The brand new Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800 delivers correct measurement of key options from a distance, utilizing direct scanning to fulfill the calls for of low-tolerance inspection and alignment in aerospace and different large-scale manufacturing sectors.
PRESS RELEASE – Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has introduced a brand new know-how to cut back high quality inspection delays in large-scale manufacturing operations. Combining laser monitoring with laser radar performance, it allows producers to measure detailed options and meet tight meeting tolerances from tens of metres away. Constructed on established measurement and positioning know-how, the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800 gives important productiveness enhancements in large-scale half manufacturing and meeting operations by safely and quickly measuring crucial options and minimising frequent manufacturing bottlenecks.
The brand new system allows producers to precisely measure advantageous edges and options throughout giant volumes with unparalleled measurement course of productiveness from a handy standoff distance. Whether or not used to examine giant aerospace or automotive constructions, ship sections or wind turbine elements, there isn’t any want for operators or robots to be in shut proximity to the half being measured. This avoids unreliable measurements and issues of safety and offers important time financial savings.
By combining direct scanning and reflector monitoring capabilities, the brand new system replaces two items of {hardware} with a single system. Utilizing Hexagon’s patented PowerLock know-how, the ATS800 mechanically and instantly “locks on” to a hard and fast reflector and tracks its actions in actual time, offering an absolute place reference. The flexibility to measure goal reflectors additionally drastically simplifies robotic automation processes, offering exact place referencing inside a wider coordinate system when the tracker is mounted on a linear rail or an autonomous cell robotic (AMR).
With its skill to carry out high-precision measurements of intricate geometries and complicated surfaces from a protected distance, the ATS800 will likely be a flexible measurement instrument for speedy inspection in varied industries and purposes.
An plane fuselage might be rapidly inspected alongside manufacturing with out bringing goal reflectors to the half, lowering whole inspection time from hours to minutes. Utilizing a number of units or an AMR, a number of fuselage sections or panels might be batch inspected in a single day, additional lowering inspection time and avoiding disruption throughout shifts.
Guided meeting processes that require up-to-date digital measurements throughout 3D meeting and mating operations will likely be streamlined utilizing the ATS800’s distinctive simultaneous monitoring functionality. It offers metrology-grade steerage accuracy to assist specialists align and troubleshoot points in actual time with out stopping to recalibrate and remeasure.
The system’s correct high-speed measurement of holes, fastenings and edges can sustain with high-volume automotive manufacturing – mechanically inspecting crucial options inside seconds with out interruption or the chance of robotic collision.
Many inaccessible options such because the holes that make up the bolt sample – crucial for the alignment and fastening of giant wind turbine sections or industrial pipework – might be measured reliably and safely within the manufacturing facility.
Pirmin Bitzi, Basic Supervisor for Transportable Measuring Units at Hexagon, commented: “Industries like aerospace and shipbuilding are making giant constructions the place scale and element are equally vital. We’re excited to supply producers a system that delivers modern capabilities to measure intricate options with much less disruption on the coronary heart of manufacturing and all through the crucial levels of meeting.”
Andreas Werner, CTO at Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division, added: “This laser tracker is a testomony to our dedication to work with our prospects very carefully and develop merchandise that tackle core market wants. Complementing our laser scanning techniques, the extremely moveable ATS800 can reduce guide processes from hours to minutes and help the technology of a digital twin. Furthermore, it may be used on our prospects’ most popular AMR or robotic techniques to fast-track ‘push button’ automated inspection with confidence throughout the shopfloor.”
Till not too long ago, robotic automation has been restricted by the supporting cabling and huge management cupboards that stop AMR use and complicate robotic deployment in large-scale manufacturing. The ATS800 is IP54 rated, might be operated utterly wirelessly, and is extremely moveable as a result of it integrates all techniques and electronics right into a single light-weight tracker unit with a small management field that may be securely mounted to and built-in with frequent robotic management techniques.
This new know-how relies on Hexagon’s established platform of Absolute Trackers, extending its profitable ATS household that now consists of each the prevailing ATS600 and the brand new ATS800. Prospects will be capable to interchange equipment like batteries, tripods and reflectors as required throughout their current set up base as their wants change. Designed to plug into buyer’s current workflows, the ATS household helps Hexagon’s complete software program growth kits, offering open help for integration inside third-party guide and automatic options.
The brand new Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800 will likely be made accessible to world prospects in 2025. Discover out extra at. https://go.manufacturing.hexagon.com/ats800-imts/
