Robotic Roughness Inspection Boosts Efficiency in Automotive Aluminum Sheet Production
Mahr Engineered Solutions (MES) has unveiled a cutting-edge automated measuring station designed specifically for a leading manufacturer of flat-rolled aluminum products destined for the automotive industry. This bespoke solution ensures the surface quality of aluminum sheets meets the rigorous performance, design, and sustainability standards required for modern car body panels.
At the heart of the new MES measuring station are two key innovations: a cluster of high-precision MarSurf M 310 roughness measuring devices, and a fully integrated collaborative robot handling system known as the MahrFeeder.
The station incorporates four MarSurf M 310 units, typically used as mobile roughness testers, but here reimagined in a unique fixed installation. Each device is equipped with a double-skidded probe system that complies with DIN EN 10049:2014-03, the roughness standard for sheet metal, enabling accurate measurements down to Ra 0.25 µm. This level of precision is essential for achieving the flawless surface finishes demanded by automotive OEMs.
Complementing the measuring hardware is the MahrFeeder—a smart automation module that includes workpiece storage and a collaborative robotic arm. The MahrFeeder autonomously retrieves sheet metal samples from the magazine, reads the applied QR codes for traceability, and precisely positions each sample within the measuring system. Both sides of each sample are measured, with the system automatically approving or rejecting parts based on the results.
The benefits for the customer are significant. Although only a small sample of each aluminum coil is tested, the MES solution enables reliable, comprehensive quality control across the entire production batch. Labor demands are minimal—human intervention is limited to reloading the sample magazine—while the station itself is designed for extended service life and continuous operation, including three-shift schedules.
By automating the roughness inspection process, the manufacturer not only ensures consistent quality but also achieves a notable increase in throughput and a reduction in operational costs.
Mahr Engineered Solutions’ customized measuring station demonstrates how automation and precision metrology can work in tandem to meet the evolving challenges of modern manufacturing, particularly in industries where surface quality is directly linked to performance and aesthetics.
For more information: www.metrology.mahr.com
