Danfoss Power Solutions Invests in 3D Scanner Robot Taking QA to the Next Level

Danfoss Power Solutions, a global supplier of mobile and industrial hydraulics and electric powertrain systems, has invested in an advanced 3D scanner robot for its joystick manufacturing lines in Nordborg, Denmark.

The Nordborg facility manufactures thousands of joystick variants for off-highway vehicles such as forestry machines, harvesters, cranes, tractors, and more. With the 3D scanner robot, operators can immediately tell if a joystick and its component are within specifications.

This has eliminated the need to outsource metrology requirements to a third-party CMM technology provider, saving considerable time and providing greater in-house control over the manufacturing process.

“We now know immediately whether part dimensions are 100% identical to the computer-generated design files, so the 3D scanner has taken our quality testing capability to a new level.”

According to Leonhard, the scanner offers micron-level precision, down to 0.007 millimeters. By measuring component dimensions to micron-level precision, the device is boosting inspection routines and providing customers with even higher product quality.

Abel Dukai, a mechanical engineer in the company’s Connect & Controls Solutions business unit in Nordborg, is leading the 3D scanner project alongside his colleague, production technician Grzegorz Leonhard.

“The scanner is so fast and easy to use that we can literally verify component dimensions while we manufacture, which is not possible with CMM technology,” states Dukai.

Dukai adds that he was not dissatisfied with the third-party metrology specialist and will continue to use the company for tasks where speed is less critical.

The innovative GOM 3D scanner robot uses narrow-band blue light to measure up to 12 million points on the component surface within a few seconds, subsequently creating a 3D image. The image is then compared to the original CAD file for quality inspection.

“We are talking extreme accuracy,” he says. “And it can even scan highly complex shapes and forms. It’s an incredible technology that’s already gaining prevalence in the automotive industry. I’m glad we now have it on board, too.”

Visit the Danfoss joysticks webpage to learn more about the products benefitting from 3D scanning technology.