MEASUREUP

HEXAGON METROLOGY MAGAZINE | EDITION 2/2013 | WWW.HEXAGONMETROLOGY.COM

NRK : "SA is Coming to
Your City" Tour
PAGE 18
Highest precision for
engine maintenance
PAGE 14
H
x
GN LIVE 2014
Inspiring the world
to take action PAGE 19
TECHNOLOGY
FOR FUN
GLOBAL PRESENCE
CLOSE TO CUSTOMERS, EVERYWHERE
2 MEASUREUP
|
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
CLOSE UP
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
|
MEASUREUP 3
ENTRY-LEVEL
ULTRA-PORTABLE
PROBING SYSTEM
T
he new Leica B-Probe is a handheld
and battery-powered point probing
device made for the Leica Absolute
Tracker AT402,Hexagon Metrologys
most portable laser tracker.
Due to its unique portability, small footprint
and wireless operation, it can measure where
neither 3D laser trackers nor traditional
optical probing systems can reach.
The Leica B-Probe works within a 10 m radial
distance from the AT402 with an accuracy
of 0.2 mm over a full measurement range,
offering greater capabilities and exibility
over similar systems that have xed-base
stations.
See the Leica B-Probe and the Leica AT402
in action by scanning the QR Code.
MEASUREUP
EDITORIAL
F
ollowing our customers wherever they go,
this is our day-to-day business. By developing
unique solutions to solve their unique problems,
by offering them custom made technological
adaptation, by creating new technologies, or simply by following
them geographically when implementing a new plant abroad.
Hexagon Metrologys 70 precision centres around the world
are not letterboxes. Each team is speaking our customers
languages, understanding their local requirements, supporting
with local training and services and offering the deepest and
widest metrology portfolio of products and solutions to meet
their needs.

Read more in this measureup issue about our success story
in Asia Pacic, where the signicance of global meets local
takes on a totally new reality. Read also about our great
technologies, customers' testimonials through fascinating
case studies or stories about automation and how Hexagon
Metrologys actionable measurement information works along
the complete life cycle of a product from development and
design to production, assembly and nal inspection.
Thank you!
Best regards
Norbert Hanke
President & CEO Hexagon Metrology
Follow me
on twitter
@NorbertHanke

NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com

|
MEASUREUP 5
CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2013
6 / Metrology meets
meteorology
Reverse Engineering at
NASA, US
4 / EDITORIAL
9 / TECHNOLOGY FOR
FUN
19 / H
x
GN LIVE 2014
32 / LOCATIONS
14 / Ready for departure
Leitz PMM-C with QUINDOS
and I++ Simulator
20 / Global presence
Close to customers,
everywhere
28 / Automation explained
Metrology Assisted
Assembly. Part 2
IN THIS ISSUE
ONLINE: GO TO WWW.HEXAGONMETROLOGY.COM/MEASUREUP FOR PAST ISSUES
6 MEASUREUP
|
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
INSIGHT
METROLOGY MEETS
METEOROLOGY
Reverse Engineering Enhances Data Integrity While Saving
Time and Materials at NASA
A
ir travel has long been considered the safest
form of transportation. Statistically speak-
ing, the average American is safer in an air-
plane than an automobile. Though reassuring,
the industry is relentlessly pursuing ways to
improve air travel safety. One such improve-
ment is the continued research to further understand ice
buildup and how it affects aerodynamics.

The aerospace industry has focused on understanding ice ac-
cretion because it causes a reshaping of the aircrafts wings or
tail. When this occurs, there is the danger of aerodynamic stall.
The point at which a stall takes place has to do with the contour
of the airfoil, which may change with surface contamination.
A small amount of ice build-up, as slight as the roughness of
sandpaper, will affect the way air ows over the upper surface.
This reduces lift and increases drag to the point of which a stall
becomes imminent.

