A new standard for quality in plastics
C.K. Produktion invests in automated 3D scanning to strengthen documentation, consistency and customer trust
C.K. Produktion has replaced calipers and protractors with advanced 3D scanning technology through Zebicon. The result is more consistent quality control, faster documentation and a significantly higher degree of process reliability - both internally and towards customers.
As a plastics manufacturer with around 70 production shifts a week and customers in everything from electronics and wind turbines to signs, measuring instruments and lighting, C.K. Produktion works in a market with high demands for flexibility, traceability and documentation.
Many items are produced in small series, often with short durations, and precision must be top notch - even when the geometries are complex.
In the past, quality was checked manually using traditional measuring methods. But this created variation because the results could depend on who was measuring and how.
"There are targets that are so complex that you can't just measure them with a caliper. Therefore, the results could vary depending on who was doing the measuring - so five different employees could in principle get five different results," says Sean Quint, QHSE Manager at C.K. Produktion.
This was not sustainable in a reality where customers are increasingly demanding traceability and visual documentation.
One customer in particular set the bar high and demanded 3D scanning as a regular part of production control. This was the starting point for rethinking the measurement process.
For C.K. Produktion, it was also an opportunity to strengthen their position as a quality-conscious supplier and meet future demands for documentation and data-driven quality control.
The solution was an ATOS ScanBox 4105 together with an ATOS Q: A fully automatic measuring system from Carl Zeiss GOM Metrology, supplied and implemented by Zebicon. The combination makes it possible to scan parts quickly, accurately and without manual intervention.
The operator simply places the part in the scanner and presses start - the rest is handled automatically. The result is a complete, high-resolution surface scan and a detailed measurement report with visual documentation that can be shared directly with the customer.
"The measurements are now 100% reproducible. This means that we can deliver the same precision regardless of who is scanning and when. This gives us a completely different level of security - both internally and with our customers," says Sean Quint.
The system is currently used for both quality control and reverse engineering, as many of the older tools in production lack digital drawings, and here the 3D scanner has also proved indispensable.
"We have found many ways to use the technology. It was originally only intended for quality assurance, but we now also use it to optimize tools, develop new solutions and recreate missing CAD data," says Sean Quint.
Zebicon has been involved all the way - from consulting and installation to training and sparring. In addition, C.K. Produktion has involved Zebicon as an external measurement partner in situations where the complexity of the task required specialized technical knowledge and expertise.
After implementing 3D scanning technology, C.K. Produktion has achieved:
- Guaranteed reliable and consistent measurements - independent of operator
- Faster and more visual approval of parts
- Stronger customer dialog based on concrete data
- Possibility of reverse engineering and internal product development
- Greater process reliability and fewer doubts
- Increased ability to meet stricter documentation requirements
- Potential for knowledge sharing within the group
With 3D scanning, C.K. Produktion has raised the level of documentation and quality control. Measurements are no longer dependent on the human factor, and the visual insights make it easy for customers to see how a part differs from the original CAD model.
"Many customers get peace of mind when they see the measurement report. Especially those who use the parts in automated processes where there is no room for deviations. Here it is crucial that the measurements are spot on," says Sean Quint.
C.K. Produktion sees great potential in expanding the technology to even more tasks - and is also noticing curiosity and increasing interest from other companies in the VINK Group, of which they are a part.
"We are constantly working to make it visible to customers what value scanning creates. Once they see the precision and documentation, it makes sense - also for their own quality assurance," concludes Sean Quint.
3D scanning is a technology, which can create a digital 3D model of a physical part. The technology is primarily used for reverse engineering or quality control and part measurement.
ATOS ScanBox 4105 is a fully automated metrology system, which is ideal for quality control of smaller parts up to 500 mm and 100 kg.
ATOS Q is a compact 3D scanner equipped with interchangeable lenses and a strong LED light source, which ensures high quality data. The scanner can be used in both a manual and automated setup.