Automated Inspection

Capture rich shop-floor data with automated inspection for quality assurance and process control.

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Smart manufacturing relies on the ability to capture and use data. Industrial automation is becoming essential for data collection and implementing data-driven processes. Hexagon solutions support fully automated measurement and process control, as well as broader shop-floor automation applications.

Automating data collection

  • Overview
  • Key benefits
  • Getting started

As manufacturing becomes increasingly data driven, the ability to rapidly capture large data sets for quality assurance, process control and product and process optimisation offers a competitive advantage in the age of smart manufacturing. Automated inspection systems are one of the most efficient and effective ways to capture the rich data sets you need to continuously optimise processes. 
 
There are various ways to bring automation into your measurement processes. Common methods range from part-loading systems for traditional coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) to fully automated robot-based inspection cells using a variety of sensor types to digitalise large freeform parts. All offer highly repeatable, accurate measurement processes that accelerate inspection and give manufacturers greater insight into production outcomes.

Robot-based inspection cell with two turntables in a car plant

Faster data acquisition and defect detection

Automation offers huge potential for productivity gains in production and inspection operations. An automated inspection system can dramatically reduce measurement times compared to traditional methods, so issues are detected and corrected sooner.

More data, better decision-making

An automated inspection solution can continuously collect and process comprehensive data sets so that manufacturers can better understand and substantially improve production quality with fast or even automated decisions. With the support of advanced analytics tools, they offer deep insight for stakeholders across the business.

Better equipment utilisation

Robotic and automated inspection systems can be configured for 100% equipment utilisation with no wait time during loading and unloading, maximising return on investment. With inspection cycles running up to 24/7, throughput is exceptional, while offline programming ensures equipment is always available to measure.

Close up view of a sheet metal part being scanned with red laser line clearly showing

Hexagon’s automated measurement systems are designed to remove the complexity from the planning, installation and operation of robotic and automated inspection cells so that every system delivers value. Our turnkey solutions provide rich data capture at the point of production with the ease and peace of mind of working with a single vendor. For simplicity, speed and convenience, standard solutions are available; for more specialised requirements, there is extensive flexibility with Hexagon and third-party hardware components.

Automated inspection cells can be configured in several shop-floor locations with different sensors, software and robotic equipment to support one or many applications. Offline configurations are typically used for part sampling or supporting inspection from multiple production lines. Near-line configurations are ideal for larger batch measurements, while inline configurations enable 100% inspection for trend analysis and rapid issue resolution.

Operator using software beside an automated inspection cell

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