ŠKODA AUTO boosts measurement capacity and quality with the help of Hexagon

“Hexagon’s fully robotic measuring cells are the first embodiment of our cooperation in the field of optical measurement, but it is already clear that this is just the beginning.”

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ŠKODA AUTO and Hexagon are long-term collaborators and have been measurement partners for decades. As a notable name in the automotive industry, ŠKODA AUTO is consistently looking for ways to bring quality levels to new heights, especially in its automotive manufacturing centres.

With this in mind, the two companies took its partnership to new heights at the end of 2018. During this period, the Czech company completed a reconfiguration of its inspection processes, spanning from tactile measurements to 3D optical systems, with help from Hexagon.

About ŠKODA AUTO

Founded in 1895, ŠKODA AUTO has been a part of the Volkswagen Group for 30 years. Throughout this time, ŠKODA AUTO has established itself within the automotive industry and now offers ten different vehicle models to customers all over the world.

The Czech company has three sites in the Czech Republic. Its main facility is located in Mladá Boleslav, with two further sites in Kvasiny and Vrchlabí.

How did Hexagon reconfigure ŠKODA AUTO’s inspection processes?

During the improvement process, several pre-existing coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) were modernised, and two fully automated smart measuring cells were installed at the facility in Mladá Boleslav. The measuring cells are equipped with Hexagon’s metrology platform PC-DMIS, which was also installed in ŠKODA AUTO’s other facilities.

Engineers in Mladá Boleslav have been able to take advantage of the offline programming now available through the new software, which allows the user to start measuring quicker when the production of new parts is launched. Before the new software was installed, ŠKODA AUTO’s offline capabilities were very limited, mostly reduced to tactile measurements on traditional CMMs. Now, with the addition of Hexagon’s HxGN Robotic Automation software, this particular functionality within PC-DMIS can be used in the context of optical robotic measurement.

“Hexagon’s fully robotic measuring cells are the first embodiment of our cooperation in the field of optical measurement, but it is already clear that this is just the beginning,” said Martin Jehlička, Manager of the Measuring Centre in Mladá Boleslav, responsible for measuring technologies in the field of car production. “We would like to continue other projects as soon as possible and use the HxGN Robotic Automation software for in-line and at-line measurement.”

The robotic measuring system was designed to meet the versatility needs of the facility, with an installed toll-changer unit allowing for direct automated switching between high-speed scanning and accurate tactile measurement. This variability also allows the system to perform measurements of difficult-to-access areas like openings, which was not possible previously.

Key features of HxGN Robotic Automation:

  • Cell modelling is no longer needed. 
  • Import CAD or PMI files from metrology software with one button click.
  • Reduce inspection downtime with the offline programming mode.
  • No need for a robot engineer.
  • Automatic anti-collision path programming is available.

How have facility improvements impacted ŠKODA AUTO?

Through the collaboration between Hexagon and ŠKODA AUTO, the former's robotic measuring cell concept is now in place at the Mladá Boleslav site. The system has been tailored to fulfil the needs of the measuring centre.

With Hexagon’s software installed across all three of ŠKODA AUTO’s facilities, the company should experience a variety of practical advantages including the uniform integration of VW Group measuring principles directly into PC-DMIS. Also, there is the technical value of offline preparation of measuring programmes. Additional benefits include an increase in measurement capacity and quality, as well as the digitalisation of outputs from measuring devices.

However, it should be noted that installing a tailor-made automated control measurement solution is a significant challenge. Especially considering the global pandemic timeline in which the installation occurred. But with Hexagon’s professional experts at hand, the installation was successful. Additionally, ŠKODA AUTO has credited Hexagon for its “constant support” and its “accessible and user-friendly training system.”

“Hexagon’s fully robotic measuring cells are the first embodiment of our cooperation in the field of optical measurement, but it is already clear that this is just the beginning,” concluded Jehlička.