Laser Measuring Technology in Automotive Production

QuellTech laser metrology in practice

1. Inspection of Seal Surfaces

For the manufacture of components in the vicinity of the motor, e.g. suction distributors, exhaust manifolds and fuel injection systems, corresponding seal surfaces must be extremely flat and free of surface defects. Suppliers are bound to prove tightness of these components.

This can be achieved without any problem thanks to non-contact measurement by QuellTech laser scanners.

Reifenprofile Ermittlung der Koordinaten von Profilgrund und Peak an Reifen beim Reifenhersteller

2. Non-Contact Laser Measurement During Tire Production

During production of vehicle tires, several layers of intermediate products are placed on each other. Precise position of each rubber layer with respect to each other is essential, as the vulcanization process takes place afterwards. Poor positioning entails rejects.

High-resolution QuellTech laser sensors Q5-240 are used to precisely determine the mutual positioning of adjacent layers on the basis of distinct profile features (upper – lower point of corresponding layers), so that bad orientation can be discovered already before starting vulcanization.

3. Inspection of Molded Plastic Parts for Electronic Control Elements

Control elements in the automotive sector are connected mutually or to other electronic components by means of contact pins. Correct dimensional configuration of these pins with respect to the reference surface is essential (swash circumference tolerance). If this tolerance is exceeded, the electric plug-in connection is not stable.

QuellTech laser scanner measuring technology enables the orientation of these pins with respect to the reference surface to be checked inline, so that only components disposing of correct electric plug -in connectors are supplied.

4. Laser guided glue bead supervision

Car manufacturers need precise, real-time monitoring of adhesive application on body parts. Previous 3D laser systems with complex beam guidance were used, which resulted in space problems and adjustment complexity. The customer was looking for a process-reliable, less complex solution. QuelleTech developed a special Q4-80S sensor with a small form factor (85×44.5×25 mm) and a blue laser (405 nm) that could handle the demanding optical properties of the shiny adhesive bead. Four of these sensors were placed around the adhesive bead to provide 360-degree monitoring. The result: easy installation, maintenance and twice the profile rate compared to the previous solution.