What originally began in medical technology is increasingly being used in industrial quality assurance. We have been using computed tomography (CT) in our company for over a year now – time to take stock.
One major advantage is the ability to create a fully measured digital twin of our molded parts. For the development of injection molding tools, this means that we have all the relevant data available digitally and can incorporate it directly into our tool adjustments. This has enabled us to reduce the number of correction loops by around 40%, which not only saves time but also cuts costs.
Another advantage is the more efficient collaboration between our departments. With a digital twin, metrology, toolmaking and constructionwork with identical data, which speeds up coordination processes and allows corrections to be implemented more quickly.
We also make targeted use of CT technology in series production. It enables us to carry out non-destructive testing of components. Even the smallest defects, such as air inclusions, are detected – without damaging the component. This method is not only more precise, but also significantly faster than conventional analysis techniques.
Our conclusion after one year: adding a CT measuring machine to our portfolio was the next logical step. Our internal throughput times have been significantly reduced – both for tool corrections and in series analysis. It enables us to have more precise, faster and more efficient processes, which offer a real competitive advantage in the long term.
