Beyond The CMM – The Future of Optical Measurement in Manufacturing
Automatic scanning measurement technologies are steadily transforming the field of metrology, particularly in applications where traditional coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) such as horizontal arm, gantry, or large bridge-type tactile sensors were previously indispensable. Automotive manufacturers, in particular, have relied on these conventional systems for evaluating large vehicle body parts and plastics. However, the industry is now shifting toward faster and more efficient optical scanning solutions.
Jesus Marañon Ruiz, director of Conmed Labmet and Mecafix in Querétaro, Mexico, is spearheading the evolution of long-axis scanning coordinate measuring machines to address production challenges faced by metal stamping companies. These companies require reduced inspection times and faster decision-making capabilities to efficiently adjust stamping machines and assembly processes, thereby minimizing unnecessary scrap and improving overall efficiency.
Shift from Checking Fixtures to Automated Scanning
Traditionally, checking fixtures have been widely used to evaluate part quality, but they involve significant investment costs and occupy extensive space in manufacturing plants. Additionally, their effectiveness depends on operator expertise, manual documentation, and lengthy evaluation processes, which contrasts with the modern need for digital data collection aligned with Industry 4.0.
While combining checking fixtures with measuring equipment can reduce metrology costs, reliance on manual measuring equipment necessitates highly skilled metrologists for reliable results. In highly repetitive inspection processes, the human factor becomes crucial to maintaining measurement productivity over long periods.
Large CMMs enable repetitive probing measurements on large parts but have inherent limitations, including slow probing speeds, restricted accessibility requiring long probe extensions, and complex measurement strategies that increase inspection time and the risk of collisions when measuring significantly offset elements.
Advantages of Multi-Line Laser Scanning
A breakthrough alternative is the use of multi-line blue laser scanning systems integrated with Vention automation technology and software solutions from 3D-Infotech (Streamline and Part-ID) and Polyworks. These systems achieve measurement speeds that are 40% to 70% faster than traditional CMMs, providing significantly more reliable and efficient data acquisition with minimal operational specialization once implemented.
One of the key advantages of these systems is their safety. Utilizing collaborative robot arms validated for human interaction, along with laser scanning equipment that maintains a safe distance of 30 to 40 cm from the part, these setups minimize collision risks. Additionally, zone sensors ensure restricted access to the measurement area, enhancing operator safety.
Scantech’s Tri-laser scanning technology, featured in its new TrackScan Sharp-S model, further enhances performance by capturing up to 4.8 million measurement points per second. This improves the accuracy and speed of measurements, particularly for defining geometric features such as holes, slots, and edges in metal-stamped parts.
Real-World Implementations and Industry Impact
In 2022, Conmed Labmet partnered with the CIE group in Celaya, Mexico, to implement a gantry-type system featuring a 4-meter linear Vention axis, a Universal Robot UR10e robotic arm, and a track-type blue laser scanner integrated with Streamline and Part-ID software from 3D-Infotech.
By 2025, an enhanced version of this project was completed at the CIE group’s new plant in Saltillo in collaboration with Mecafix. This iteration incorporated two long linear Vention guides to enable independent movement of the collaborative robot arm supporting the scanner. The secondary axis allowed Track cameras to reposition for optimal target recognition, while the primary axis supported the UR10e robot arm, ensuring the best possible measurement mesh for each part.
The system’s Part-ID software uses a high-resolution camera to identify and verify part positioning before initiating measurement, eliminating the risk of human error in program selection and part placement. Once validated, the Streamline software synchronizes the robot’s motion program, linear guides, and scanner functions. Upon completion of data collection, the point cloud is converted into a mesh file, analyzed using Polyworks software, and compared against the CAD model. The software then extracts all GD&T dimensions, automatically generating reports in PDF and CSV formats for real-time decision-making.
Driving Efficiency and Future Adoption
The significant reduction in measurement time translates into increased metrology productivity, directly influencing quality control and process validation. By integrating automated scanning solutions, manufacturers can ensure timely adjustments, maintain process stability, and enhance final product quality.
Engineer Jesus Marañon Ruiz emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in optical measurement: “We continue to promote innovative solutions that help companies optimize their metrology processes with automation. Our scanning measurement equipment offers competitive costs while outperforming conventional technologies such as CMMs, articulated arms, and laser trackers, which have reached their evolutionary limits.”
As metrology continues to evolve, automated scanning solutions are set to redefine quality assurance processes, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and adaptability across industries.
For more information: www.conmed.mx
