Laser Scanning Improves Dimensional Accuracy of Automotive Gas Tanks

In the past, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of fuel tanks used coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) to inspect first articles. The geometry of the tanks is so complex, however, that it was difficult to fully inspect the surface one point at a time. Inergy Automotive Systems has achieved significant improvements in quality by switching to laser scanning, which “paints” the surface of the tank with a laser and then uses a sensor to capture all the points in the laser’s path. The new approach generates a solid model of the as-built part that can be compared to the design intent to highlight the full extent of any differences between the two. As a result, Inergy can make required tooling changes with a higher level of confidence and ensure that production parts meet customer specifications.