Why Automated Metrology is Worth the Investment

Automated metrology and inspection are proven to be repeatable and often faster than traditional inspection methods performed manually. Automated metrology can replace many manual inspection methods, reducing cycle time from several hours to just a few seconds using the latest automated 3D scanning technology. Robotic arms, pick-and-place equipment, and other PLC-controlled equipment enable precise and continuous operations.

On a manufacturing line, directing components to in-line automated inspection cells dramatically improves the flow and balance of production lines to achieve greater production outputs.

Automated metrology allows you to have more control over your processes. Manual inspections typically require the component to be set up and repositioned several times to capture all areas of the component. Meanwhile, a 3D scanner mounted onto a robotic arm can be programmed to quickly and easily move around the part without requiring re-orientation of the workpiece.

Multiple readings can be taken of a surface (or a specific dimension) in a single pass of an automated 3D scanner, removing the need for inspectors to check and recheck measurements of the same parts. Millions of inspection points can be captured almost instantly with a single scan of an accurate blue light 3D scanner, such as the ATOS 5, which has a data point acquisition time of 0.2 seconds.

With a repeatable process that results in accurate data, manufacturers require fewer iterations. They can use the accurate 3D scan data to evaluate and validate processes, resulting in less scrap and better parts.

A key driver for automating processes is improving efficiency and adding production capacity. Businesses must ensure that the technology they invest in delivers a return strong enough, and fast enough, to justify the purchase.

ROI must be assessed over the investment's lifetime. ROI is the amount of savings (over a specific period of time) divided by the investment's cost.

There is always a launch and ramp-up time associated with implementing new technology. Proper training and support are critical to successfully implementing automated metrology.

Partnering with a metrology provider who offers training and expertise is key to getting the necessary support to be successful. Many companies struggle with the lack of vendor-integrated systems, with a patchwork of software, hardware, and processes.

When shopping for an automated metrology solution, look for a company that provides the 3D scanning hardware, integrated automation, proprietary software, launch, training and support to make your roll-out a success.

Fully understanding and characterizing the product is a vital step in metrology automation. Before automating any manual inspection, a certain level of process control is required. If the current process has excessive variation, with low quality and a lack of well-understood standards, the automation of the process will surface more and more issues.

Trials and prototyping can be a powerful way of accurately characterizing your product or process outputs before taking the next step into fully automated metrology equipment. Our team has a wealth of experience to help you determine the automated metrology solution for your application.