Quality control for the series production of home appliances at Bosch and Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH (BSH) in Traunreut, Germany, used to be based on coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). Last year, the tactile measuring system was replaced by optical 3-D measuring technology from Steinbichler Optotechnik in Neubeuern, Germany. This increased the reliability of the production process and reduced the costs.

“Can you also precisely measure and analyze stamped sheet metal parts fully automatically with an optical system?” This is what instrument engineer Paul Spiel of Bosch and Siemens asked the staff of Steinbichler Optotechnik back in 2006. The seemingly simple question marked the beginning of intense cooperation between BSH and Steinbichler. Within one year, three robot-assisted, 3-D digitizing systems were installed in the measuring room of BSH’s’ central measurement and control department, in the press shop, and in production.

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