3D laser measurement of forged parts
alpha.hot3D / Laser measuring cell
Micrometer-accurate prediction of cold dimensions
in a matter of seconds after forging
Laser measures the entire 3D contour of forging specimens up to 1200°C hot
The alpha.hot3D system can predict the cold dimensions of a forged part in a matter of seconds after forging. This makes it possible to verify as early as the first few parts have been produced that the forming process is working without a hitch. If it is not, you can immediately take measures to adjust it.
The system can measure parts up to 1200°C hot, capturing their entire contour and calculating their cold dimensions with an accuracy down to ± 25 μm. Consequently, the system makes it possible for the operator to adjust the forging process in a matter of seconds after the first part has been formed.
3D feature evaluation in solid forming
Quick and easy in-line process
- Operation at production line
- Tabletop unit for measurement of specimen up to 1200 °C
- Easy operation and status display with one button
- Complete 3D scan with precise laser sensors
- Measurement and evaluation in a few seconds
- Individual prediction of cold dimensions for each feature
- Accuracy of predicted cold dimensions starting from ±25 μm
- Customizable inspection plans, expandable feature library
- Flexible interface configuration for result data (CAQ systems, qs-STAT, ...)
- Automatic measuring equipment monitoring according to MSA method 1
Video: Measuring cell in operation at forging press
The system can be installed right on the working platform of a forging press. The hot forged parts are picked up from the conveyor belt as they leave the forging press and directly placed into the measuring cell. The measurement is started with the press of a button. The “within specs” or “out of specs” result of the cold-dimension calculation, including a display of the component characteristics and a target/as-is comparison, is available within just a few seconds. After the measurement, the forging specimen can be returned to the process flow.
Measurement of hot forged specimen up to 1200 °C
3D visualization – virtual forge master view
Hot forms – Cool view
- Digital twins as permanent reference samples
- Documentation of the production process
- Early intervention in the process
- Objective criteria for forging tool evaluation
- Optimization of forging tool life
- Optimization and testing of inspection plans based on previously stored measurement data
Monitoring of tool wear
The tool wear is monitored continuously.
A trend is visible in the evaluation criteria.
Operating principle of laser measurement
The 3D geometry of the specimen is assessed by nokra laser light section sensors while being rotated by 360°.
Technical features
- Quickly exchangeable specimen adapter
- Easy referencing with included reference body
- Laser class 1 system
- TWIN sensors optionally available to avoid shading effects in case of non-rotationally symmetrical components (for system size L)
- Integrated database for storage of results (4 TB)
- Dimensions of the measuring cell (h x w x d in mm)
Tabletop system S and M: 900 x 520 x 580 mm, 92 kg
Tabletop system L: 1100 x 720 x 710, 195 kg