According to the Aircraft Icing Research Alliance (AIRA), a
cooperative association comprised of European, Canadian and
U.S. government agencies, icing is the most critical natural
hazard affecting the safe operation of aircraft in the northern
hemisphere. Though aircraft routinely operate in icing envi-
ronments, the dynamics of icing are still not fully understood.
Areas of concern include atmospheric conditions that lead to
aircraft icing, the variability of icing conditions and aircraft
performance in icing conditions. Another area of concern is the
capability to simulate ice accretions and their aerodynamic
effects to forecast equipments behavior.
It is this last area of concern that has benetted from the
introduction of metrology tools to simplify reverse engineering
of ice shapes.
STUDYING THE ICE
Engineers in the Icing Branch at NASAS Glenn Research Center
in Cleveland, have been studying the mechanics of ice buildup
since the 1940s. In the past 20 years the teams objective was
to document 3D features of the wing and tail shapes with a la-
ser scanner. They hoped to use a solution which was starting to
nd its way into mainstream industry to capture the data. Their
plan was to develop methods for evaluating and simulating the
growth of ice on aircraft surfaces, the effects ice may have on
the behavior of aircraft in ight, and the behavior of ice protec-
tion and detection systems. Unfortunately, the researchers
could not nd a system which performed to their requirements.
This was partly because the available hardware did not have
the capability to capture the ner nuances of the ice shapes.
It was also because available software could not capture the
scan data and generate a CAD model with an adequate amount
of detail.
Undaunted, NASA continued to pursue the concept of ice
forecasting. They learned that it is an extremely complicated
process, since the physics of icing are not well documented nor
understood. If the team could not rely on a digital solution, they
needed to nd a manual one, even if the results could not be
quantied. Their shortterm solution was to produce castings
that recreated the features of ice shapes.
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
|
MEASUREUP 7
To create the castings, the team accreted
ice on the wing or tail sections leading
edge. After the ice is acquired, the leading
edge is installed in a mold box. Silicon RTV
that cures below freezing temperatures
is poured into the box and left overnight
to cure. A polyurethane casting resin is
poured into the mold to accurately du-
plicate the ice shape. The casts are then
used in qualitative analysis by attaching
them to wing models and testing them
in ight or in a wind tunnel to measure
how much performance degradation they
cause. At the teams disposal is NASAS Ic-
ing Research Tunnel (IRT) at Glenn. The IRT
is one of the worlds largest refrigerated
wind tunnels with a 6 ft. high by 9 ft. wide
by 20 ft. long test section and the capabil-
ity to generate airspeeds of more than 400
miles per hour.
IMPLEMENTING METROLOGY
NASA has been tasked with creating
software to help predict ice growth.
These efforts are aimed at the develop-
ment of design and analysis tools that can
aid aircraft manufacturers, sub system
manufacturers, certication authorities,
the military and other government agen-
cies in assessing the behavior of aircraft
systems in an icing environment. To do so,
the researchers revisited the subject of
acquiring quantitative data using non-
contact laser scanning. They felt tech-
nology had nally caught up with their
requirements after thoroughly evaluating
several laser scanning systems by testing
them in the wind tunnel with actual ice.
In the end, the crew decided a portable
coordinate measuring machine (CMM),
specically a ROMER Absolute Arm with
integrated laser scanner, was the solution
which best t their needs. The stiff carbon
ber construction eliminates the need for
temperature compensation since, for this
application, it is routinely used in an envi-
ronment where temperatures range from
0 to 28F ( -18C to -2C). Using equipment
that is thermally stable also prevents the
system from locking up when tempera-
tures rapidly change.
8 MEASUREUP
|
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
Using the new equipment, the team changed their procedure. After
accreting ice, a researcher brings the portable CMM and computer
into the wind tunnel. The ice is painted with a custom titanium
dioxide fast-evaporating paint. While maintaining temperatures of
0 to 30F (-18C to -1C), the operator scans the ice using a slow,
smooth motion. Sam Lee, a research engineer with a contractor
providing support to Glenn, states, One factor that we did not want
to compromise was the ergonomics of the system, especially in
such a challenging environment. If the scanner starts to feel heavy,
the researchers hands would tremble which negatively inuences
the data.
The scanning process takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes and
requires an overlap between individual scan passes. However,
the researchers needed to avoid scanning the same area multiple
times, which can add unwanted noise to the acquired data. The dif-
culty in scanning the shapes is ensuring all the small gaps within
them are measured. When the scan is complete, the researchers
have between a 0.5 to 1.0 GB data le. They are able to scan up to
seven ice shapes during a day of testing due to the time it takes to
initially accrete the ice.
Though the specications of the portable CMM boast far better
accuracies, this was not a primary concern for NASA since the
tolerances the team needs to achieve are 4 5 thousands of an
inch. The importance of the work is not the absolute accuracy, but
in capturing the ner details of the ice shapes. In this application,
the laser scanners resolution of 0.046 mm between points allows
them to document those details.
The mold and casting method provides excellent results; however,
the process is extremely tedious and time consuming. One of the
biggest benets when reverse engineering with a laser scanner
is the savings on time and materials. Lee states, The process of
making molds and castings is very labor intensive. To make one
cast shape takes a couple of days in terms of man hours. Now it
takes a couple of hours to scan and process the ice shape. Al-
though the savings are a denite benet, faster data acquisition is
the most important gain. Using quantiable data in their computer
models further renes the programs accuracy.
THE NEXT STEP
At the time of this writing, the researchers are comparing the scan
data versus the mold and casting method in preliminary studies.
To compare the two side by side, several ice shapes were scanned,
as well as reproduced with the mold and cast method. A 3D rapid
prototype machine recreated the shapes using the scan data.
The team is testing both shapes in an aerodynamic wind tunnel to
discover if the outcome is identical. At this point, the results for
straight wings are similar as researchers have recorded similar
penalties created by both sets of ice shapes. They base their nd-
ings in the amount of lift and drag observed. If the results continue
to be similar, laser scanning has the potential to replace the mold
and casting method used for more than 20 years to capture aero-
dynamically relevant features of ice shapes.
Lee says, Based on preliminary testing, we have been getting very
similar results. Additionally, the casting method has an inherent
aw. It tends to make the ice shape rougher due to the small air
bubbles that get trapped in the mold. So the molds we create are a
little rougher than the actual ice. Though the scanned shapes are
smoother, Lee believes the challenge will come with swept wings.
Swept wings create very different features on the shapes. They
tend to create larger gaps in the ice which are more difcult to
scan.
Comparison testing is scheduled to conclude in the Spring of
2013 with NASA publishing the results soon after. At present,
there are several wind tunnels owned and operated by companies
in the aerospace industry. While these researchers continue to
use metrology to enhance ice forecasting software, others in the
aerospace industry may discover new uses for the methods and
techniques pioneered by NASA.
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
|
MEASUREUP 9
TECHNORAMA (SWISS SCIENCE CENTER)
In the Swiss Science Center, Technorama, you can explore tech-
nology in an informal, hands-on, self-directed way. There are
more than 500 exhibits (experimental stations) and a wide-range
of lab facilities, making Technorama one of the largest and most
renowned science centres in the world. This centre allows you to
touch and play with several experimental stations according to
the rule nothing will happen unless you make it happen!. Each
year more than a quarter of million visitors enjoy this Swiss Sci-
ence Center.
Swiss Science Center Technorama
Technoramastr. 1
8404 Winterthur, Switzerland
Opening times:
Tue Sun: 10 am 5 pm
Monday: closed
Entrance price: EUR 21.70 (adult)
SPACE CENTER HOUSTON
Are you interested in experiencing a unique human adventure
journeying through space? If yes, the Space Center in Hous-
ton is the perfect place to visit. Its the ofcial NASA Johnson
Space Center, which features a multitude of permanent exhibits,
attractions and theaters. Explore how astronauts are living in
space or how they are trained for their next trip to the Inter-
national Space Station. Also see the Historic Mission Control,
where space programs were monitored until 1992.
Space Center Houson
1601 NASA Pkwy
Houston, Texas, USA
Opening times:
Mon Fri: 10 am 5 pm
Sat Sun: 10 am 6 pm
Entrance price: EUR 17.00 (adult)
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (PUCRS)
The Brazilian museum Science of Technology (PUCRS) is the
only interactive museum of natural science in Latin America.
Learn more about the universe, our planet, its natural environ-
ment and the human being through exploration and participation
in several experiments. See 3D dimensional model of DNA or
check how your hair is raising during the electrostatics show.
Museum of Science and Technology (PUCRS)
Av. Ipiranga, 6.681 Prdio 40
Partenon - Porto Alegre/RS
CEP 90619-900, Brazil
Opening times:
Tue, Thu, Fri: 9 am 5 pm
Wed: 9 am 9 pm
Sat, Sun: 10 am 6 pm
Entrance price: R$ 17 (EUR 5.30)
TOYOTA MUSEUMS
Near Nagoya, there is the Toyota Kaikan Museum where new
models and technologies from this leading Japanese car pro-
ducer are displayed. As well as viewing the newest car models,
you can also see how Toyota produces high quality cars and learn
how the Toyota Partner Robots support the manufacture of fu-
ture concept vehicles. For Toyota fans, we highly recommend to
visit the Toyota Techno Museum (also known as Commemorative
Museum of Industry and Technology) located in central Nagoya.
This museum introduces the history of Toyota from its begin-
nings as a textile machinery manufacturer and also features
many exhibits on automotive technologies as well as the car
production process.
Toyota Kaikan Museum
1 Toyota-cho, Toyota
Aichi, 471-0826, Japan
Opening times:
Mon Sat: 9.30 am 5 pm
Entrance price: Free
TECHNOLOGY FOR FUN
In this issue of measureup, we shall give you travel recommendations for famous museums in
different parts of the world, broaden your knowledge and explore these technological places.
10 MEASUREUP
|
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
MAINTENANCE OF
INDUSTRIAL MACHINE
INSTALLATIONS
Technology for the
construction of a
Brazilian dream
F
rom the original and pio-
neering LTD-500 up to the
modern and compact AT401
Laser Trackers of Hexagon
Metrology, allied to the great
experience in advanced three dimensional
measurements acquired throughout 14
years of history, Tecnimex do Brasil has be-
come one of the major references in provid-
ing portable three dimensional metrology
services in Latin America.
Tecnimex do Brasil is a pioneer in the
measuring services sector and owns 5
Hexagon Metrology systems. The acqui-
sitions, together with the new genera-
tion Leica Absolute Tracker AT401, has
brought us more portability, agility and
further competitiveness, especially due to
its easy transportation on long journeys
across our countrywhich is very large!,
stated Mr. Paulo Vieira, Technical Director,
