| Dana Traction Technologies Europe has selected the Zeiss CenterMax to supply three CMMs (co-ordinate measuring machines) to improve the manufacturing process of front and rear 4 x 4 axle housings.
CenterMax in use in Dana's assembly line |
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CenterMAx in use in Dana's assembly line installed for robotic loading of Dana's axle housings
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Dana’s active production facility is inspecting over 5,000 pairs of axle housings each week. For optimum gear performance, once the axle housings have been manufactured, Dana must validate a match between each half of the housing. Only then can the sealing of the axle be guaranteed. Two Centermax, fed by robots, scan the critical dimensions of the assembly parts and report results for key features in accordance with specified requirements.
A third system is installed within the assembly line to measure the necessary shims for the final assembly of the gearbox. This system is fully integrated in a bridge conveyor system and measures 100 per cent of the parts. All measurement data is fed back directly to the master plc of the assembly line.
Zeiss’ measuring technology has provided Dana with a flexible alternative to the conventional hard gauge. In contrast with the hard gauge dedicated fixtures, Zeiss’ solution offers flexibility for alternative set-ups and product modification, which in turn delivers significant cost savings over the life cycle of a product, as well as securing future product flexibility. In the event of any design changes to the product, the CenterMax can simply be re-programmed, causing minimal disruption to busy cycle demands.
CenterMax uses third generation scanning “Navigator Technology” and comprises three components including the VAST Gold sensor, the Calypso Navigator Software, and the “Scanning Engine” controller.
In the Dana application, cycle times were critical and prior to ordering the CenterMax solution, Carl Zeiss ran time trials to prove out the performance advantages of Zeiss Navigator technology.
This outstanding scanning method fits neatly into any production line and is compatible with a variety of environments. The machine gains the advantage of high-speed scanning at high accuracy, thereby offering unprecedented productivity, and the active anti-vibration system compensates for any dynamic influences exerted by the environment on the work piece.
Andrew Thompson, divisional manager of Carl Zeiss, said: “Dana was looking for a partner with a proven track record in shop floor hardened flexible gauges. It required a versatile measuring solution to increase productivity of its manufacturing process, and one that could withstand temperature fluctuations, vibrations and dirt within the shop floor environment.”
Ian Rawbone, process engineering manager of Dana commented: “We are delighted with the performance of the CenterMax. It is flexible which enables us to make product modifications and change the measuring routine whenever required. It is also fully integrated into our production line which helps to accelerate the production process.”
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