Absolute Tracker: Automated Inspection

The key to productive measurement and analysis

Absolute Scanner AS1 automated inspection
Despite the often-high initial cost of top-quality metrology equipment, it is typically the longtail cost of manpower hours that is the most significant financial investment demanded by a rigorous quality control process. Operator interaction is also very often the major source of error within quality control processes. A system that can eliminate both the largest financial cost and the main source of errors is potentially well worth even significant initial investment.

Our laser tracker automated inspection solutions are inherently customised, built out according to very specific user requirements that define everything from size and components to initial and future functionalities. This bespoke approach is why our solutions are driving better quality and higher productivity in manufacturing instances all over the world.

6DoF with the AT960

The Leica Absolute Tracker AT960 is capable of six degrees of freedom (6DoF) measurement as standard, allowing the use of a scanner, camera or probe from up to 30 metres away. With the Absolute Scanner AS1, Absolute Scanner AS1-XLLeica T-Scan 5 and Leica T-MAC sensors, this process can be automated, with each easily mountable on any standard industrial robot arm. Then a fully automated inspection setup is just a matter of programming and accessories, from turntables, sliders and robots to isolation walls, built-in control stations and tool changers for automatic sensor switching.

Automation possibilities are particularly improved by the ground-breaking modular concept of the AS1 and AS1-XL, which allows for the scanner unit to be quickly removed for service in case of scheduled maintenance or a collision. Replacement during the service period to minimise downtime is simplified thanks to the single-switch repeatable mounting, allowing installation to be easily performed by the user. This is particularly useful seeing as the system can be configured to accept multiple AS1/AS1-XL units, meaning another scanner unit onsite can be instantly repurposed as a temporary replacement if needed to avoid any expensive downtime.

The addition of the WRTL to an AT960-based automated inspection systems allows for completely wireless setup, with no cable connection needed between the scanner and tracker controller. In its simplest implementation this removes potentially hazardous clutter from the shop floor; more ambitiously, it delivers the ability to mount both tracker and scanner on AMR systems to create a truly autonomous inspection system capable of running at lights out for significant productivity gains.

 

Direct Scanning with the ATS600

With the unique direct scanning functionality of the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS600, automated inspection is simpler than ever before. There’s no need for a sensor or an operator at the point of measurement, so components can just be brought into the tracker’s field of view and automatically inspected with just a few software clicks. No need to move the tracker, no need to manually scan. With its unique selective scanning functionality, you just tell the ATS600 the area it should measure and how much detail you need, and press start.

The ATS600 can even be mounted on an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) and run remotely through its Overview Camera. This allows its unique direct scanning ability, supported by reflector alignment with PowerLock, to span even greater measurement volumes.