responsible for the project.
The traditional passion of Brazilians for
football is known worldwide. Full stadi-
ums with cheering passionate crowds
showing their love for a sport that
sometimes can be compared to a religion,
and everything related to the sport, has
become even stronger with the arrival of
the long awaited FIFA World Cup that will
take place in Brazil, in 2014.
With the upcoming FIFA World Cup, old
famous football temples, such as the
Maracan in Rio de Janeiro, and new and
modern stadiums, such as the Arena
Amazonia in Manaus-AM, are being con-
structed at full speed and with the most
modern methods in the world, in terms of
roofing.
Complex metal structures with impres-
sive designs and extremely light and
resilient roofs are being installed within
tight assembly tolerances and within
very short lead times. This has only been
possible with the use of advanced three
dimensional metrology technology, more
commonly used in cutting-edge industries
such as aerospace.
From the construction of the first Mara-
can Stadium roof support beam of the
roof, to the dimensional control, and after
the placement of the last canvas in the
stadium, a rigorous dimensional control
was performed with one of the most ac-
curate three dimensional measuring sys-
tems: the Leica Absolute Tracker AT401
manufactured by Hexagon Metrology, a
well established company when it comes
CASE STUDY
to measurment technology and a worl-
leader in the segment.
With its high precision, its extreme por-
tability and its incomparable measuring
range, the Leica Absolute Tracker AT401
was the ideal tool to ensure that each
part built and pre-assembled on the shop
floor would be a perfect fit during the
final installation at the Stadium. After its
installation, the overall compression ring
was rigorously inspected, thus ensuring
the roofs' maximum efficiency.
The main reasons for us to have chosen
the Hexagon Metrology solution were its
precision, its range and mainly its reliabil-
ity. However, as it is a more portable and
versatile machine, the Leica
Absoloute Tracker AT401 was essential for
the assembly of the beams of the Manaus
stadium and the measurement of the
Maracan Stadium, assured Mr. Paulo
Vieira.
Mr. Vieira also stated that the acquisition
of the Leica Absolute Tracker AT401, with
three dimensional measuring technol-
ogy, the Hexagon Metrology customer
service and product reliability have made
it possible for Tecnimex do Brasil, a genu-
ine Brazilian company, to start serving
customers in the most efficient way and
at a reasonable price, like for the Arena
Amazonia Project, in Manaus.
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
|
MEASUREUP 11
MAINTENANCE OF
INDUSTRIAL MACHINE
INSTALLATIONS
CMM. Higher measuring efciency and the need for portable
measurement led Faway to plan for the purchase of a different
measuring device.
According to Mr. Su, Senior Engineer at Faway it is not easy to
transport large tooling from the production oor to the measuring
room. For example, a single Audi Q5 bumper tooling, made entirely
of aluminum, weighs nearly 400 kg.
MORE AND MORE MEASURING TASKS
The challenges for the inspection engineers included the need
to increase the measuring efciency. They needed to be able to
measure on site, at the bumper manufacturing area, allowing them
to adjust the tooling in real time. A much more efcient solution
needed to be found.
ABSOLUTE ARM SIMPLIFIED THE TOOLING INSPECTION
A new ROMER Absolute Arm became the nal solution for Faway.
With a measuring range of 3 meters, the ROMER 7530SE not only
came equipped with touch-trigger probe, but also an external laser
scanning probe. In addition to size and location measurement,
it can also complete the task of surface-scanning and rapid
inspection. With the touch-trigger probe, the ROMER Absolute
Arm can nish the task of key point and deep bore measurement
ACCELERATING
THE MASS PRODUCTION
OF AUTOMOBILE BUMPERS
Changchun Faway Automobile Compontents Co., Ltd.is located
in Changchun, the cradle of the Chinese automobile industry.
Faway manufactures products such as interior and exterior
automobile components, vehicle wheels, electronics, metal
parts and lters. Faway is the core supplier within the FAW Group
and the strategic partner of several well-known automobile
manufacturers.
In a modern automotive environment, a standard stamping part
is manufactured every 1.5 min and a bumper is produced every
40 seconds. Changchun Faways yearly capacity for the bumper is
up to 450,000 sets. With the increase of volume, Faway invested
to improve its capacity, adding new capability to include 300,000
injection moulding parts and a 450,000 coating capacity per year.
In 2006, the Quality Department of Faway purchased a DEA TORO+
from Hexagon Metrology, single arm horizontal CMM for the
bumper tooling inspection. During the measuring procedure, the
customer needed to load the tooling to the measuring area with
heavy lifting equipment before measurement could take place.
As business was booming, Faway needed more efcient and
convenient measuring tools to suit the requirements of higher
quality components for high-end vehicles. For tooling, the
design was becoming more and more precise and complex, with
many features almost impossible to access with the stationary
12 MEASUREUP
|
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
CASE STUDY
1
ACCELERATING
THE MASS PRODUCTION
OF AUTOMOBILE BUMPERS
O
With the same platform PC-DMIS, Faway can share benets by combining
data from its TORO+ Horizontal Arm CMM and the ROMER Absolute Arm.
O
Bumper tooling. Requiring higher precision and efciency, aportable measur-
ing arm became the appropriate solution.
O
The ROMER Absolute Arm can be equipped with a non-contact laser scanning
probe, which is an optimized method for curve and surface measurement.
O
With the ROMER Absolute Arm, there are no blind spots and a reduced need
for heavy part transport.
with high exibility. There were no dead-ends to the new systems'
capability, especially as the measurement could be completed
at the point of manufacture. Equipped with a non-contact laser
scanning probe, the ROMER Absolute Arm can quickly nish
the task of curved and plastic part inspection. Inspection data
is enhanced compared to touch measurement as there is no
movement of the easily deformed part. For improved accuracy,
the scanning data can be compared to the original CAD model
and its measuring results can be quickly exported in an easy to
understand format.
With a tripod, the ROMER Absolute Arm can be easily transported
between the measuring room and workshops at anytime. The
ROMER Absolute Arm has an integrated battery, with WIFI data
communication; these make harsh shop oor measurement easy
and convenient.
With the ROMER Absolute Arm Faway can measure the positions
of bumpers on the tooling at any time and collect the measured
data. This allows them to quickly obtain adjustment data for the
manufacturing process and graphical measurement reports.
SHARE THE BENEFITS OF PC-DMIS
At Faway, the DEA TORO+ Horizontal Arm CMM and ROMER
Absolute Arm both use PC-DMIS software.
The two measuring stations are networked, allowing measuring
data and programs to be shared with each other. With the powerful
CAD capability, PC-DMIS programmers can write the measuring
program using the CAD data directly. This is convenient for tooling
adjustment and inspection. PC-DMIS has the capability of a direct
interface with UG NX, PRO/E, SolidWorks, CATIA and other CAD
systems. Through import of the CAD model, the programmer can
extract the measuring points directly on the CAD model by using
the simple Auto Feature menu. This reduces the effort of input data
and the need to consult engineering drawings. Measured data also
can be compared directly against the CAD model, which makes it
easy to verify the tooling quality.
Through the portable measurement and PC-DMIS software, Faway
has improved its measuring tools and methods for its tooling,
positioning the company as a leader in the Chinese Bumper market.
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
|
MEASUREUP 13
2
3
4
14 MEASUREUP
|
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
LEITZ PMM-C WITH QUINDOS
AND I++ SIMULATOR
MTU Aero Engines, Munich
CASE STUDY
READY
FOR DEPARTURE
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
|
MEASUREUP 15
Boarding a plane to y from one conti-
nent to another within hours has become
an everyday event for us. Behind that
are over a hundred years of aviation his-
tory and a great deal of high tech, such
as engines produced by MTU Aero
Engines. In its quality assurance, MTU
relies on the power of measuring sys-
tems by Hexagon Metrology.
Measuring blisks is highly complex. They are part
of the geared turbofan jet engine that provides the
thrust for the Airbus A320neo.
16 MEASUREUP
|
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
CASE STUDY
M
TU Aero Engines develops, produces, sells
and maintains civil and military engines for
airplanes and helicopters, as well as industrial
gas turbines. A key success element in the MTU
portfolio is the geared turbofan jet engine, a joint venture
project with the USA-based aviation company, Pratt &
Whitney.
MTU takes care of the rst four stages for the high-pressure
compressor a blisk construction amongst others and
contributes the fast-turning low-pressure turbine. From
a production technology point of view, blisks are complex
components in which blades and disks are integrated in one
component.
Pratt & Whitney is happy that its order-books are continually
swelling. The increase in orders presents a challenge for MTU:
it is intended to increase the production of the technically
sophisticated blisks at the main MTU facility in Munich from 600
to 3,500 pieces by 2016. A steep ramp-up.
METROLOGY EXPERTS REQUIRED
In order to be able to cope with the volume of orders, MTU has
built a 10,000 m
2
large building on the company site in Munich
especially for this purpose. The infrastructure in this building,
including the measuring room, has been designed to exactly suit
the work processes.
Our basic philosophy is to have very stable production
processes, explains Stefan Hertling, Director of Quality
Inspection Production at MTU. To achieve that, we need
metrology which we can use to check the blisks as efciently
as possible. Short measuring times, reduced measurement
uncertainty, process stability and evidence of test instrument
capability were the main criteria in the search for a metrology
partner.
In preparation for the new blisk competence centre, MTU
organised a competition in which ten measuring system
manufacturers took part. It was a fair competition in which
Germany's leading jet engine manufacturer commissioned the
participants to carry out critical metrology tasks on a sample
component with typical characteristics and prole errors. In the
end, Hexagon Metrology PTS prevailed as the winner.
Hexagon Metrology PTS proposed a high-precision Leitz
PMM-C coordinate measuring machine with integrated rotary
table, the exible QUINDOS software and the option for ofine
programming using the I++ Simulator.
DRASTICALLY IMPROVED
With the winning system, it was possible to drastically shorten
the measuring times stipulated by MTU. When measuring the
sample component, Hexagon Metrology PTS achieved an overall
measuring time that was reduced by 65% while maintaining test
process capability. The measuring time for the blade proles
was reduced even more by 75%.
Stefan Hertling: The option of being able to produce measuring
programmes ofine is also a massive improvement. This means
that we can use the measuring machines exclusively for our
own measuring tasks. Thanks to the ofine programming,
MTU is no longer tied to the production cycle. They no longer
need the operator, the machine or the blisk in its physical
form to produce a programme. The measuring process is
completely programmed and optimised in the virtual measuring
environment, which is a 100 percent representation of the real
measuring situation, including the machine, the component,
xturing and probe congurations etc. This is where the I++
Simulator software package by Hexagon Metrology PTS is
useful.
Step by step integration:
the measuring room in the new blisk
building provides space for eight Leitz
PMM-C coordinate measuring machines.
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
