Following the recent successful launch of the APDIS laser radar by Nikon Metrology, 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 provides a fully automated, unique and innovative method of measuring clearance and flush on a mobile production line for finished "vehicles on wheels". This is achieved without the need for robots, and the complexity of programming and safety they inherently require.
Consistency of spacing between adjacent panels and closures, particularly doors, and any differences in level giving the impression that panels are not aligned with each other, are major issues determining buyers' choices. When driving a vehicle, these variations can also cause squeaks, rattles, wind noise and leaks. All these factors affect the perception not only of the product, but also of the brand itself: controlling them is therefore vital to 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 gap and flush measurement system leverages technology to provide fully automated and inherently safe measurements on a moving production line, delivering reliable data all around a vehicle, whatever its color or finish.
Previous clearance and flush measurements relied either on manual tools used by highly skilled technicians, or on complex robotized installations, associated with inherent safety and short-distance issues. The APDIS clearance and flush measurement system ensures the safety of parts and operators by maintaining a high safety distance and using integrated safety enclosures with no impact on the production line conveyor.
APDIS clearance and outcrop
Developed in partnership with VRSI, which has many years' 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 complete coverage, mean that the system can be deployed to measure a wide range of vehicles, covering everything from small hatchbacks to large 4×4s 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, which automatically take into account variations in position on the conveyor. Once the vehicle is inside the system, the three laser radars move synchronously along linear rails, the long range allowing measurement of clearances and flushes at specific programmed locations. Multiple continuous forwards and backwards movements along the rails as the vehicle passes allow data acquisition along the entire length of the vehicle, with up to 170 possible measurement locations.
Key benefits
In a nutshell, the APDIS clearance and flush measurement system ensures fast measurement and good vehicle coverage. Three laser radars provide all-round visibility, greatly enhancing quality control. The inherent safety of vehicles and operators is ensured by the long range of the APDIS laser radar, in excess of 0.5 m. Similarly, linear rails prevent the system from approaching vehicles. Operators are protected by light barriers and floor scanners. This system prevents damage and line stoppage.
Another advantage: high quality measurements. Depending on plant conditions, dynamic repeatability in excess of 0.150 mm for clearance and 0.300 mm for flushes provides users with reliable, accurate measurements. In addition, complexity is reduced, as tracking is independent of vehicles and linear rail movement enables simplified part programming. Finally, a large part of the configuration is carried out off-line prior to installation. With no need for complex robot programming, installation and modification times are reduced.