Testing, testing…Central Scanning helps Ford step its scanning procedures up a gear

Global automotive manufacturer, Ford, has significantly streamlined its scanning procedures, thanks to a five-year relationship with leading 3D scanning and printing specialists, Central Scanning.

Like all automotive manufacturers, Ford is continually striving to boost productivity and make sure its production process is as lean and efficient as possible. And it is continuously searching for ways to minimise waste, lower costs and cut time to market.

Investing in advanced 3D measurement and analysis technology, such as state-of-the-art ZEISS and Artec scanners, has helped Ford revolutionise its parts and component testing procedures, improve efficiency and save time and money.

Midlands-based Central Scanning is a UK GOLD Certified Partner for Artec 3D Scanners, providing customers with a range of unique scanning technology, including the Artec Eva and Artec Space Spider 3D scanners, which Ford has most recently invested in.

“The technology has revolutionised Ford’s car clay modelling and prototyping activities, enabling them to scan complex objects in difficult-to-reach places,” explains Nick Godfrey, Managing Director at Central Scanning.

“The Eva and Spider devices are unrivalled in their scanning quality, generating fast and accurate results. The handheld equipment guarantees a quick, textured and accurate scan data. Ford can use Eva for medium to large surface areas, whilst Spider focuses on smaller areas, capturing intricate detail with minute precision”

“The beauty of this technology is that it can be used wherever and whenever Ford needs it, which has made a major difference to the tasks they can take on, particularly off-site. Being able to use highly accurate handheld scanners has had a huge impact on Ford’s day-to-day work.”

In addition to investing in the Artec 3D scanners, Ford has also enhanced its operations with a ZEISS COMET L3D scanner.

This particular scanning system has helped the company reap the benefits of fast and accurate 3D scanning within its engine prototyping and diagnosis activities. The scanner has proved vitally important in providing reliable and traceable component measurements. This invaluable information is then used to inform adjustments, modifications and improvements.

Renowned for being an industry leader, Ford is committed to continuous improvement processes. The new equipment allows the manufacturer to produce accurate scans of car components and compare the result with the original CAD file. The process has enabled them to effectively test for product conformity, identifying issues at an even earlier stage. The quicker potential problems are spotted, the quicker they can be rectified so that mass production can begin.

Central Scanning is the authorised UK reseller of ZEISS 3D scanners. Ford’s new scanner has helped transform the way it measures and inspects components. The 3D sensor technology and project-orientated software enables quick and reliable data capture to take place on numerous different surfaces.

The compact and lightweight equipment is easily transportable on and off site, allowing Ford to apply it to a range of uses, including quality inspection, rapid manufacturing and reverse engineering.

Dave Stokes, RP Engineer within Ford’s Rapid Product Development team, said: “Central Scanning has introduced us to a range of innovative scanning technology that has opened up new possibilities.

“Once a component is scanned and checked with the CAD design, we are reassured it is ready for testing and can go straight to production without the need to use dummy parts. There are so many testing stages to go through as a car manufacturer and if you can streamline them, it can save the company a lot of money.”

As well as scanning cast components quickly and easily, the 3D scanners also help Ford investigate touch components on their vehicle, using just a scanner and a laptop.

Since first adopting Central Scanning’s products five years ago, the applications have evolved significantly, meaning they offer an ever-greater return on investment.

“We now scan components during testing to monitor wear and tear. Scanning is now far more mainstream, as we recognise the benefits of making quick and accurate measurements,” added Dave.

And that trend looks set to continue. As Ford embarks on future engineering challenges it will continue to rely on key partners, such as Central Scanning, to respond in an innovative way, introducing new technological solutions across all elements of its production line.