|
MEASUREUP 17
CLOSE COOPERATION
Both partners opted for very close cooperation right from the
very start. Hexagon Metrology PTS also provided much support
at the programming stage. We are determined to produce
efcient measuring programmes that are available in time for
blisk production. In order to ensure this in the face of this steep
ramp-up, it was clear that we would need expert support for this
software, which is new for us. The cooperation was very close
and successful, says Hertling.
The geometries to be included in the programme were not
just of the standard type. Helmut Mller, Managing Director
of Hexagon Metrology PTS, followed the project very closely:
Measuring blisks is highly complicated. In addition to normal
geometries, there are free-form surfaces, blade proles, the
position of the blades and other characteristics to be taken
into account. The objective was to be able to run each blisk
programme on each coordinate measuring machine. At the
same time it was important to keep the operation manageable
in spite of the fact that the underlying software is very
versatile. Furthermore, we aimed to have as few different key
combinations as possible. We had to do much preparatory work
to establish this infrastructure.
The effort has proved to be worth it. The total of eight Leitz
PMM-C measuring machines are being installed step by step
and in the same conguration. Using a standard xturing
system, the ten-strong metrology team of MTU Aero Engines is
able to clamp all types of blisks, as well as measure these items
during production and carry out a nal inspection. MTU is ready
for departure thanks to the measurement concept provided by
Hexagon Metrology PTS.
Completely ofine: using the I++ Simulator, MTU
produces all measuring programmes away from
the production site.
.
INSPIRING
THE WORLD TO
TAKE ACTION
Combing the strength of Intergraph, Hexagon
Metrology and Leica Geosystems, HxGN LIVE,
Hexagons annual conference, features must-see
technologies, inspiring keynotes and unlimited
networking with top industry leaders.
REGISTER TODAY AT
hxgnlive.com/register
INSPIRING
THE WORLD TO
TAKE ACTION
Combining the strength of Intergraph, Hexagon
Metrology and Leica Geosystems, HxGN LIVE,
Hexagons annual conference, features must-see
technologies, inspiring keynotes and unlimited
networking with top industry leaders.
REGISTER TODAY AT
hxgnlive.com/register
18 MEASUREUP
|
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
NRK "SA IS COMING
TO YOUR CITY" TOUR
New River Kinematics (NRK), producer of SpatialAnalyzer (SA), started
a 16 city tour of SA user seminars across the United States.
The SA is Coming to Your City tour of one-day training seminars kicked
off this September and will continue through the rst half of 2014.
The 16 city tour presents an opportunity for current and prospective SA
users to take advantage of free training and convenient networking with
SA experts and fellow metrologists. Each seminar will be geared to benet
SA users of all experience levels, as well as NRKs hardware partners. In
addition to the educational aspects, the seminars also provide attendees
the opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in SpatialAnalyzer
and provide feedback.
NRKs core software package, SpatialAnalyzer, is swiftly becoming the
leading portable metrology software in manufacturing settings around the
world. NRK continues to partner with all leading instrument manufacturers
and SpatialAnalyzer interfaces with well over 120 different portable
metrology instruments.
Paul Collins, NRK President, says, On the heels of a highly successful
2013 SA User Conference earlier this year, we are pleased to offer SA
users additional user seminars at a multitude of locations around the US.
SA is a robust software package with a wide variety of applications, so
veteran users and novice users alike can benet from additional training
opportunities.
New River Kinematics, based in Williamsburg, Virginia, is a leading provider
of portable metrology software to companies around the world. Its agship
product, SpatialAnalyzer, specializes in spatial transformations, data tting,
geometry construction, analysis, reporting, robot calibration, and 3D CAD
data exchange for manufacturers worldwide.
Spend a day with NRK and attend a FREE one-day training seminar at one
of our tour stops around the US. Learn about the latest upgrades in SA, how
SA's most powerful and advanced capabilities can help you, and much more.
Seminar Topics:
Optimization
USMN
Measurement Plans
What's New in SA
SA User Tips
Q&A / Discussion
Open House with Metrology Equipment
Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments included
Exclusive sales promotions
Souvenir t-shirts for all attendees
Certicates of completion provided upon request
Attendance is free all you need to do is register under
www.kinematics.com/SAiscomingtoyourcity and spend
a day with NRK! Each seminar will run from 9am-3pm.
Winter/Spring 2014 Tour Stops:
Denver, CO
Detroit, MI
Hampton Roads, VA
Huntsville, AL
Los Angeles, CA
Orlando, FL
San Francisco, CA
St. Louis, MO
Washington, DC
Wichita, KS
Questions? Please contact Jessica Ruff
jessica@kinematics.com
with questions regarding SA user events.
INSPIRING
THE WORLD TO
TAKE ACTION
Combing the strength of Intergraph, Hexagon
Metrology and Leica Geosystems, HxGN LIVE,
Hexagons annual conference, features must-see
technologies, inspiring keynotes and unlimited
networking with top industry leaders.
REGISTER TODAY AT
hxgnlive.com/register
INSPIRING
THE WORLD TO
TAKE ACTION
Combining the strength of Intergraph, Hexagon
Metrology and Leica Geosystems, HxGN LIVE,
Hexagons annual conference, features must-see
technologies, inspiring keynotes and unlimited
networking with top industry leaders.
REGISTER TODAY AT
hxgnlive.com/register
20 MEASUREUP
|
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
GLOBAL
PRESENCE
Close to customers, everywhere
We think global and act local with smart
investments in Asia Pacic
Wherever you live in the world, theres a very good chance that you will nd Hexagon
Metrology. We believe that shaping change to meet the growing needs of our world
is not only possible, but an imperative for us all. We design and build our products in
USA, Europe, China and Japan and we have our presence in more than 30 countries.
Our knowledgeable sales team spends most of their time not in an ofce, but out in the
eld, meeting and consulting with our customers. In addition, our global network of
regional ofces provides expert sales and service, no matter where you are.
COVER STORY
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
|
MEASUREUP 21
WE ARE HEXAGON METROLOGY
WHERE QUALITY COMES TOGETHER.
Our focus on local service with a
globalised business strategy strikes
the balance between being a true global
metrology company, while maintaining a
personal touch and local on-the-ground
understanding. We ensure product delivery
and tailored personalised service as our
core competencies that we draw from our
borderless metrology experience.
At Hexagon Metrology, we are powered by
globally qualied and skilled workforce
of metrology professionals. They are
constantly travelling across geographies to
facilitate product training, open-houses,
networking conferences and seminars,
business skills training, support and service,
dedicated consultancy for specic projects
and other events and exhibitions. We also
operate representative ofces and have
dedicated distributors around the world in
key markets.
We believe that ultimately it is our
customers who measure our success. Our
goal is to have our customers consider
Hexagon Metrology as their best choice
regardless of their geographic location. In
fact, as a global metrology brand, we always
lay our efforts on becoming part of the
local culture, adapting to the unique needs,
values and desires of our customers. We
have a vast range of products that enjoy the
advantage of being familiar with local tastes
and customs and take advantage of being
rmly entrenched in the local culture.
With increasing heterogeneity in the
metrology market and global exposure
just one tweet away, all brands, even
local ones, must begin to think globally.
Companies with world-class technology
and design creativity now have the option
of going beyond local touches to individual
customization.
LOCAL PRESENCE BENEFITS ALL
When exploring global markets and the
location of production of metrology
products, Asia Pacic (APAC) countries
easily emerge as the focal points of the
future, whether talking about products or
services.
With nearly 180 employees across APAC
(Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea,
Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam)
excluding China, Hexagon Metrology offers a
strong local presence and understanding of
specic requirements and business needs
across the whole region.
We work with hundreds of customers across
APAC in all possible industries. Leading
players such as Ford, Honda, Toyota, Volvo,
Mahindra & Mahindra, Boeing or Hyundai
trust Hexagon Metrology since years.
The Hexagon group has embarked on
many acquisitions in the past ten years and
now has the widest portfolio of metrology
products and solutions in the market says
Boon Choon Lim, President APAC, Hexagon
Metrology Asia Pacic. He adds, Acquired
businesses add new technologies and
know-how to the group product portfolio,
strengthening the customer offering and
creating potential for a stronger presence
in markets with high growth and favorable
protability. We will continue to acquire
differentiated technologies and develop in
new countries. We now bring all our different
brands under the same umbrella with a
unied branding strategy.
Boon Choon comments, We are a global
company with a local touch. Indeed it
could be seen as both, a global metrology
company with a local management, but with
a global reach.
3
2
6 7
8
9
10
11
22 MEASUREUP
|
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
Looking forward, we believe that APAC is
still a very dynamic region. A major chunk
of general investments are coming into
South-East Asia with a strong development
in South Korea and a great potential for
Thailand and Indonesia. Further, there
are copious automobile and aerospace
customers in the growing market like APAC,
and if we establish a strong association
with them, the business will have a
positive impact on our operations in these
traditional markets.
HARNESSING DIVERSITY
Hexagon Metrology believes that each
market presents unique challenges which
can be achieved by a practical, exible and
adaptable approach to market entry. While
it is important that businesses need to be
aware of the pitfalls, it is also critical to have
clarity on the nuances between regions.
APAC also presents unique challenges.
It is incredibly diverse, with wide cultural
differences in each country and varying
levels of political maturity, governmental
regulations and technological
infrastructure. However, we see this region
presenting us with some of the best growth
opportunities in metrology business
for the future. APAC countries are very
successful in adopting new technologies
and innovation. While most businesses view
technology and the markets underlying
infrastructure as a barrier to enter or
expand in this region, APAC countries are
more or less able to compete with lower
cost economies because they are innovative
and technologically advanced.
We nurture a truly customer-focused
culture and support our customers with
a local touch. We have well established
commercial operations in major APAC
countries with each local ofce having a
strong understanding of the demands of its
regional market. Majority of our employees
are locally-hired, speak local dialects and
understand the market specicities. This
empowers us to strengthen our robust and
reliable value chain.
3 3
4
1
5
5
O
Demo room Malaysia ofce
O
Demo room Singapore ofce
O
New ofce inauguration of APAC
Headquarters in Singapore, 18
February, 2013
O
MTA 2013 show in Singapore (9-12
April 2013)
O
Aerospace Industry Exhibition
Tokyo 2013, Japan (2-4 October
2013)
O
Manufacturing Expo BITEC
2013, Thailand (20-23 June)
O
Boon Choon Lim, President APAC,
Hexagon Metrology Asia Pacic
O
APAC Management Meeting in
Bangkok, Thailand from 15-16
August 2013
O
Ofce Building / Branding
Malaysia
G
Ofce South Korea
11

