Quality Applications

Metronor SOLO Benefits Measures large volumes Compact, fits in a car trunk No mechanical constraints www.metronor.com

Large-Volume CMM Measures Savings

Dearborn Mid-West Conveyor Co., a leading manufacturer of body carriers used in automotive and other assembly plants, is saving time and preventing errors from occurring late in its processes by using SOLO, a new portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM). SOLO, from Metronor of Oslo, Norway, combines low cost with large volume capability and ease of use and has been successfully integrated into Dearborn's continuous efforts to improve product quality and provide customer-pleasing service.

 Dearborn is the first U.S. company to put SOLO to the test. "When we became aware of SOLO, we immediately recognized the very good fit with our requirements and the opportunity for more efficient quality assurance procedures," says Robert Underwood, Dearborn's management information systems manager, who is leading the company's evaluation of the CMM. "SOLO has three primary characteristics that bring us savings. First, it can handle even our largest carriers in a single setup, saving time and improving accuracy. In the past we have used articulated arms, which are very good systems but cannot effectively handle the volumes that we need to measure. Second, with Metronor's computer-aided design (CAD) software module, SOLO enables us to compare the actual carrier with the latest-revision CAD design in real time and provides immediate graphical results to the operator and engineers. We avoid the need for inspection blueprints and the problems associated with misinterpretations and outdated revision levels. Third, SOLO is so portable and quick and easy to set up that we can use it wherever it's needed--at our own facilities or at our suppliers' sites. Our first SOLO has been almost constantly on the road since delivery."

 Indeed, SOLO is well-suited for being taken on the road; the completely portable system can fit into a car trunk and be checked as luggage on an airplane. It's also the first large-volume CMM available for less than $100,000. It can handle volumes up to 45 feet and distances up to 50 feet, exhibits a two-sigma sphere test accuracy of less than 0.002 in. and a 3-D length accuracy (bias) of 0.004 in., and costs less than $70,000 as a complete turnkey system.

 SOLO can handle large volumes because of its electro-optical working principle. A single high-resolution CCD sensor, or camera, works with Metronor's patented smart-LED Light Pen to make direct feature measurements throughout the camera's field of view--just like a traditional CMM. Designed to provide easy reach and access in small as well as large volumes, SOLO is also unique in having no moving mechanical parts and excellent long-term stability and reliability.

 SOLO was developed from Metronor's experience in manufacturing high-end electro-optical measurement systems. "From the start, SOLO was designed to be rugged, reliable and easy to learn and use, and all components and solutions were chosen to this end," explains Alf Pettersen, vice president of technology at Metronor headquarters. "In addition, we were able to make it small, portable and attractively priced. So far, the feedback from the market has been very favorable, but we're always looking for ways to improve all our products and appreciate feedback and suggestions from customers like Dearborn."