Measurement Sensors for the Automotive Manufacturing Industry

The automotive industry has a major responsibility, as its products directly impact the safety of its consumers. In fact, anything less than 100% reliability under normal operating conditions can cost lives and massive financial losses in recalls.

That is why the industry can’t afford to overlook precision measurements in every component or part that goes into making a vehicle. That’s where precision measurement sensors come into play—they ensure that every component and part is correctly cut, milled, molded, extruded, and assembled before a vehicle is sent to the next stage of production.

3D snapshot sensors are used for different applications in the automotive manufacturing industry. They help during the inspection of components for defects such as scratches, cracks, and missing parts. Snapshot sensors can also measure and verify dimensional accuracy. When assessing the quality of surface finishes, snapshot sensors are used to create three-dimensional profiles of targets.

Apart from quality control, these sensors are also valuable during component assembly. They help in the measurement of the flushness of surfaces and gaps between body panels. Automotive manufacturers deploy them as reliable measurement sensors to reduce scrap and associated costs.

Overall, snapshot sensors in the automotive industry help manufacturers increase efficiency, improve product quality, and reduce operational costs.

Laser snapshot sensors find use at critical control points, including inspections, in vehicle manufacturing. A single detail missed could mean premature product failure in the field. To avoid these quality issues and comply with different regulatory standards, measurement and inspection systems such as laser snapshot sensors are built with features and functions that guarantee precision-based results. These sensors, including 2D/3D laser profilers, ensure that manufacturers maintain high standards.

Whether for inspecting for scratches or unevenness in body panels, printed circuit boards, or deviations from quality standards, 3D snapshot sensors for automotive manufacturing industry applications help with quality and operational efficiency.

Every part and component has to be inspected for defects before entering the assembly line. The automotive industry mostly relies on 2D/3D laser profilers, such as LJ-X8000 Series, to scan the part for any defects or deviations from predetermined parameters.

These sensors, often used for quality inspections, can detect defects and deviations down to the micron level, thus ensuring that only high-quality, per-spec products reach the assembly circuit. This way, only high-quality parts and components are installed, further enhancing the quality of the product.

As previously stated, the automotive industry relies on a number of different sensors to ensure precision measurement of parts, components, and machine assemblies. These range from using confocal laser displacement sensors, such as CL-3000 Series, to measure rotor runouts to using advanced laser profilers, such as LJ-X8000, to inspect the critical dimensions of connecting rods.

Of course, these aren’t the only measurement sensors the automotive industry relies on. KEYENCE offers other precision measuring sensors aimed at the automotive industry, like laser micrometers, 3D scanners, and various laser displacement sensors.

• Tire Assembly Inspection
• Welding Seam Inspection
• Defect and Damage Detection Sensor
• Transmission Assembly Inspection

The high precision associated with the measurement sensors and quality assurance solutions KEYENCE offers significantly enhances the quality of the end product and thus ensures driver and passenger safety. KEYENCE LJ-S8000 Series of laser snapshot sensors are designed to help automotive manufacturers perform a wide range of inline inspections on different parts and components. With the LJ-S8000 Series there’s no need for external lighting, a stage, or encoder because the system comes with a built-in laser light source and scanning mechanisms.

With quick imaging speeds of 0.2 seconds and repeatability of 0.3 µm, inspections of dimensions, appearance, shape, and other features are super-fast and accurate.

For more information about our laser snapshot sensors for the automotive manufacturing industry, contact us today. Our experienced staff will answer all inquiries you have about integrating KEYENCE solutions into your existing manufacturing and processing lines.