Calibration centre Noida (India)
ofce
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
|
MEASUREUP 23
DELIVERING HIGH PERFORMANCE
Hexagon Metrology has a holistic approach
to delivering solutions and services to
our APAC customers. While building and
training a pool of highly qualied engineers,
we aim to provide top-notch services to
our customers while continuing to invest in
people, training and facilities.
In addition to providing high-precision
technology, we assist our customers in
achieving their objectives through the use
of world-class support and service, coupled
with excellent business understanding and
exibility.
OFFERING BEST-OF-CLASS
ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE
In response to shaping change to meet
the growing business needs in APAC region
we have expanded and relocated our APAC
headquarters to a new and larger space in
Singapore. We have also set-up new PCMM
(Portable Coordinate Measuring Machine)
calibration centres in Singapore, Noida
(India) and Sagamihara (Japan).
This is not all. To further extend our
go-to-market footprint, we will soon be
announcing the launch of our new base in
Jakarta, Indonesia. This will help Hexagon
Metrology enhance the capabilities of our
Indonesia business, drive development
and deliver unique metrology solutions for
our expanding local client base. These new
facilities are part of our commitment to
provide enhanced aftermarket service and
support our customers, thereby helping
them optimize the effectiveness of their
operations.
Norbert Hanke, CEO and President,
Hexagon Metrology says, We see this move
as a positive change towards a bright future
for our organisation and our employees.
Further, this change reects our condence
in our ability to continuously grow and
provide high quality products, services and
support to all our customers.
ENSURING WORLD-CLASS
MANUFACTURING
Today the competitive advantage lies in
combining just-in-time manufacturing
and mass distribution with the ability to
customize products for our customers.
At Hexagon Metrology Asia Pacic, our
world-class technology and design
creativity has the option of going beyond
local touches to individual customization.
Our highly efcient professionals
continuously work to drive improvements
across our organization: looking for ways
to optimize our manufacturing process,
make our products better, and pass the
solutions and benets to our customers
simultaneously ensuring every engineering
specication is precisely met.
BRINGING IN THE NEW AT APAC FACILITIES
We take pride when we say that all our
APAC facilities look refreshing with the
new Hexagon Metrology branding. The
rebranding offers a perfect environment
to accommodate growth and provides a
complete picture of our comprehensive
product range. Our ofces promote an
integrated work atmosphere where our
dedicated, experienced and forward-
thinking employees continue to develop,
deploy and support Hexagon Metrologys
business.
NURTURING OUR PEOPLE
At Hexagon Metrology, we understand
that people make the difference between
a good company and a great company.
Our team of 180 employees in APAC region
demonstrates the highest degree of
commitment and service to our customers.
Our employees are experts in their
respective elds, and work in research and
development, marketing, sales, assembly,
installation, customer training, service and
administration.
Additionally, our promise of world-class
manufacturing, sales and after markets
extends to the Hexagon Metrology training
programs that we organise for our work
force. We believe that our employees are
our greatest assets and therefore offer
them continuous learning opportunities to
hone their skills that are required for their
own career progression and overall success
of Hexagon Metrologys business.
THE NEXT BIG THING
At Hexagon Metrology Asia Pacic, we
constantly strive to deliver extra value to
our customers. Although, customers prefer
being associated with a global metrology
solutions company like ours, they also value
variety and uniqueness.
At Hexagon Metrology, we believe in
providing innovative design, measurement
and visualisation technologies to help
shape change for a better, smarter world
for all.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS APAC REGION
Set-up commercial operations in
Jakarta, Indonesia by the end of 2013.
Launch of PCMM calibration centres in
Singapore, Noida (India) and Sagamihara
(Japan) in 2013. These calibration
centres offer a one-stop solution for
all metrology needs of the customer
thereby ensuring a superior end-user
experience.
We take pride in being the market
leaders in aerospace sector in countries
such as Korea and Malaysia.
We are a market leader in technical
services, consultancy, installation,
warranty, maintenance and repair
services; assembling metrology
products including portable measuring
arms and coordinate measuring
machines.
24 MEASUREUP
|
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
CASE STUDY
HIGHEST
PRECISION FOR
ENGINE
MAINTENANCE
Exclusive, portable and versatile:
the TESA UNIMASTER universal measuring
instrument enables large dimensions
of heavy jet engine components to be
measured in the maintenance environment.
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
|
MEASUREUP 25
Inaccurate dimensions can cause unforeseen problems and,
as a result, quality assurance is a top priority, particularly in
the aviation industry. The measurement methods used at SR
Technics, which form an integral part of the repair process,
have to meet high standards. The company relies on a wide
range of testing tools and instruments. The TESA UNIMASTER
plays a central role in measuring particularly large internal
and external dimensions. SR Technics has eleven units of this
universal measuring tool in long-term use.
SR Technics, headquartered in Zurich, is one of the largest
independent providers of technical aircraft services in
the world. It is a full-service provider of MRO for aircraft,
component, and engine services. The companys Engine
Services division specializes in maintaining and repairing
CFM56 and PW4000 jet engines manufactured by CFM
International and Pratt & Whitney. The demanding
maintenance, repair and overhaul tasks must be carried out in
accordance with the manufacturers stringent specications
and require the highest levels of precision.
Absolute precision is equally important during the inspection
of the components dimensions after the work has been
completed. Our employees have a high level of responsibility
particularly with regard to the extremely expensive engine
components, says Daniel Povse, capability implementer in
the CoE Cases & Frames department. So it is vital that our
maintenance specialists can rely totally on the measurement
tools they are using. Every specialist is responsible for ensuring
that the measurement devices are correctly calibrated.
The company, which is ISO 9110:2010 certied, has made use of
the entire range of TESA handheld measuring instruments, both
standard and customized models, in its repair departments
for many years. A measuring tool for large dimensions, which
is the only one of its kind for this type of application, has been
particularly valuable to the aircraft maintenance company. The
handheld TESA UNIMASTER, which has been commercialised
for 55 years and carries the SWISS MADE label, combines high
precision and mobility.
This combination is hugely valuable when it comes to measuring
heavy engine components, such as combustion chambers,
diffuser cases or low-pressure turbine cases (Figure 1). The
TESA UNIMASTER comes into its own when calipers are not
sufciently accurate and the transport of the work piece
towards a 3D-coordinate measuring machine is too complex for
logistical reasons.
Before the measurement is made, the robust measuring
device is adapted to the size of the component using a range
of extensions. The extensions are made of steel, have quick
connectors, are tted using a special screwdriver and enable
the device to measure dimensions ranging from 250 to 2500 mm
(see Figure 2). At SR Technics, the TESA UNIMASTER is zeroed
and congured on a measuring bench in order to transfer the
reference measurement to the instrument (Figure 3).
After this, the employee can take the calibrated measuring
instrument directly to the component and make absolute
measurements or faster comparative measurements in
the chuck of the mill or lathe (see Figure 4). As part of the
maintenance process at SR Technics, the engine components
are chrome- or nickel-plated or plasma-coated to repair
any damage. In order to ensure that the diameter after
the maintenance work remains the same as the original
measurement, the component is inspected by means of the
TESA UNIMASTER. Using the two-point measurement method,
measurement errors can be effectively kept to a minimum.
The instrument has one xed anvil and one which can be
moved lengthways. The measuring movements of the ball-
bearing-mounted anvil are transmitted to an integral dial
indicator which allows the measurements to be taken with a
nearly constant force. The advantage of the device is that it
is largely independent of the feel of the person carrying out
the inspection, which increases the reliability of the results.
In addition, the direction of the measuring force applied by
the mobile anvil can be reversed, which allows the TESA
UNIMASTER to be used for measuring both internal and
external dimensions. This is another feature which makes the
instrument particularly useful for SR Technics.
THE UNIMASTER PRINCIPLE
The TESA UNIMASTER is designed on the principle of an
internal micrometer with two-point contact. The display
setting of the instrument can be made via the setting gauge
that is part of the delivery content. The tool is ideal for a wide
variety of measurements, including diameters, bore sizes etc.
The instrument can be converted from internal to external
measurements using the adjuster screw on the mobile anvil.
The reversal point is displayed on the integral shockproof
lever-type indicator. The user-friendly device meets the
high standards of SR Technics as a result of its consistent
measurements, stiffness, heat-resistance and reliable display.
SR Technics is impressed by the versatility, exibility, stability
and low maintenance requirements of the TESA UNIMASTER.
The specialists agree that the portable measuring tool always
allows them to meet the necessary tolerances quickly and
precisely. It is easy to use and, therefore, produces reliable
results in the case of measurements taken both horizontally
and vertically.
The long service life of the instrument indicates how robust it
is. We have been using one of our eleven UNIMASTER devices
26 MEASUREUP
|
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
for more than 40 years, explains Andreas Schlagenhauf, calibration specialist for dimensional
measurements who is also responsible for purchasing measuring equipment. This conrms
our view that TESA handheld measuring devices offer high levels of quality, excellent results
and reliability.
We would like to thank SR Technics for their friendly support and for the authorization to
publish this case study.
ABOUT THE MUBADALA AEROSPACE MRO NETWORK
A solid MRO network is one of the main facets of the aerospace industry that Mubadala
Aerospace aims to build. In line with its greater vision to contribute to the aerospace sector
for Abu Dhabi, Mubadala Aerospace is creating a network of companies which include a full
spectrum of aerospace products and services.
Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies (ADAT) is the Middle East's leading independent aviation
technical solutions provider, and offers a comprehensive set of airframe, engine and
component maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
Zurich-based SR Technics is one of the largest independent providers of technical aircraft
services in the world. It is a full-service provider of MRO for aircraft, component, and engine
services. This is coupled with extensive engineering know-how, broad technical training
offerings, and VIP completion services. www.srtechnics.com
ABOUT TESA
Established in 1941, TESA SA manufactures and markets today more than 5,000
dimensional metrology products, ranging from high-precision hand-held tools to
sophisticated measuring systems. CMM products and vision systems for non-contact
measurement are now also included. Most of them are produced under the SWISS
MADE Label.
A worldwide direct sales and distribution network is one of the major assets of the
Swiss company whose primary markets are the automotive, aerospace, watch-
making, medical and metal processing.
www.tesabs.ch
1
2 2
3
4
5
3
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
|
MEASUREUP 27
O
Internal measurement of a
low-pressure turbine case, SR
Technics, Engine Services, CoE
Cases & Frames department.
O
Internal measurement of a dif-
fuser case in a lathe chuck.
O
A universal measuring instru-
ment which is also suitable for
smaller dimensions. External
measurement of a compressor
rotor spool, stage 4-9 using a
short extension.
O
Fitting the extension made
from protective steel tubing
with an integrated, tungsten-
carbide-tipped gauge block.
O
Transferring the reference
measurement from the
measuring bench to the
UNIMASTER.

