Using the MetraSCAN 3D has been a game-changer for Amazone's quality control.
Agricultural machinery developer Amazone, which prides itself on the quality of its products, has been an avid user of 3D measurement equipment. The German company also likes to keep up with the latest technological developments.
“Amazone has a reputation for designing high-quality solutions,” said Stefan Albrecht, Metrologist at Amazone. “For example, here at the Leipzig site, we are responsible for passive tillage. We take into account modern and cost-effective arable farming methods when we design our machinery, thereby truly contributing to the operational success and growth of our customers.”
Albrecht continues, “We have been using 3D measurements for over ten years. We check parts produced in-house and by third-party suppliers. Production inspections in the welding shop are part of our daily routine. A major focus for us is the inspection of welded assemblies and their fixtures.”
However, Amazone was experiencing issues relating to slow measurement speeds, increasing repair costs, and inaccurate measurements. So, the company started to search for a new 3D measurement solution.
About Amazone
Amazone, a family-run company specialising in the development of agricultural machinery, was first founded in 1883 and has obtained over 140 years of experience within the industry. The company is based in Germany, however, it has customers located all around the world.
3D measurement inaccuracies plagued Amazone
For many years, Amazone relied upon 3D measuring arms to complete quality control tasks during production applications. However, as the German manufacturer’s designs continued to evolve, engineers were starting to see inaccuracies in its 3D measurements. These issues were particularly prevalent in large assemblies and large parts, especially when they exceeded the small radius of the measurement arm.
“The accuracy decreased with the necessary leapfrogging when using the measuring arm,” explained Albrecht. “Slow measurement speeds limited our capabilities—and even ramped up the workload for the team.”
Amazone benefits from a simplified 3D measurement process with Creaform solutions.
Due to the limitations of the measuring arms the company was using, many issues were starting to arise, including:
- Components needed to be placed on measuring plates as the measuring arm needed a flat, magnetic surface to attach to. This made obtaining measurements on most assemblies impossible.
- Measurement processes were taking too long, negatively impacting productivity levels.
- Greater inaccuracies were starting to creep in which were putting quality assurance levels at risk.
- Due to the use of a legacy system, Amazone was also seeing an increase in repair costs.
To maintain the company’s image of ensuring the highest levels of quality in all of its products, Amazone started to look for a more reliable, simplistic, and accurate 3D measurement solution.
“When we were looking for a more suitable 3D measurement system, one of our biggest fears was that we would invest in a solution that would be overtaken by other technologies in the near future. We were concerned about the ensuing support as well,” concluded Albrecht.
Key features of the MetraSCAN 3D:
- Measurement rate of 1,800,000 measurements/second.
- Large scanning area with 30 blue laser lines.
- Easy to use with a quick setup time of under five minutes.
- 360° Magnetic Targets.
- Provides accuracy levels of 0.025 mm and volumetric accuracy of 0.064 mm.
Creaform’s MetraSCAN 3D becomes the perfect solution
During Amazone's search, the company decided to opt for Creaform’s MetraSCAN 3D. “The MetraSCAN 3D fulfilled all of our criteria,” explained Albrecht. “We really appreciate its flexibility and robustness—not to mention how fast it allows us to record and analyse 3D measurements. It has no problems with different types of surfaces, whether painted, cut, blasted or fired. It also handles very well.”
The MetraSCAN 3D is ideal for applications where large parts need to be measured. “The various parts are fed in from production and then scanned with the MetraSCAN 3D. These parts are then compared with the model using the 3D measurement software,” said Albrecht. “The parts that Amazone experts scan include rear swing arms and welded assemblies (middle frames, side frames, drawbars, rollers, and roller frames).”
Albrecht continued, “Compared to our old system, we have become significantly faster. The entire measuring process and data collection has become much easier. We are now more prepared to respond to new production challenges as well as improve our incoming inspections and production control.”
Amazone is clearly very happy with its solution, with Albrecht concluding “For us, the future lies in the use of the MetraSCAN 3D from Creaform.”