Production metrology – component and process monitoring directly on the workpiece

The basis of any competitive production is state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. Only those who continuously optimize their performance, act flexibly at the same time and are able to comply with the high demands on quality assurance will continue to be successful on the market in the future. In particular, the constant flexibilization of the production process and increased demands on quality assurance present companies with new challenges. Measuring systems that support these requirements are therefore essential for the production of the future.

Fraunhofer IPT is therefore working on making production processes more efficient through the use of measurement technology, increasing productivity and guaranteeing high quality. Measurement technology is thus a key technology for making complex production processes possible in the first place. In particular, the production integration of metrological systems offers a technological advantage.

The goal of production-integrated quality assurance is always the recording and evaluation of relevant quality parameters, if possible in spatial and temporal proximity to the actual production process. Actual values recorded in this way during the production cycle can be quickly processed and made available to the process again as setpoint values and used for control purposes. This allows complex production processes to be better controlled and individually adapted to the product.

Production and process-integrated measurement systems, intelligent measurement and control strategies, and appropriate information technology integration into the production environment accelerate response times to process changes and target deviations, thus enabling networked, adaptive production.

Modern metrology for individual challenges

At Fraunhofer IPT, we deal with all questions of measurement technology accompa-nying production as well as all quality assurance measures in manufacturing companies. We develop solutions for the automotive industry, mechanical and plant engineering, and the aerospace industry as well as for the medical and biotechnology sectors. For this purpose, we have a comprehensive range of modern measuring systems at our disposal, which we not only use to test and ensure the quality of joint project results, but which we also optimize and further develop together with our partners and measuring technology providers.

 

Optical coherence tomography

Our OCT measurement systems monitor manufacturing processes without the need to remove the workpiece or influence the actual machining process.

Special measuring systems

Testing components with the appropriate measuring equipment is an important prerequisite for reliable product quality. Complex geometries and the desire for in-process measurements require individual measuring systems.

Automated image processing

Image processing is an essential part of optical metrology, because in any measurement system based on camera technology, images not only have to be captured, but also evaluated. The Fraunhofer IPT is therefore researching and developing new image processing evaluation methods for metrological tasks. These include classic approaches such as object recognition as well as dimensional measurement and defect classification, but also current approaches based on deep learning methods.

 

High-speed microscopy

Lightning-fast recording of large areas with microscopic resolution for quality control

Fiber optic sensor technology

Fiber optic distance sensors can be used to perform measurements in the tightest of spaces. The sensors offer great flexibility and are easy to integrate thanks to their size.

 

Wavefront-based optics inspection

The Fraunhofer IPT uses a wavefront sensor for optical alignment, which is able to image the wavefront of the propagating light instead of taking an intensity image.

Measure and test

You have individual measuring and testing tasks? We rise to every challenge. Feel free to contact us!

Fields of application of metrology processes in industrial manufacturing

Production optimization

By recording real data in detail during manufacturing processes, patterns can be uncovered that allow targeted adaptation of processes and process chains.

Demonstrate certification obligations

Making process chains more economical and certifying them are goals to be achieved in series production of products using real-time manufacturing data.

Defect detection

For the detection of production-related defects, production-integrated measurement technology forms the control element of a production line and makes it possible to evaluate the quality of the manufactured products as part of a 100 percent inspection.