28 MEASUREUP
|
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
PART 2
AUTOMATION
EXPLAINED
METROLOGY
ASSISTED
ASSEMBLY
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
|
MEASUREUP 29
AUTOMATION
EXPLAINED
METROLOGY
ASSISTED
ASSEMBLY
Leica Geosystems Laser Trackers were
among the rst technologies that helped
the aerospace industry with Metrology
Assisted Assembly (MAA). Hundreds
of laser-tracker-based installations
all around the world are operated
successfully every day.

In this edition and the previous one,
measureup details two different Metrology
Assisted Assembly concepts that will
allow both the front-end (Human Machine
Interface) and the backend (Analysis and
Database Management) of the metrology
software to be completely independent of
the nal hardware solution.
30 MEASUREUP
|
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
Nominal
Trigger
Measurement
Datum Points
Dev.
Database
Measurement Process Manager
Measurement
Software
Assembly Process Manager
Jig- and Tool Controller
(Actuators)
Application Process Manager
Actual
Graphical User Interface
Tracker 1
Tracker 2
Tracker x
The advantages of this type of solution have been clearly
identied on some of our early integration projects. The
Measurement Process Manager, controls all of the func-
tions related to the actual metrology measurements, and can
then be controlled by any independent Application Process
Manager, or integrated Human Machine Interface. This could
be demonstrated in a recent project where multiple Laser
Trackers were bundled together, oriented to a single station
location, and then controlled by a very simple Visualbasic
application. This not only allows you to separate the software
front end, but also (as shown in this example) allows you to
then send the measured results to any addition software
package for further analysis.
Lets look at how this concept could be used in a standard
measurement process as it would relate to a 3D point based
wing to body assembly. In the rst three steps listed below,
the Laser Tracker needs to be initialized, the nominal points
need to be read in from the global database, and the refer-
ence points need to be measured. In the last three steps the
multiple stations are bundled together using the reference
points and are then aligned directly to the fuselage. Once the
stations are aligned to each other and to the fuselage, the
points on the wings can be measured sequentially. The Mea-
surement Process Manager takes control of this complete
process by allowing all of the measurements to be stored,
A Front End Software Independent Solution
Software with an Advanced Internal Scripting language
There are two main concepts on how to integrate a metrology
based software solution into an automated assembly cell.
The rst and most common, is to use the metrology software
as the Measurement Process Manager. In this scenario the
metrology software is responsible to interface with all of
the needed products i.e. measurement sensors, databases,
positioning systems, etc.

