Enhance Automotive Stamping Part Inspection with SCANTECH's Wireless 3D Scanning Solution

In the automotive industry, hot stamping is commonly used for high-strength structural components, such as B-pillars, door beams, and crash-resistant reinforcements, to enhance safety while reducing weight. In this case, a leading Malaysian OEM automotive parts manufacturer used SCANTECH's wireless optical 3D scanning system TrackScan Sharp-S to inspect hot-stamped parts with high precision and efficiency.

 

The company focuses on stamping and welding assemblies, delivering high-quality, precision-engineered parts to the automotive industry. As an industry leader, the company is committed to implementing cutting-edge technology to enhance manufacturing efficiency and product quality.

 

 

Challenges in Quality Inspection

As a manufacturer of automotive components, the company faces stringent quality control requirements. Stamped parts must meet precise dimensional specifications, and hole features must be accurately measured to ensure proper assembly and function.

 

Previously, they used a traditional 3D laser scanner for inspection, but the system presented several challenges:

1. Extensive Target Placement: The scanning process required a significant number of targets, increasing setup and post-processing time.

2. Slow Scanning Speed:The existing system was not optimized for high-speed operation, limiting productivity.

3. Vibration Sensitivity: The 3D scanner's performance was affected by environmental vibrations, reducing measurement reliability.

4. Part Size Constraints: The company's parts typically range from 1.5m to 2m, with some reaching up to 3m, requiring a flexible and scalable scanning solution.

5. Accuracy Requirement: The new system needed to achieve a high precision while ensuring consistent results across different part sizes.

 

To improve efficiency, the company sought a fast, marker-free, and vibration-resistant 3D scanning solution that could seamlessly integrate into its automotive inspection workflow.

 

SCANTECH's Solution

To address these challenges, SCANTECH proposed wireless 3D scanning solution: TrackScan Sharp-S. The system utilizes wireless optical tracking, allowing for unrestricted movement and eliminating the need for cumbersome cables. The solution offers a highly efficient and automated approach to 3D scanning.

 

Engineered with 25-megapixel industrial cameras and onboard edge computing, TrackScan Sharp-S excels at large-scale, long-distance measurements with a tracking range of up to 8.5 meters and high-precision coverage of 135 m³. Its 99 laser lines and 4.86 million measurements per second ensure fast, precise, and reliable results, setting a new standard in optical 3D measurement.

 

 

 

Key Results

The engineer from SCANTECH 3D scanned the stamped parts. The results were remarkable:

 

1. Complete Scanning in One Minute: Unlike traditional methods requiring multiple repositionings, TrackScan Sharp-S captured an entire side of the part in a single pass thanks to its 135-m3 high-precision measurement range, significantly improving efficiency.

 

 

2. No Marker Requirement: The marker-free scanning process significantly reduced preparation time, allowing immediate scanning upon setup.

3. Wireless Freedom: The solution allowed easy repositioning of the 3D scanner without being restricted by cables, providing a smooth and efficient workflow.

4. Precise Measurement Results: TrackScan Sharp-S delivered highly accurate 3D data for precise inspection and analysis. The measurement system combines metrology-grade hardware with an innovative in-house developed algorithm, achieving a maximum volumetric accuracy of 0.048 mm (10.4 m³).

 

 

Overcoming Key Challenges

Thin-Walled Hole Detection

Stamped parts often include thin-walled holes that are challenging to inspect due to their fragile nature. SCANTECH's advanced hole detection mode quickly and accurately captured these features without requiring additional manual alignment or adjustments.

 

 

Eliminating Slippage Issues of Probing

One of the company's previous challenges was the slippage of probing on thin-walled parts, which led to inconsistent results. SCANTECH's marker-free scanning technology removed this issue, ensuring stable, repeatable, and precise measurements.

 

Vibration Resistance

Since the company operates in an environment where vibrations from machinery can impact scanning accuracy, the ability of SCANTECH's 3D scanners to function reliably in such conditions was a significant advantage. The real-time tracking system compensated for environmental movements, maintaining scanning precision even in dynamic settings. Designed with CFFIM technology, the 3D scanner features a lightweight yet highly durable structure that maintains stable performance. Built to withstand tough conditions, it remains unaffected by vibrations or thermal variations, guaranteeing high-precision measurements in any environment.

 

Conclusion

The adoption of SCANTECH's TrackScan-Sharp S solutions transformed the company's 3D inspection process, enabling faster, more reliable, and more efficient quality control for automotive stamped parts. By eliminating the need for targets, reducing scanning time, and ensuring precise feature capture—even in challenging conditions—SCANTECH provided an optimal solution tailored to customer's needs.

 

With these innovations, the company not only enhanced its inspection efficiency and accuracy but also strengthened its competitive position in the automotive manufacturing sector. The seamless integration of SCANTECH's advanced 3D scanning technology is paving the way for greater productivity and improved quality assurance in modern automotive production.