Kit media
Following nikon Metrology's recent successful launch of the APDIS laser radar, which represents a paradigm shift in automotive body measurement and quality control, the company announces the launch of its APDIS clearance and flush measurement system.
It is a fully automated, unique and innovative method for measuring clearance and flush on a mobile production line of finished "vehicles on wheels". This result is achieved without robots and the complexity of programming and security that they require by nature.
The consistency of space between adjacent panels and closures, especially doors, as well as any difference in level giving the impression that the panels are not aligned with each other, are major determining issues in the choice of buyers. When driving a vehicle, these variations can also cause squeaks, rattling, wind noises and leaks. All these factors affect the perception not only of the product but also of the brand itself: their control is therefore vital for a company's reputation.
Profound improvements
The APDIS laser radar represents the latest generation of the product. It offers higher speed and better quality measurements. The APDIS clearance measurement and flush measurement system leverages technology to provide fully automated and inherently safe measurements on a moving production line, providing reliable data all around a vehicle, regardless of its color or finish.
Previous measurements of the game and outcrop were based either on hand tools used by highly skilled technicians or on complex robotic installations, associated with inherent safety and short-distance issues. The APDIS gap and flush measurement system ensures the safety of parts and operators by maintaining a high safety distance and using integrated safety enclosures without affecting the conveyor of the production line.
Clearance and flush APDIS
Developed in partnership with VRSI, which has many years of experience in installing laser radars at major automotive OEMs, Nikon's APDIS clearance and flush measurement system is an evolution in fully automated, high-speed inspection of wheeled vehicles. Its ability to track and measure at conveyor speeds of up to 140 mm/s, its high internal measurement volume and the use of three laser radars for full coverage, allow the system to be deployed to measure a wide range of vehicles, covering everything between small hatchbacks and large 4×4 and trucks.
The vehicle is tracked directly by linear sensors, without any interface with the conveyor. The position is determined before the vehicle enters the system by a set of 3D sensors that automatically take into account the variations in position on the conveyor. Once the vehicle is inside the system, the three laser radars move synchronously along linear rails, with the long range allowing for the measurement of clearances and outcrops at specific programmed locations. Multiple continuous forward and backward movements along the rails as the vehicle passes, allow data acquisition throughout the vehicle with up to 170 possible measurement locations.
Main advantages
To summarize, the APDIS clearance measurement and flush system ensures fast measurement and good vehicle coverage. Three laser radars provide panoramic visibility, greatly improving quality control. The inherent safety of vehicles and operators is ensured by the long distance of the APDIS laser radar, exceeding 0.5 m. Similarly, linear rails prevent the system from approaching vehicles. Operators are protected by photoelectric barriers and floor scanners. This device excludes any damage and stop of the line.
Another advantage is high-quality measurements. Depending on the plant conditions, the dynamic repeatability exceeding 0.150 mm for clearance and 0.300 mm for outcrops provides reliable and accurate measurements to users, In addition, complexity is reduced, tracking being independent of vehicles and linear movement of the rail allowing simplified programming of parts. Finally, a significant part of the configuration is carried out offline before installation. Does not require complex programming of robots, the time required for installation and modifications is reduced.
