Hexagon Launches PRESTO Quality Stations

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division extends access to scalable, automated quality inspection with the launch of PRESTO Quality Stations.

Hexagon’s modular suite of turnkey automated inspection cells is expanding within the 3D measurement of medium-to-large-sized components in various industrial contexts, including automotive, aerospace and general manufacturing. Two new configurations apply Hexagon’s new HYPERSCAN optical tracking with 3D scanning and the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800 direct scanning technologies to the PRESTO Quality Station range. These new options complement the existing high-performance Leica Absolute Tracker AT960 with Absolute Scanner AS1 models already deployed in quality control processes in OEM automotive, rail and aerospace facilities globally.

These advanced solutions are designed to bring flexibility and accuracy to applications throughout the supply chain. The new PRESTO Quality Station with HYPERSCAN delivers smart, high-resolution scanning with real-time optical tracking, Hexagon reports. In addition, new ATS800-based PRESTO models offer direct, high-accuracy scanning from a larger standoff, allowing high-accuracy inspection of fine edges and complex features, ensuring precise assembly processes without needing robot-mounted scanners, Hexagon reports. 

The system's modular platform also supports sensor interchangeability and broad metrology software compatibility, including Hexagon’s PC-DMIS, Inspire, SpatialAnalyzer and other third-party tools.

PRESTO Quality Station with HYPERSCAN 

With dual-use capability as a hand-held device for on-the-go shop-floor use and fully-automated deployment, the new HYPERSCAN 3D scanner delivers high-speed 3D scanning at 8.3 million points per second over a large 610 x 640 mm scan area, with cable-free WiFi connectivity and an optical tracking system that enables absolute positioning at a range of up to 7 m for a 100 cubic meter measurement volume, the company says.

When integrated into Hexagon’s PRESTO Quality Station, HYPERSCAN provides accurate high-speed non-contact quality inspection. Robotic automation software built into the solution enables anyone in quality control to build an optimized collision-free program to inspect a given CAD model , the company adds.

PRESTO Quality Station with ATS800

Combining laser tracking with direct scanning functionality, ATS800 enables manufacturers to measure detailed features from up to 40 m away. Built on measurement and positioning technology, it boosts productivity in large-component manufacturing and assembly by measuring features with high-accuracy.

When integrated into Hexagon’s PRESTO Quality Station with ATS800, the turnkey solution enables manufacturers to measure fine edges, fasteners and other intricate details with high accuracy within a standardized cell environment with no risk of collision. Setup time is reduced because the device’s reflector tracking automatically locks onto a cell-mounted reflector using Hexagon’s PowerLock technology. This means the system can find an absolute position reference automatically when parts are loaded.

Unlike a 3D scanner system, the PRESTO Quality Station with ATS800 requires no robotic arms to automate measurement.

“The seamless integration of our HYPERSCAN and ATS800 sensors into our PRESTO Quality Stations gives our customers the flexibility to choose the best cost-value solution for each application," Nicolas Lachaud-Bandres, vice president, Industry Solutions at Hexagon, says. "The unified software platform means anyone can learn and become productive quickly, transforming  manufacturing organizations’ ability to implement automated scanning in tough, highly dynamic shop-floor environments across all their operations."

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.