Perceptron Offers Latest Enterprise 3D Scanning Metrology Systems

Metrology is the science of measurement, and it includes all theoretical and practical aspects of measurement. Enterprise metrology sensors and software collect, analyze and present measurement data to automatically alert operators of anomalies which might occur during the manufacturing process.

Perceptron says their Autoscan is a series of next generation, industrial metrology products that offer automated 3D scanning and dimensional measurement to the shop-floor. The system uses collaborative robot technology and utilizes Perceptron’s Helix Smart Scanning Sensor Technology to deliver fully-automated dimensional inspection.

Now with its Autoscan Collaborate-Gaget and Autoscan Collaborative-CMM metrology solutions, Perceptron uses its Helix smart sensor – and shop-hardened Vector analysis software – with Collaborative Robot technology.

The Collaborative Robot is designed to allow direct interaction with a production operator within a shared collaborative workspace. The robot and operator can perform tasks simultaneously during manufacturing operations, and this setup negates the requirement for the traditional robot safety fences.

The autoscan self-teach programming capability allows the robot to be programmed fast without the need for off-line software tools; each robot position being self-taught by manually dragging the robot to the next required component scan position. All robot moves are automatically written to the part inspection program, allowing subsequent parts to be inspected automatically. Autoscan captures a 3D digital representation of the part and reports complex form and surface deviations relative to the part’s CAD model, together with discrete information for critical features such as holes, slots and studs.

Perception’s patented Helix smart scanning sensor is already used extensively throughout the global automotive industry for in-process laser scanning of car bodies for dimensional stability and gap and flush measurement.

Helix incorporates MEMS technology and offers the world’s first programmable laser scanner.  Their laser line quantity, density, orientation and scanning volume is complemented by full user-programmability, eliminating the need to physically move the laser scanner over the part during most inspection tasks. Component part scanning motion is contained within the Helix smart scanning sensor, dramatically improving cycle times and accuracy of scanned data.

The Helix smart sensor features of programmable scanning volume, laser line number, orientation and density allows bespoke configuration for each specific region of interest on highly detailed, complex parts, and permits configurable part scanning optimization.

Proven shop-hardened VECTOR analysis and reporting software is included standard with Autoscan. Vector monitors production quality at most leading automotive plants and can also be configured to provide process anomaly detection.

Perceptron Autoscan Collaborative Metrology boasts an absolute dimensional measuring system, a comparative gaging option, automatic data acquisition, ‘Teach and Repeat’ manual part programming, programmable scan regions with individual scan line density and orientation and a wide dynamic scanning range along with low susceptibility to ambient light and temperature conditions. Perceptron provides automated industrial metrology products and solutions to manufacturing organizations for dimensional inspection and 3D scanning including 3D machine vision solutions, robot guidance, coordinate measuring machines, laser scanning, and advanced analysis software.

The company’s products are used in automotive, aerospace and other manufacturing companies to manage their complex manufacturing processes. Perceptron says more than 900 systems, 12,000 Perceptron measuring sensors and over 3,000 COORD3 coordinate measuring machines are in active daily use worldwide.

The company is headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan, and has subsidiary operations in Brazil, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain and the UK.