Coventry University’s metrology department used a Romer Absolute portable measuring arm and G-Tube software to perform measurement and inspection tasks on a variety of parts and sub-assemblies.
The project, undertaken at the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME), initially examined ways of halving the weight of the complete cold end of the exhaust system. The AME is a collaboration between Unipart Manufacturing and Coventry University, and currently has 60 budding engineers studying on its unique ‘live manufacturing’ degree courses.
A second phase of the light-weighting project, supported by Innovate UK, involved developing a production-ready solution that delivered the product technology to market.
As part of these investigations, the metrology team also employed the Romer Absolute arm to inspect parts in a robotic welding cell on the AME shopfloor.
Explains Trevor Toman, AME’s head of metrology: “Through the successful completion of the project, the consortium has proven the ‘art of the possible’ in exhaust light-weighting; namely, the removal of almost 50% of the weight from the cold end assembly.” The project also showed how pre-market prototypes could be manufactured in a production-representative environment.
Says Toman: “AME enjoys a good working relationship with Hexagon, whether it’s through the purchase and ongoing support for measuring arms, scanners, laser trackers and equipment access for small projects, or the mutual delivery of continuing professional development to customers.
“Hexagon is a respected and trusted supplier and the Institute is always happy to work with a company whose knowledge continues to grow in line with its expanding presence in the marketplace.”
Hexagon and AME will host an event at the Institute later this year, taking in a range of workshops and product demonstrations, including portable measuring arms and new Tube Shaper software.
