automotive OEMs has selected and implemented the innovative 360° SIMS system for fully automated in-process inspection of car body units.
360° SIMS (Smart Inline Measurement Solutions) uses non-contact area sensors with robotic integration to deliver accurate dimensional data directly within the production line. The implementation follows a comprehensive technical evaluation and benchmarking exercise, which led the OEM to add this rapid area measurement solution to its quality inspection equipment.
The end-of-line body in white cell configuration is directly integrated with the production line PLC and IT systems to automate inspections on the OEM’s new model, and the installation has measured tens of thousands of vehicles since launch. 360° SIMS initially supported the critical production launch and ramp up stages and is now engaged in quality monitoring during the ongoing production of the model and its variants.
“The customer selected 360° SIMS because of its ability to measure critical points and features as well as full surface areas and edge lines within the cycle time. It provides a live information stream to their quality analysts, supporting production efficiency,” said Mr Giacomo Barilà, head of Hexagon Metrology’s automated solutions. “The system is operational 24 hours a day, gathering measurement data and packaging it as actionable information such as full surface deviation colour maps. We’re happy to have been part of this very successful vehicle launch, and we look forward to developing our collaborative relationship further.”
360° SIMS joins a large number of Hexagon Metrology solutions, including sheet metal horizontal CMMs, laser trackers and metrology software tools in use at this OEM’s factories and supplier network around Europe and beyond.