Nominal
Trigger
Measurement
Datum Points
Dev.
Database
Measurement Software Assembly Process Manager
Jig- and Tool Controller
(Actuators)
Actual
Tracker 1
Application Process
Manager
Measurement Process
Manager

Tracker 2
Tracker x
Graphical User Interface
This process has been used on a number of automation
installations due to its ease of integration. In this setup the
Assembly Process Manager provides the correction param-
eters from measurement software to the jig and tool control-
lers (actuators). In this case, the measurement software
package needs to be very advanced, and must include native
interfaces to any of the control devices, and have a highly
customizable internal macro language. An example of this
type of solution would be SpatialAnalyzer (SA). We will not
go into too much detail on this type of integration since it is
well accepted in most industries. Many of these projects are
detailed on the New River Kinematics website for SpatialAna-
lyzer software at www.kinematics.com.
Software with an SDK based External Scripting Language
The second concept is to use an independent Measurement
Process Manager that wraps around the actual measurement
software. In this conguration the measurement software
package doesnt need to be able to interface to every required
device. The measurement software can talk to the measure-
ment sensor(s), while the Measurement Process Manager is
responsible for the communication between the measure-
ment software, external positioning systems, databases, etc.

More Information?
Read part one of this article in measureup 1/2013 or see
Leica Automated Solutions in action at http://hex.ag/fLzUx
bundled, and best-t with only a handful of commands
required by the controlling application. This removes the need
for the integration company to have an in-depth knowledge
of metrology to be able to achieve the desired results very
quickly through a simple SDK.
STEP 1: INITIALIZE MEASUREMENT PROCESS
STEP 2: READ IN NOMINAL FROM DATABASE
STEP 3: MEASURE REFERENCE POINTS
STEP 4: BUNDLE STATIONS
STEP 5: ALIGN STATIONS SETUP TO FUSELAGE
STEP 6: MEASURE ACTUAL WING POSITION
Now lets take this process a step further. Traditionally the
Laser Tracker measures a series of xed points on the wing
and body respectively; the measurement software (e.g. Spa-
tialAnalyzer) then calculates the movement deltas and writes
the results to a central database. The Assembly Process
Manager can read those values and move the actuators incre-
mentally in an iterative process between measuring, moving,
stopping, measuring, moving, stopping, etc until the wing
is in its nal assembly location. The iterations require the
object to be stationary while being measured and this can be
a tedious and time consuming process. To speed this process
up we could use the Leica Geosystems 6DoF MAP System and
SA Machine to allow the wing to be tracked in real-time with
an automated feedback loop.
ABOVE SPECIFIED
SAFETY GAP

YES

C
SEND DEVIATIONS
TO ASSEMBLY
PROCESS
STEP 1: INITIALIZE MEASUREMENT PROCESS
STEP 2: READ IN NOMINAL FROM DATABASE
STEP 9: MEASURE T-MAC POSITION
CALC DEVIATION OF ACTUAL DATUM
POINT POSITION
SA Machine and the Leica Absolute Tracker would not only
control all of the measurements and their mathematics, but
would also manage the control loop between the 6DoF mea-
surements and the actuators. This would allow for a system
integrator to implement a very fast and accurate positioning
system with very low-tech positioning hardware. Because the
6DoF laser tracker and metrology software are responsible
for all of the positioning control and calculations, the posi-
tioning device itself isn't required to be very intelligent and is
therefore easier to install and cheaper to maintain.
32 MEASUREUP
|
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
R
a
m
a
t

H
a
s
h
a
r
o
n
,

I
s
r
a
e
l
Q
i
n
g
d
a
o
,

C
h
i
n
a
Z
h
e
n
j
i
a
n
g
,

C
h
i
n
a
G
u
a
n
g
z
h
o
u
,

C
h
i
n
a
S
i
n
g
a
p
o
r
e
H
a
m
a
m
a
t
s
u
,
J
a
p
a
n
R
e
n
e
n
s
,

S
w
i
t
z
e
r
l
a
n
d
H
e
e
r
b
r
u
g
g
,

S
w
i
t
z
e
r
l
a
n
d
W
a
l
d
b
u
r
g
,

G
e
r
m
a
n
y
W
e
t
z
l
a
r
,

G
e
r
m
a
n
y
S
a
a
r
w
e
l
l
i
n
g
e
n
,

G
e
r
m
a
n
y
M
o
n
t
o
i
r
e
,

F
r
a
n
c
e
S
t
o
c
k
h
o
l
m
,

S
w
e
d
e
n

(
H
e
a
d
q
u
a
r
t
e
r
s

H
e
x
a
g
o
n

A
B
)
L
o
n
d
o
n
,

U
K

(
H
e
a
d
q
u
a
r
t
e
r
s

H
e
x
a
g
o
n

M
e
t
r
o
l
o
g
y
)
T
e
l
f
o
r
d
,

U
K
T
o
r
i
n
o
,

I
t
a
l
y
O
c
e
a
n
s
i
d
e
,

C
A
N
o
r
t
h

K
i
n
g
s
t
o
w
n
,

R
I
S

o

P
a
u
l
o
,

B
r
a
z
i
l
V
i
t
o
r
i
a
,

S
p
a
i
n
N
o
i
d
a
,

I
n
d
i
a
LOCATIONS
Europe
AUSTRIA
Wiener Neudorf
Tel: +43 2236 860 070, Fax: +43 2236 860 070-11
contact.at@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.at
CZECH REPUBLIC
Prague
Tel: +420 272 680 830, Fax: +420 272 680 833
info.cz@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.cz
FINLAND
Vantaa
Tel: +358 10 320 61 20, Fax: +358 10 320 61 29
info.@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.se
FRANCE
Courtaboeuf (Paris)
Tel: +33 1 69 29 12 00, Fax: +33 1 69 29 00 32
commercial.fr@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.fr
Colomiers (Toulouse)
Tel: +33 5 34 51 70 95, Fax: +33 5 34 51 79 44
Montoire (ROMER)
Tel: +33 2 54 86 40 40, Fax: +33 2 54 86 40 59
www.romer.eu
Saint-Priest (Lyon)
Tel: +33 4 72 37 90 60, Fax: +33 4 72 37 90 61
GERMANY
Wetzlar
Tel: +49 6441 20 70, Fax: +49 6441 207 122
contact.de@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.de
Munich
Tel: +49 6441 20 70, Fax: +49 89 14 98 10 59
Hexagon Metrology
Regional PrecisionCentres
Along with more than 20 manufacturing facilities, Hexagon Metrology has over 70 direct
precision centres, plus a network of over 100 agents and distributors across the world.
Wherever you are, Hexagon Metrology is never far away.
HUNGARY
Budapest
Tel: +36 1 260 53 94, Fax: +36 1 260 48 83
contact.hu@hexagonmetrology.com
www.kompakt-gep.hu
ITALY
Grugliasco (TO)
Tel: +39 011 4025 111, Fax: +39 011 4025 472
commerciale.it@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.it
Calderara di Reno (BO)
Tel: +39 051 725 254, Fax: +39 051 725 288
Cormano (MI)
Tel: +39 02 6154 111, Fax: +39 02 6150 473
Napoli (NA)
Tel: +39 081 752 4133, Fax: +39 081 752 1181
Orbassano (TO)
Tel +39 011 4025 111, Fax +39 011 4025 472
Verona (VR)
Tel: +39 335 7622 338, Fax: +39 011 4025 472
NOVEMBER 2013 www.hexagonmetrology.com
|
MEASUREUP 33
NETHERLANDS
Waalre
Tel: +31 40 222 2210, Fax: +31 40 222 1715
contact.nl@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.nl
POLAND
Cracow
Tel: +48 12 647 08 27, Fax: +48 12 647 08 27
info.pl@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.pl
Warsaw
Tel: +48 22 500 28 62, Fax: +48 22 500 28 64
SPAIN
Cerdanyola del Valls (Barcelona)
Tel: +34 93 594 69 20, Fax: +34 93 594 69 21
recepcion.spain@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.es
Fuenlabrada (Madrid)
Tel: +34 93 594 69 20, Fax: +34 93 594 69 21
Vitoria-Gasteiz (lava)
Tel: +34 945 291 975, Fax: +34 945 291 678
SWEDEN
Eskilstuna
Tel: +46 16 160800, Fax: +46 16 160890
info.se@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.se
Gothenburg
Tel: +46 16 160882, Fax: +46 16 16089
Mora
Tel: +46 250 12590, Fax: +46 16 160890
Trans
Tel: +46 16 160880, Fax: +46 16 160890
Trollhttan
Tel: +46 16 160881, Fax: +46 16 160890
SWITZERLAND
Crissier
Tel: +41 21 633 50 33, Fax: +41 21 633 50 34
mail.ch@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.ch
Aarau-West
Tel: +41 62 737 67 37, Fax: +41 62 737 67 38
Renens (TESA)
Tel: +41 21 633 16 00, Fax: +41 21 633 17 57
tesa-info@hexagonmetrology.com
www.tesabs.ch
Unterentfelden (Leica Geosystems,
Metrology Products)
Tel: +41 62 737 67 67, Fax: +41 62 737 68 68
info.metrology@leica-geosystems.com
www.leica-geosystems.com/metrology
TURKEY
Bursa
Tel: +90 224 441 98 00, Fax: +90 224 441 06 05
info.turkey@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.com.tr
Ankara
Tel: +90 312 417 14 14, Fax: +90 312 425 58 38
UK
Telford
Tel: +44 870 446 2667, Fax: +44 870 446 2668
enquiry.uk@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.co.uk
Chester
Tel: +44 870 446 2667, Fax: +44 870 446 2668
Milton Keynes
Tel: +44 870 446 2667, Fax: +44 870 446 2668
Africa, Central & Eastern Europe,
Middle East
Tel: +39 011 4025 111, Fax: +39 011 7803 254
info.itex@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.eu
Russia & Other countries of CIS
Tel: +39 011 4025 212, Fax :+39 011 4025 230
info.itex@hexagonmetrology.com
Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia

