3D Measurement of Parts Before Welding
Inspecting individual components before final welding helped identify potential dimensional and geometric deviations at an early stage.
Case Study
The most cost-effective time to solve a problem is before welding
In manufacturing, individual laser-cut sheet metal components are produced and subsequently assembled and welded into a final structure.
At first glance, everything may appear to be in order. However, dimensional or geometric deviations in an individual part may only become apparent once the entire structure has been welded.
The objective was therefore to verify the actual condition of individual components before final welding and identify any deviations at a stage when they would be easier to address.
Industry
Mechanical engineering and industrial manufacturing
Components
Laser-cut sheet metal components for a welded structure
Objective
Verification of dimensional and geometric accuracy before welding
Outcome
Early identification of potential deviations
Manufacturing Challenge
What needed to be identified early
Individual sheet metal components are assembled into the final structure before welding. If a part has a dimensional or geometric deviation, the problem may not be immediately visible.
Once the entire structure has been welded, however, the deviation may affect its overall geometry. At that stage, correcting it can be significantly more complicated and require more time and material.
It was therefore necessary to inspect individual components during production and identify any deviations before they were joined into the final structure.
The MIQI Approach
Inspection before welding
Component Measurement
Individual sheet metal components were measured during the manufacturing process, before final welding.
Geometric Verification
The measurement data made it possible to verify the actual condition of the components and assess their dimensional and geometric conformity with the required state.
Deviation Identification
Potential deviations could be identified before the individual parts were joined into the final structure.
Early Intervention
The inspection results provided a basis for addressing potential problems before the entire structure was completed.
Project Outcome
Deviations could be addressed early
Inspecting individual components before welding made it possible to identify potential dimensional and geometric deviations before the parts were joined into the final structure.
When a problem is identified in an individual part, it is generally easier to address than when the same deviation has been carried over into an entire welded structure.
Dimensional and geometric deviations identified before final welding
Inspection before assemblyBenefits for Manufacturing
Identify issues before they escalate
Early inspection is about more than measurement alone. It moves quality control to a stage when potential problems are easier to address and their impact on subsequent manufacturing operations can be limited.
Early Detection
Deviations can be identified before the structure is finally welded.
Easier Correction
Correcting an individual part is generally easier than reworking a fully welded structure.
Reduced Risk
Inspection helps reduce the risk of rework, material waste and production delays.
Project Documentation
The Project in Pictures
Project photographs will be added once the final image documentation has been selected.
Need to verify parts before production progresses?
Contact us to discuss your requirements and the options for inspection during the manufacturing process.