ABB's new robot cell for 3D quality inspection (3DQI) detects defects in components that are less than half the width of a human hair and therefore cannot be seen by the naked eye. Fast and accurate quality inspection significantly speeds up production processes by making quality inspection easier and less time-consuming. The cell eliminates the need for time-consuming manual inspection and at the same time reduces the probability of errors. The solution therefore also reduces costs, as the risk of product defects and therefore possible recalls is minimized.

The main advantages of the 3DQI cell include the combination of high speed, precise accuracy of less than 100 micrometers and great flexibility. Thanks to the modular design, customers can create a solution tailored precisely to their needs.

3DQI is designed for offline test stations. Its modularity allows it to be adapted or expanded to meet different requirements. Using a single optical 3D white light sensor that scans millions of 3D points per image, a detailed digital model of the part to be inspected can be created, which in turn can be compared with an original CAD drawing. All of this can be done ten times faster than with conventional Coordinated Measuring Machines (CMM).

Any robot with a payload of more than 20 kg is able to carry the sensor. The sensor is also compatible with a range of robots, traversing axes and rotary tables. This means that there are no restrictions on the dimensions of the parts to be inspected.

The new 3DQI test cell is the latest cell introduced by ABB and complements ABB's growing portfolio of intelligent, flexible solutions such as FlexArc® (standard welding cells) and FlexLoader (cells and function packages for parts feeding and machine tool automation).

"Accurately measuring and controlling quality to ensure products are consistent, meet standards and fulfill customer expectations - this capability is critical. Traditional testing methods are slow and often catch the potential quality defects too late in the process," says Tanja Vainio, head of ABB Robotics' Auto Tier One business line. "Our 3DQI cell automates this process and far exceeds the capabilities of traditional testing in terms of speed, accuracy and repeatability. The 3DQI technology has been developed and tested in automotive applications - including at automotive supplier Benteler. The solution has been proven to improve product quality, throughput and safety, while allowing skilled workers to take over other tasks."

The solution also offers comprehensive real-time data analysis. Digital records support the traceability required in many industries, such as automotive, aerospace, heavy engineering and construction. This enables customers to adapt their processes so that errors are not repeated and overall quality and productivity are improved. All the equipment is included in ABB's powerful RobotStudio® Sidio Planner PowerPac, making programming simple and intuitive. New users can also quickly familiarize themselves with the use of the 3DQI solution.