Dimensional inspection system

Overview
During product control of a machined metal tube, the cutting line carries out a length check or another quality check. This can be combined with traceability, which involves marking each tube using a printer, laser or pin marking.

Length check
During a length check, the metal tubes are measured one by one. If a tube exceeds the specified tolerances, it is set aside. Cpk (process capability index) and SPC (statistical process control) values are established for all measurements. The tolerance differs from one product to another, as it is set by the customer. Statistical process analyses are a common requirement in the aerospace and automotive industries in particular. Apart from length measurement, a random sample measurement is a popular solution in the area of product control. In fact, the automated cutting line can render the processing of products fully traceable if required.

Specifications dependent on standards
Traceability enables you to establish how and when a product was manufactured. The need for length measurement depends largely on the application of your end product. Advice can be provided to determine the suitable measurement and tolerance strategy. Depending on requirements, the cutting line can be configured to identify any particular tube that fails to meet the required specifications. The Cpk value of the processed product is presented in accordance with the standards applicable in the market in which it is used.

Automatic versus manual length control
A length check is performed automatically. Combining this with a manual (absolute) length measurement enables one to manufacture products that are fully compliant with the quality requirements.

Characteristics / Technical specifications

• Measurement: individual length measurement of machined metal tubes
• Quality metrics: Cpk (process capability index) and SPC (statistical process control)
• Tolerances: customer-specified per product
• Traceability: marking options include printer, laser or pin marking
• Sampling options: 100% measurement or random sample measurement
• Industry applications: aerospace, automotive, and other sectors requiring statistical process analysis
• Non-conforming handling: tubes outside tolerance are set aside or identified by the cutting line
• System configuration: cutting line can be set up to identify particular tubes failing specifications and to present Cpk in line with applicable market standards
• Control modes: automatic length check; can be combined with manual absolute length measurement