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Application Cases of Vision Measuring Instruments in the Automotive and New Energy Industries
The automotive industry, including the rapidly expanding new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, demands extremely high precision and stringent quality control standards for its components. Vision Measuring Instruments (VMIs), also known as video measuring systems or optical measurement systems, provide non-contact, high-speed, and high-accuracy dimensional inspection capabilities that are essential for modern manufacturing lines. This article explores key applications in both traditional automotive manufacturing and NEV battery production.
1. Traditional Automotive Manufacturing Applications
In conventional vehicle production, VMIs are widely utilized to ensure the dimensional integrity of various mechanical parts and assemblies.
1.1. Engine and Transmission Components
Engine and transmission parts, such as gaskets, gears, and shafts, require highly precise measurements to guarantee proper function and longevity.
- Application: Measuring the complex geometry and hole positions of automotive gaskets. Traditional contact methods can deform flexible materials like gaskets, but non-contact VMIs can accurately characterize these parts without damage.
- Benefits: Prevents product damage, ensures correct fit and seal, and improves overall engine performance.
1.2. Body-in-White (BiW) and Stamped Parts Inspection
Large stamped body panels and chassis components need quick and accurate dimensional checks to ensure they align correctly during assembly.
- Application: Performing rapid dimensional inspection of body parts and ensuring consistency in large-volume production lines. For larger workpieces, a splicing measurement mode can be used to capture the entire image and complete the inspection efficiently.
- Benefits: Streamlines quality control for large parts, reduces scrap rates, and ensures consistent panel gaps and vehicle aesthetics.
2. New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Industry Applications
The NEV sector, particularly electric vehicles (EVs), introduces new, highly sensitive components like battery cells and modules that require specialized inspection techniques.
2.1. EV Battery Electrode Plate Inspection
The production of lithium-ion batteries is a critical process where even minor defects can affect safety and performance.
- Application: Measuring burrs (excess material) on battery electrode plates (anodes and cathodes) during the cutting process. This is crucial for preventing internal short circuits within the battery cell.
- Benefits: Ensures battery safety and reliability, enhances production yield, and facilitates the shift toward high-quality EV battery systems.
2.2. Automated Assembly of EV Motors and Electronics
As EV components become more integrated and complex, VMIs are used for in-line quality assurance during automated assembly processes.
- Application: Verifying the proper alignment and dimensional conformity of complex assemblies, such as electric powertrains and printed circuit boards (PCBs). The high speed of VMIs allows them to integrate seamlessly into fast-moving production lines.
- Benefits: Facilitates automated manufacturing, guarantees assembly alignment, and maintains high standards for advanced electronic components.
Conclusion
Vision measuring instruments are indispensable tools for ensuring precision, quality, and safety in both the traditional automotive and emerging new energy vehicle industries. Their ability to provide fast, non-contact, and highly accurate 2D and 3D measurements makes them ideal for inspecting everything from tiny electronic components to large body panels and critical battery parts.