Measuring and testing technology: custom measuring concepts

The importance of measuring and testing systems in the economic sector is growing continuously. As a company, you are confronted with demands for ever higher manufacturing accuracy, shorter cycle times and process automation. This also increases the demands on your measuring and testing technology: constant, reliable and highly precise monitoring of the processes and end products is required. 

 

Dimensionics works cooperatively with numerous manufacturers of measuring and testing technology. Thanks to our decades of experience, we are now an established force in the field of integrating metrological systems. 

  • On the one hand, we develop complete machines with individually configured measuring and testing systems. 
  • On the other hand, we also use our expertise in consulting and integrating measurement systems into existing plants. 

Fully automated barrel measurement through a perfect interplay of optical and tactile sensors.  

 

From task clarification to the finished measurement concept

For measurement and test systems, there are a lot of variables to consider – from the choice of sensors to the final measurement concept. So that you don't lose track, we offer expert advice and the development of precisely fitting measurement systems. 

The first step is to clarify what needs to be examined. For example, is it about monitoring a process or assessing the quality of end products? Then the specific application must be considered, e.g. tactile detection of external contours, optical measurement of a surface or dynamic testing by camera systems. The measurement task must be analysed precisely. What are the boundary conditions, for example with regard to light, dust, temperature, installation space or the manual legwork from the worker? No matter what your task is, we can offer you the right solution thanks to our versatile measuring and testing systems. 

We analyse your task and talk to you about your requirements. We look at the local conditions, record all influencing factors and use this information to develop the appropriate measurement concept with you. We rely on proven technology from our partners that is well established on the market. 

Among other things, we develop concepts for positioning, feeding and securing your technology. We programme algorithms for recognising and processing input signals and measurement data and process them to obtain an adequate result. 

Professional development of individual measuring systems

For every application and every task, there are one or more concepts for metrological implementation. This is where we use our extensive experience and develop the right system for you based on the individual components, often using a wide variety of techniques: because every measuring technique has its strengths and limitations. The solution often lies in an intelligent combination of different sensors. 

 

Measurement of a gear

Measurement of the surface of a euro

Tactile measuring technology

The 3D coordinate measuring technology is used for the precise measurement of components where only the smallest tolerances are permitted. It is still one of the most accurate measurement methods and is fully state of the art. 

From random sample measurement to complete measurement in production lines, their field of application is just as broad as the industries in which tactile systems are used. 

Examples of use: 

  • Checking shape & bearing tolerances 
  • Surface & contour measurement 
  • Geometric dimensional inspection 
  • Roughness testing 
  • Expand if necessary 

Optical measuring technology

As tactile measurement is a method that involves touching the component to be measured, it is not suitable in every case. In such cases, an optical measuring technique may be the method of choice as it is gentle on the component. This technique also impresses with its high measuring speed and measuring accuracy, even with geometries with large areas. 

Examples of use: 

  • Checking the shape & bearing tolerances of geometries with large areas 
  • Surface & contour measurement 
  • Geometric dimensional inspection 
  • Contactless, component-friendly measurement 

In general, optical 2D and 3D geometry measurement is divided into two areas: the purely optical (triangulation methods, confocal measuring technology or interferometric methods) and the combined, mechanical-optical systems (point sensors, multi-sensors and coordinate measuring machines). 

The crucial factor, however, is the object to be tested. Especially when selecting optical sensors, it is important to know the influencing parameters of the environment and the component to be examined in detail in order to achieve an optimal measurement result. 

Such complex measurement tasks can often only be solved with combined systems. That is why we are increasingly using tactile and optical measuring methods in combination. Through the interaction of the respective systems, we can perfectly adapt the measurement to the operating conditions. 

Industrial cameras

Industrial cameras are a subsection of optical measurement technologies but have a wider range of applications as they can also be used to monitor manufacturing processes. 

In manufacturing, for example, they not only check the shape and position of components, but also detect whether workpieces are correct. Manual processes for employee control can also be monitored with the industrial camera, as the camera scans the worker’s work steps, compares them with reference images and reports incorrect assembly. 

By combining these inspection processes and “teaching” images, intelligent systems can be created that monitor the entire manufacturing process. This also applies to automated processes. If the machine detects the absence of a component, it will tell the employee, which helps to prevent machine downtime as quickly as possible. 

Examples of use: 

  • Position & attitude control 
  • Component/workpiece recognition and testing 
  • Process assurance & process support