Tel: +33 1 69 29 12 00, Fax: +33 1 69 29 00 32
commercial.fr@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.fr
Asia-Pacic
CHINA
Qingdao
Tel: +86 532 8870 5188, Fax: +86 532 8870 2830
info.cn@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.com.cn
Beijing
Tel: +86 10 6789 2461, Fax: +86 10 6789 2462
Chengdu
Tel: +86 28 8671 6718, Fax: +86 28 8671 6730
Guangzhou
Tel: +86 20 3810 7978, Fax: +86 20 3810 7979
Nanjing
Tel: +86 25 8698 8800, Fax: +86 25 8698 8801
Ningbo
Tel: +86 574 8737 6262, Fax: +86 574 8733 5159
Shanghai
Tel: +86 21 6353 1000, Fax: +86 21 5106 2273
Shenyang
Tel: +86 24 2334 1690, Fax: +86 24 2334 1685
Shenzhen
Tel: +86 755 8602 8088, Fax: +86 755 8602 7270
Suzhou
Tel: +86 512 6280 0880, Fax: +86 512 6280 0990
Wuhan
Tel: +86 27 8792 8428, Fax: +86 27 8719 6191
Xian
Tel: +86 29 8836 1018, Fax: +86 29 8836 1019
INDIA
Noida
Tel: +91 120 472 3000, Fax: +91 120 433 2455
contact@hexmetindia.com
www.hexagonmetrology.asia
Bangalore
Tel: +91 80 4113 0539, Fax: +91 80 4113 0489
Chennai
Tel: +91 44 2654 0062, Fax: +91 44 2654 0034
Coimbatore
Tel: +91 422 259 1260, Fax: +91 422 259 1270
Pune
Tel: +91 20 2729 0114, Fax: +91 20 2729 0116
JAPAN
Sagamihara-shi (Kanagawa)
Tel: +81 42 700 3 500, Fax: +81 42 700 3511
info.jp@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.asia
KOREA
Seongnam (Gyeonggi)
Tel: +82 31 730 0898, Fax: +82 31 730 0891
korea@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.co.kr
Ulsan, Gyeong-nam
Tel: +82 52 227 3480, Fax: +82 52 227 3481
MALAYSIA
Petaling Jaya (Selangor)
Tel: +60 3 5632 8900, Fax: +60 3 5632 8955
contact.my@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.asia
SINGAPORE
Singapore
Tel: +65 6463 6242, Fax: +65 6463 8030
contact.sg@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.asia
THAILAND
Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 361 3695, Fax: +66 2 746 9607 contact.
th@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.asia
TAIWAN
Taipei
Tel: +886 2 2600 6360, Fax: +886 2 2600 6362
info@chinabnsmc.com
www.hexagonmetrology.com.cn
VIETNAM
Hanoi
Tel: +84 4 3936 7935, Fax: +84 4 3936 8069
contact.vn@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.asia
Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 8 5445 6665
Fax: +84 8 5445 6660
North America
USA
Rhode Island, North Kingstown
Tel: +1 855 433 9638 (Toll Free), Tel: +1 401 886
2000 Fax: +1 401 886 2727
info@hexagonmetrology.us
www.hexagonmetrology.us
California, Lake Forest
Tel: +1 800 955 5200, Fax: +1 949 916 4498
Illinois, Elgin
Tel: +1 847 931 0100, Fax: +1 847 931 1979
Michigan, Wixom
Tel: +1 248 449 9400, Fax: +1 248 449 7438
North Carolina, Huntersville
Tel: +1 704 947 1250, Fax: +1 704 947 1277
Ohio, Miamisburg
Tel: +1 937 247 0425, Fax: +1 937 247 0426
Tennessee, Nashville
Tel: +1 615 331 0800, Fax: +1 615 331 0875
Texas, Irving
Tel: +1 972 506 8359, Fax: +1 972 506 9162
Washington, Kent
Tel: +1 253 872 2443, Fax: +1 253 872 2579
MEXICO
Apodaca, Nuevo Len
Tel: +52 81 1367 08 00, Fax: +52 81 13 67 08 01
info@hexagonmetrology.com.mx
www.hexagonmetrology.com.mx
Quertaro
Tel: +52 442 298 0800, Fax: +52 442 298 0800
South America
ARGENTINA
Pilar (Buenos Aires)
Tel: +54 230 4 300 060, Fax: +54 230 4 300 059
ventas.ar@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.com.ar
BRAZIL
So Paulo
Tel: +55 11 5525 6000, Fax: +55 11 5687 2101
vendas.br@hexagonmetrology.com
www.hexagonmetrology.com.br
Curitiba
Tel: +55 41 3015 5661, Fax: +55 41 3015 5061
Contagem
Tel: +55 31 3234 0067, Fax: +55 31 3234 0072
Customers from all other countries not listed above
or those looking for general information, please contact:
info@hexagonmetrology.com
Hexagon Metrology offers a comprehensive range of products
and services for all industrial metrology applications in sectors
such as automotive, aerospace, energy and medical. We sup-
port our customers with actionable measurement information
along the complete life cycle of a product from development
and design to production, assembly and nal inspection.
With more than 20 production facilities and 70 Precision
Centers for service and demonstrations, and a network of over
100 distribution partners on ve continents, we empower our
customers to fully control their manufacturing processes,
enhancing the quality of products and increasing efciency
in manufacturing plants around the world.
For more information, visit www.hexagonmetrology.com
Hexagon Metrology is part of Hexagon (Nordic exchange:
HEXA B). Hexagon is a leading global provider of design,
measurement and visualisation technologies that enable
customers to design, measure and position objects, and
process and present data.
Learn more at www.hexagon.com
2013 Hexagon Metrology. Part of Hexagon
All rights reserved. Due to continuing product development,
Hexagon Metrology reserves the right to change product
specications without prior notice.
PORTABLE MEASURING ARMS LASER TRACKERS
& STATIONS
WHITE LIGHT SCANNERS
BRIDGE CMMS
ULTRA HIGH ACCURACY CMMS GANTRY CMMS MULTISENSOR & OPTICAL SYSTEMS
HORIZONTAL ARM CMMS
PRECISION MEASURING
INSTRUMENTS
SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS SENSORS