Advances in 3D Vision for Process Monitoring and Dimensional Gaging

Automotive assembly plants and subassembly suppliers have strongly recognized the need to continually improve assembly fit and function to enhance dimensional integrity of assemblies, maintain quality appearance, eliminate wind noise, water leaks, and other customer complaints. Ensuring that every part is made accurately cuts down on scrap costs and reduces downtime, warranty cost and assembly problems.

Manufacturers have found these final inspection solutions valuable for 100% final inspection, but have expressed a need to have ability for in-process monitoring for rapid response to process variations, much earlier in the production process. This has lead to a new approach of monitoring the assembly operation with rugged 3D laser sensors which are installed in individual assembly tools to provide in-process monitoring.