In sectors where dimensional accuracy and productivity are critical, reducing inspection time without compromising quality has become a top priority. This is especially true in the automotive industry, where inspecting parts for premium vehicles requires combining speed, accuracy and repeatability.
One of the technologies that can make a difference in this type of application is the PH20 printheadintegrated into a coordinate measuring machine (CMM).
A real case developed by Teciman Metrology It demonstrates the extent to which a properly designed measurement solution can transform the inspection process: The measurement time decreased from 43 to 22 minutes per cycle, representing a reduction of 49%.
The challenge: to increase productivity without losing accuracy
The starting point was a common need in demanding industrial environments: reducing dimensional inspection times while maintaining the required levels of accuracy and quality.
The client had a three-dimensional measuring machine that did not provide the necessary speed to guarantee process productivity. The problem was not solely with the machine, but with finding a configuration capable of optimizing the entire measurement process.
In this context, the choice of measuring head takes on special importance.
What does a PH20 printhead bring to a CMM?
He PH20 It is a measuring head developed to improve the productivity of coordinate measuring machines through indexed positioning and continuous measurement.
One of its main advantages is that it allows multiple measurements to be taken from different orientations of the head, reducing the necessary machine movements between inspection points.
This is especially interesting when working with parts that require measuring geometric elements from different directions.
Fewer movements, less unproductive time
In a conventional inspection, a significant portion of the cycle time may be associated with displacements and changes in orientation.
The PH20 system allows quickly position the head at different anglesso that the CMM can access different characteristics of the part with a more efficient measurement strategy.
The result can be translated into:
- Reduction of cycle times.
- Increased productivity of the three-dimensional measuring machine.
- More efficient access to different features of the part.
- Optimization of inspection programs.
- Greater utilization of the CMM.
The key, therefore, lies not only in measuring faster, but in design a measurement strategy that reduces non-value-added time for dimensional control.
A 49% with less measurement time
In the project developed by Teciman Metrología, the implemented solution combined a CMM COORD3 Ares, a PH20 printhead and the software Metrolog X4.
The comparison was made by running the same measurement program previously used by the customer on the new machine.
The results were clear: the time required to complete the measurement cycle was reduced from 43 minutes with the previous machine to 22 minutes with the new solution equipped with PH20, which represents a 49% reduction of inspection time per cycle.
The comparison was made by running the same measurement program previously used by the customer on the new machine, which allows for a direct assessment of the impact of the new configuration on the process.
In addition to reducing cycle time, the new solution improved process control and the management of measurement data.
The PH20 printhead as a process optimization element
When analyzing the performance of a CMM, it is common to focus on aspects such as machine accuracy, software, or probe characteristics.
However, The measuring head can also have a significant impact on productivity.
In applications with a high number of features and different measurement orientations, a system like PH20 can help reduce the times associated with positioning and orientation changes.
This makes the printhead an element that must be taken into account from the design of the inspection strategy.
Beyond the acquisition of a machine
To achieve a real improvement in the measurement process, simply installing a new CMM is not enough.
In this project, Teciman Metrología performs an analysis of the client's needs and develops a turnkey solutionincluding:
- Selection and supply of coordinate measuring machine.
- CMM integration, PH20 printhead and measurement software.
- Start-up.
- Machine programming.
- Adjustment and maintenance.
- ENAC accredited calibration.
- Customized training for the quality team.
This last point is especially relevant. A measurement technology can offer great potential, but its performance also depends on users knowing how to take full advantage of its capabilities.
Training and autonomy of the quality team
Another notable result of the project was the rapid adaptation of the client's team.
With the support of Teciman's metrologists, the team has managed to achieve full autonomy in approximately two months.
The training has allowed users to become familiar with the new equipment, measurement techniques and the work environment, facilitating the transition from the previous system.
When might it be beneficial to incorporate PH20?
He PH20 printhead This can be particularly useful in inspection processes where:
- The cycle time of the CMM needs to be reduced.
- The parts have characteristics that require different measurement orientations.
- There is a high volume of repetitive inspections.
- Movements and changes in orientation represent a significant part of the cycle.
- The aim is to increase productivity without sacrificing dimensional control.
- The aim is to make better use of the capabilities of a three-dimensional measuring machine.
However, the suitability of using it depends on the characteristics of each part, the measurement program, and the inspection strategy.
Productivity is also designed
This case demonstrates that reducing inspection times does not depend solely on acquiring a faster machine.
The head selection, measurement strategy, software, programming, and user training They are part of the same solution.
In this project, the combination of a COORD3 Ares CMM, a PH20 printhead, and Metrolog X4 has made it possible to reduce the inspection cycle time of 43 to 22 minutes, achieving a reduction of 49%.
For companies that work with demanding dimensional controls, analyzing these elements together can be a way to increase metrology productivity without compromising process quality.
Do you want to know if you can improve your measurement times?
At Teciman Metrology, we analyze the inspection process, measurement programs, and the needs of each application to design metrology solutions tailored to the production environment. For more information, call us at +34 947 20 91 41 or send an email to teciman@teciman.com. Follow us on LinkedIn to find out all the news.