Measuring in line with the HandyPROBE CMM

Creaform got asked to take up quite a challenge: using a HandyPROBE to execute measurements directly on the production line. Here’s how Creaform managed to succeed:

1. Measurement of a moving part (3 m/minute): Reflectors previously affixed to each of the fixtures (jigs) of the production line have been measured. Reference points on the fixture had been previously probed, making it possible to express the reflectors’ coordinates directly in the form of part referential.  The measurement is final, unless fixture deterioration or replacement takes place. In that case, the repaired/new fixture will need to be measured;
2. Automated identification: Bar code detection with a bar code scanner makes it possible to know instantly the reference for the part to be controlled and to transfer the information to the application;
3. CAD file uploading: The CAD file matching the reference for the part to be measured (provided by the bar code) is automatically uploaded into the application;
4. Automatic alignment: A coded target affixed to each fixture is used to identify the fixture and retrieve and upload the matching positioning file (created during step 1). The part is automatically aligned as soon as the fixture enters the C-Track’s field of view (thanks to step 1). To increase the zone during which the measure can be taken, it is possible to align several C-Tracks connected in C-Link mode, which will align themselves one after the other on the part, as it moves forward).
5. Operator guidance: Now that the part is aligned and the CAD file has been uploaded, the measurement process can start. A measuring program is launched, that visualizes on a 3D view the precise location of the points to probe. The view is refreshed as the point is probed to show the next point.
6. Result display: Less than 1 minute after arrival of the part and once the parts have been probed, the results are displayed and the values are saved onto the network in a control file that can be accessed directly from the follow up software for client production.