Bombardier relies on Creaform technologies for measurement and quality control services.
Companies rely on their suppliers to create and deliver custom parts. If these parts deviate from the specified dimensions, serious problems occur during assembly. Therefore, companies often subject the components delivered by their suppliers to in-house quality checks or have them checked by service providers.
Creaform has been providing measurement and engineering services for over 15 years. Its clients include major international manufacturers in the aerospace, transportation, passenger vehicle and consumer product sectors.
Bombardier Harnesses the Power of 3D Measurement Technologies
Bombardier Transportation, located in Hennigsdorf, Germany, builds rail vehicles. It also integrates complete third-party parts and assemblies into trains. These products come from all over the world and are subject to in-house quality control prior to installation, to avoid any problems during vehicle assembly.
Recently, a toilet cubicle had to be measured. On the first cabins delivered, a geometric test of certain parts was performed to verify the operation of the door. The purpose was to determine if there were any deviations from the original specifications, but also to encourage suppliers to further stabilize their manufacturing processes in order to improve the quality of the delivered products.
Creaform Engineering was mandated to assist Bombardier in this project. Using the MetraSCAN 3D optical CMM hand scanner and Polyworks software, a complete toilet cubicle was scanned to document the condition of the open and closed door, the door motor and the drill holes.
Figure 1: 3D measurement of a toilet cubicle in the workshop and after its installation in the train
A comparison between the actual and desired dimensions was then performed to reveal deviations from the originally specified dimensions.
Figure 2: Differences between the actual and desired state with the door closed (left) and open (right)
" To ensure that the cabin functions properly, the door and system interfaces were examined with the 3D scanner. In particular, we checked the dimensional shape and position tolerances and adjusted them. Thanks to Creaform's 3D measurement technologies, we were able to optimize the adjustment specifications and compensate for geometric deviations. The systematic adjustments, mainly in the door motor area, ensured the reliable operation of the system during final assembly in the train. "said Winfried Hellwig, Design Engineer at Bombardier Transportation.
Learn more about Bombardier : www.bombardier.com
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Front page photo: ©Bombardier