Automated 3D Inspection Cell

November 10, 2020
robotic arm

Using technology to improve processes

There have been many advancements in 3D laser scanning, and many businesses are interested in adopting this high-speed tech. A small company in Sweden with 70 employees decided to give 3D laser scanning a chance to automate some of their time-consuming and tedious processes. This company focuses on sheet metal fabrications for many other small businesses on the coast.

Instead of a typical tool, this company decided to adopt a 3D arm that can help speed up their process and make adequate sheets every time. This allows the company to perform at top speed while also ensuring their customers’ happiness at the same time. Using 3D laser scanning in manufacturing has never been easier.

Before any sheet of metal goes to the refurbishing and rectification process, they are inspected by the robotic arm that ensures quality. If there is something wrong, the entire team or whoever is working with the metal can clearly see the steps to take to fix the problems. 3D laser scanning allows things to be seen more in-depth and inspected closer than ever before.

How does the robotic arm work

This cell uses an ABB industrial robot arm made from Creaform, a high-end 3D company. The best feature about Creaforms creations is that all of the tools a company uses can be programmed the same for the same quality in products every time. A company can program this robotic arm once and never have to reprogram it.

In this robotic arm, there are small lasers that project over sheets of metal. Each strand of light projecting from the tool is being measured by the distance it travels. This tool is so accurate that it picks up precise information that allows any abnormalities in the sheets to be seen even on difficult to measure textures and colors. These lasers allow a highly accurate measurement to be taken of any object a company needs.

The goal of adopting this robotic arm

Every company wants to use tools that allow them to get higher-quality products, and that was just one of the goals this Swedish company had. They wanted to control the line, so they knew that the quality would be top-notch and provide quicker outcomes for their clients. On top of that, it also showed how many errors and mistakes were being made before they adopted 3D laser scanning. The entire team wanted to go back to every sheet ever scanned and record and track what mistakes were fixed; the cloud server connected to the tool provided just the right opportunity.

Final thoughts

3D laser scanning has shaped the manufacturing field, and many companies worldwide are adopting this unique tool. Many advancements can be made by using this technology, and everything is produced with its help will be stronger, more durable, and have fewer flaws. There is no doubt that this technology will speed up many processes, and consumers will start noticing the real world’s difference. Robotic arms are the next step to a fully automated process.