- Article
- Related
Silver Atena GmbH is a leader in the development of power electronics and safety-critical components. The company has been developing high-quality, reliable, safe and innovative electronic assemblies for various industries for over 25 years, including all kinds of special mechanical components and housing designs.
Silver Atena’s main activity:
- Automotive engineering: Development of power electronics for electromobility, zero-emission drive systems and electrification of vehicle functions.
- Aerospace: Supply of safety-critical electronic components for aircraft engines and systems for urban air mobility.
- Hydrogen and battery technology: Development and supply of components for fuel cells and hydrogen propulsion systems.
- Industrial applications: Silver Atena’s industrial applications, such as solutions for shipping and wind energy, are known for exceptional reliability and efficiency.
This has made Silver Atena a reliable partner and market leader in electronics development in various locations.
Task: Overcoming the limitations of conventional measurement methods
Silver Atena’s safety-critical products require novel approaches with regard to innovation and conformity.
Conventional 3D measurement procedures entailed manual inspection and other methods that no longer met the company’s requirements. Inaccurate values resulted in additional testing requirements, caused delays in production and generated extra costs.
With complex geometries, in particular, manual measurements proved to be inefficient and time-consuming, delaying quality control and hindering production. Conventional methods also lacked sharpness of detail when it comes to free-form surfaces and hard-to-reach areas, with subjective interpretations leading to inconsistencies.
Fully documenting and tracing measurement data was labor-intensive and made it more difficult to perform quality and conformity control.
In a worst-case scenario, this could result in costly rework or even production delays, and ultimately dissatisfied customers.
The Silver Atena team decided to change to a more powerful 3D metrology solution with the following advantages:
- High degree of accuracy: Accuracy in the micron scale to maintain tight tolerances.
- Versatility: A flexible system that can measure various parts and materials of different shapes and sizes for a diversity of applications.
- Speed: Fast, accurate measurement data for faster inspection and production.
- Easy-to-use functionality: Integration of the system and software into existing workflows, rapid implementation and effortless quality assurance – everything intuitive and simple.
- Data management: Data analysis and processing by the software for complete documentation of all test results for audits and certifications.
- Training and support: Quick onboarding through training and reliable technical support for the least possible disruption to synchronized production processes.
Solution: Creaform’s high-precision 3D measurement solutions
After thoroughly reviewing the available technologies, Silver Atena chose Creaform’s HandySCAN 3D|BLACK Series with the Inspection Software. This solution met all the criteria that Silver Atena had.
“Implementation was simple. The 3D scanner and the software were easy to integrate into existing processes and are compatible with our automated workflows,” says Lukas Reckert, Group Leader and responsible for mechanical development at Silver Atena. “It took only a few days for everyone to be familiar with it. Thanks to the intuitive user interface and simple software, our employees were quick to master the system.”
Lukas Reckert goes on to explain: “Creaform’s solutions were surprisingly stress-free to implement. We were therefore able to integrate them quickly into our production processes.”
Silver Atena uses the 3D scanner and 3D scanning software for inspecting the tolerances of supplier components. “We make sure that all the components delivered to us comply with the technical specifications and meet our quality standards,” says Reckert.
The plastic parts of the iONiX DC charging station are scanned in the incoming goods department. Depending on the criticality, it is done either through random sampling or part by part.
Defect detection and quality assurance are also important applications. Using the 3D scanner, quality assurance quickly identifies defects and ensures that only flawless parts enter production.
The images show connecting elements for loaded busbars in control units for powerful electric motors. Due to the required safety distances to other components, precision is of the utmost importance here. Even very complex geometries are easily compared from the scan, using the STEP model. Color markings immediately indicate critical deviations. (Values in mm).
“We also use 3D metrology equipment for parts before and after loads and functional tests. Documenting changes and identifying potential sources of error, among other things, ensures the performance and reliability of our products,” he explains.
“We also use 3D metrology equipment for parts before and after loads and functional tests. Documenting changes and identifying potential sources of error, among other things, ensures the performance and reliability of our products,” he explains.
“For example, we have tested the quality of high-voltage traction inverters for electric vehicles with the HandySCAN 3D|BLACK Series. The performance and reliability of drive systems depend on these controls. All components that are installed must meet strict quality criteria.”
Lukas Reckert also mentions the powerful Creaform Inspection software. “With the software, we can capture, analyze and process 3D data. Reports can then be created and deviations investigated. Real-time feedback is very helpful for immediately visualizing measurements and quickly implementing corrections. The software integrates seamlessly into existing CAD systems and workflows and is compatible with many file formats and CAD programs.”
Components are fully visualized in the Creaform 3D scanning software.
Results: Metrology equipment with benefits for the company
According to Lukas Reckert, Silver Atena’s experience with Creaform and the new 3D metrology solutions has been consistently positive. “The scanner is very powerful and user-friendly. In addition, it integrates smoothly into our infrastructure and optimizes our production processes.”
Results: Metrology equipment with benefits for the company
According to Lukas Reckert, Silver Atena’s experience with Creaform and the new 3D metrology solutions has been consistently positive. “The scanner is very powerful and user-friendly. In addition, it integrates smoothly into our infrastructure and optimizes our production processes.”
Winning features of the HandySCAN BLACK | Elite 3D and Inspection for Silver Atena:
- Adherence to tight tolerances
- Reduction of rework, rejects and associated costs
- Faster inspections and production
- Better documentation and traceability
- More time for tasks with higher added value
Forecast: Using of powerful 3D scanning for upcoming process optimization
Lukas Reckert explains how 3D scanning will be used in the future:
Quality assurance: More components and assemblies must be measured in order to comprehensively control and consistently ensure quality.
Research and development: Various materials must be measured following stress tests in order to identify suitable materials for products.
“Our experience with Creaform’s 3D measurement solutions has been consistently positive. All in all, we are very satisfied and look forward to continued successful use of the products.”
Published 03/03/2025