INSPECTION , MEASUREMENT AND MONITORING
HxGN Robotic Automation software . HxGN Robotic Automation software .
“ The HxGN Robotic Automation software significantly reduces the time required for the offline programming of robotic measurement and the debugging of measurement programs ,” explained Martin Jehlička , manager of the measuring centre in Mladá Boleslav , responsible for measuring technologies in car production .
“ The comparative measurement results confirmed the effectiveness of the new solution and are a good prerequisite for the implementation of this software for other robotic measuring machine tasks . Hexagon ’ s fully robotic measuring cells are the first embodiment of our cooperation in optical measurement , but it is already clear that this is just the beginning . We would like to continue other projects as quickly as possible and use the HxGN Robotic Automation Software for in-line and at-line measurement .”
Tailor-made and smart
The measuring cell itself is based on robotic absolute measurement powered by the largevolume measurement capabilities of Hexagon ’ s advanced laser tracker and 3D laser scanner technology .
“ These systems are the real key to productive and highly accurate robotic measurement ,” added Jaroslav Veselý , who leads Hexagon ’ s manufacturing intelligence division in the Czech Republic . “ The Leica Absolute Tracker AT960 is capable of six degrees of freedom ( 6DoF ) measurement as standard , allowing the use of a 3D laser scanner or probe from up to 60 metres away .
“ Ensuring fully automated control of the dimensions , shapes and positions of measured elements is then just a matter of programming using a unique combination of integrated Hexagon accessories within the cell – from interconnected metrology and programming software , selected rotary tables and flexible fixtures to the new cell control system architecture . The system , as configured , ensures rapid data exchange between all peripherals and therefore enables the automatic creation of measurement programs based on CAD data of parts and jigs , as well as measurement simulation , the precise positioning of clamping jigs according to reference points and , last but not least , the
This variability means that the system will always be able to measure difficult-to-access areas , such as openings
rapid evaluation of large volumes of scanned data into graphically presented measurement results ,” he added .
The robotic measuring cell concept now in place in Mladá Boleslav is the result of close cooperation between ŠKODA AUTO and Hexagon , and the solution installed within a few months is a prototype tailored specifically to the needs of the measurement centre in this location . It was designed to deliver the versatility needed , with an installed tool changer unit for direct automated switching between high-speed scanning and accurate tactile measurement .
“ This variability means that the system will always be able to measure difficult-to-access areas , such as openings , in a way that would simply not be possible for a less bespoke solution ,” added Hexagon .
The flexible magnetic FIVE U-nique fixturing system .
FIVE U-nique fixturing system
The smart cells also contain two workstations with rotary tables that use the flexible magnetic FIVE U-nique fixturing system , which allows accurate fixtures to be rapidly built for an unlimited number of part configurations to provide support and reference to the workpiece .
“ The FIVE U-nique system provides considerable flexibility to automated measurement processes due to its reduced installation time , allowing for fast changes between configurations . The reference position of each part-holding fixture is automatically determined from the CAD data of the part . The robot enters this position with a special tool from the tool changer and determines the final position and height of the fixture for the location . Thanks to this , rapid readjustment of the jigs for all measured parts is possible , which significantly reduces the costs of acquiring and storing individual fixed configuration jigs for every part ,” said Hexagon .
The accuracy of the jig placement is defined by the accuracy of the measuring system , in this case a high-accuracy laser tracker and scanner . This system measures the position of the robot as it positions the part-holding fixtures , and subsequent iteration ensures zero deviation from the reference position .
The established FIVE U-nique system has previously been used to position parts exclusively in coordinate measuring machines but this new concept , developed especially for ŠKODA AUTO , demonstrates how this solution can still play a role in the world of smart manufacturing , said Hexagon .
Service and support
Installing a tailor-made automated control measurement solution using laser trackers is already a challenging proposition . This installation was made more complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic . However , the project was successfully implemented within an acceptable timeframe .
VIDEO
ISMR October 2021 | sheetmetalplus . com | 55