Quality control

Quality control of manufactured parts refers to the set of measures and processes implemented to ensure that the produced parts meet quality standards and required specifications. Its goal is to ensure that manufactured parts are reliable, function properly, and comply with safety and performance requirements in the industry.

During the manufacturing process, here are different cases in which 3D inspection can be used for quality control:
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Manufacturing process control

Machines and equipment used in manufacturing must be regularly checked and calibrated to ensure they are functioning properly and producing compliant parts. Tooling undergoes preventive maintenance to assess any assembly defects and wear.

First article inspections

At the beginning of a new production run, a control is generally performed on the first part to validate the conformity of the manufacturing process before mass production begins. It relies on precise dimensional inspections, including the use of GD&T system and CAD comparisons.

Inspection during production

During the manufacturing process, further checks are conducted on sample parts to ensure their conformity. Traditional visual inspection methods using templates have gradually given way to less cumbersome and more flexible digital methods. More or less automated, these methods allow for the generation of detailed reports and statistics for each batch produced.

3D inspection of a tube with Ace measuring arm with Skyline 3D scanner

Use of the Ace measuring arm on automotive plastic parts

What are the advantages of a Kreon 3D scanner for quality control?

Speed:
Kreon 3D scanners can rapidly capture the geometric information of an object, enabling more efficient quality control and accelerating manufacturing processes. Obtaining a CAD comparison through color mapping without a 3D scanner is nearly impossible.
High precision and resolution:
‍Kreon 3D scanners are capable of capturing precise details of an object's surface, resulting in highly accurate 3D models that closely represent reality.
Contactless inspection:
‍Kreon 3D scanners can inspect objects without physically touching them, which is particularly useful for fragile or flexible objects. This reduces the risk of damage or deformation during the inspection process.
Capture of complex geometry:
‍Kreon 3D scanners can capture the geometry of complex shapes, including curved surfaces, internal structures, and fine details, enabling the detection of defects or variations that may be difficult to spot with other quality control methods.
Flexibility and automation:
‍The Kreon Zephyr III 3D scanner can be used on a measuring arm, a coordinate measuring machine (CMM), and a robot, allowing for fully automated part inspections.

What are the advantages of a Kreon measuring arm for quality control?

Dimensional precision:
‍Kreon measuring arms enable highly accurate measurements of an object's dimensions. The precision achieved with a probe on a measuring arm is always superior to that achieved with a scanner.
Flexibility:
‍Kreon measuring arms can be used to measure objects of different sizes, shapes, and materials. They can be used on-site or in a laboratory to perform direct inspections on the parts.
Versatility:
‍The measuring arm can be equipped with various accessories, such as specific probes or 3D scanners, giving it great versatility to adapt to various applications.

By using a 3D scanner and a measuring arm for quality control, it is possible to benefit from the speed and precision of the 3D scanner in capturing complex geometry, as well as the dimensional accuracy and flexibility of the measuring arm for precise measurements. This combination allows for a comprehensive and accurate evaluation of the parts and enables quick decision-making to ensure compliance with specifications.