Hexagon Launches Laser Tracker-Based Configurable Automation Cell

Published: Thursday, December 13, 2018 - 12:32

(Hexagon: North Kingstown, RI) -- Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has launched the new 360° FMC-Tracker, a flexible measurement cell powered by the “absolute accuracy” of the Leica Absolute Tracker AT960 and the Leica T-Scan 5 laser scanner. The solution debuted in September at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2018. Since the tracker is designed to measure mid- to large sized parts, manufacturers can utilize the in-line, near-line, or off-line options of the 360° FMC-Tracker for automated measurement productivity. Supporting a variety of customer applications, the flexible solution offers reliable high-accuracy surface scanning, feature calculation, and discrete point measurement. The 360° FMC-Tracker will be available to U.S. customers during the fourth quarter of 2018. Product features, specifications, and an informational video can be found here.

Leveraging the advanced features of the Leica Absolute Tracker product line, the 360° FMC-Tracker can measure parts with a variety of surfaces and finishes without the need for targets. This capability provides a simplified 3D measurement process less prone to operator error. Programmable automated measurement eliminates productivity-busting bottlenecks at manual process points. The versatile system can easily scale to the appropriate size for any workpiece and measure multiple parts in production. The new system offers a smaller cell footprint and does not require additional robots, temperature compensation artifacts, and software

“The 360° FMC-Tracker is ideal for manufacturers looking to integrate quality processes with the speed of automation, without compromising accuracy and flexibility,” states Scott Everling, product business development manager for the North America Integrated Solutions Group. "The ‘Absolute’ technology of the AT960 laser tracker has advanced a new generation of automated manufacturing applications to control and inspect large-volume workpieces. A wide range of industries, particularly the aerospace and automotive sectors, will find this latest addition to the 360° measurement automation portfolio worthy of a closer look, especially manufacturers pursuing smart factory initiatives.”

The 360° FMC-Tracker is configurable to a wide range of specific measurement applications. The system is available in “solo” and “duet” configurations featuring one or two turntables. The “runway” options allow for the addition of a robot slider from 13 ft to 39 ft in length. The cell offers further flexibility as the portable laser tracker component can be removed from the cell and used for manual measurement tasks with the supplied laser scanner, a Leica T-Probe, or a reflector for single-point measurement.

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Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence helps industrial manufacturers develop the disruptive technologies of today and the life-changing products of tomorrow. As a leading metrology and manufacturing solution specialist, our expertise in sensing, thinking and acting – the collection, analysis and active use of measurement data – gives our customers the confidence to increase production speed and accelerate productivity while enhancing product quality.

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence is part of Hexagon, a leading global provider of information technologies that drive quality and productivity across geospatial and industrial enterprise applications.