Automated, Fast-Learning Monitoring of Assembly Processes
Since 2001, QASS is your reliable partner for monitoring and assuring highest-level quality standards and offers full service covering measurement technology, data analysis and solutions for production monitoring. Ever since our foundation we have been dealing with crack detection during forming processes of hardened components for passenger transport. But also other production processes in the value-added chain can be monitored with QASS measurement technology.
Today, an ever-increasing number of assembly processes is automated and accomplished with pre-assembled components that are joined together to assembly groups. The connection often happens inside the assembly groups, so that the process and its result cannot be visually checked by the operator or by means of visual sensor technology. Only QASS and its structure-borne sound technology provide a perfect solution to this issue.
For instance, think about the assembly of a drive shaft. During the assembly of a drive shaft, a retaining ring ensures a form-fit and safe connection between the shaft and joint or bearing. The assembly process happens invisibly inside the component. It can therefore be checked neither by a human nor by an optical sensor. Conventionally, the snap-in process of the retaining ring is accompanied by a force-displacement measurement. However, a force-displacement measurement does not allow for a qualitative statement on the process outcome. With this method, it is not possible to tell if the part is properly connected or if it is connected with offset, particularly when the applied force and the required distance correspond to the expected values. Thanks to its structure-borne sound technology, only QASS is able to listen into such assembly processes and to render visible what happens inside the part. In comparison to other measurement methods, this ability is unique. QASS measurement technology analyzes the characteristic structure-borne sound signals that emerge during assembly processes and evaluates these signals automatically and reliably using active interference suppression.
With this method, QASS is able to install its measuring technology in a short time – no matter which process or machine is involved. Through process-related programming, data analysis and a suitable user interface, we can successfully install and implement our measuring technology to you process within 10 working days. The customizable user interface, in which you can integrate your corporate design, and clear tables and charts make the use of our measuring technology much easier for your employees, as the complex data analysis is run in the background. An adaption to your operational requirements is quickly possible using QASS pattern recognition. As data analysis is carried out by small programs (operators) which are linked together to form analysis chains, the measuring system is extremely versatile.
Preview of the user interface with a summary of the process-relevant information. The interface includes an animated image of the component signaling a correct assembly process, statistics relevant for process evaluation and a visualization of the spectral and pattern analyses running in the background.
Even older machines can easily be upgraded with structure-borne sound sensors. Through this technological leap and with our interface concept you have the opportunity to transfer your processes into the digital age. Hence, existing measurement technology can smartly be integrated into the monitoring process. Sensor and information fusion facilitate to meet the quality requirements of tomorrow already today. For more information read our article on acoustic and micromagnetic methods, which also explains our industry 4.0 capabilities.
QASS and structure-borne sound, we listen to your needs.