CIE Automotive Mecauto optimises part measurement with Equator comparator gauging systems
CIE Automotive is a Spanish industrial group specialising in the manufacture of automotive components and subassemblies. The company operates 108 plants across four continents. Its customers include Renault and Mercedes‑Benz.
The automotive sector is undergoing significant changes, including a rapid shift toward electric vehicles, greater automation and digitalisation of production. Together with rising cost pressures as new brands enter the market, these factors are driving the need for higher quality and improved performance. To stay competitive, component manufacturers must invest in advanced manufacturing processes that meet increasingly strict tolerances and higher throughput requirement.
Challenge
CIE Automotive was seeking to increase the versatility of their inspection and quality control systems. The main objective was to increase reliability, repeatability, and reproducibility of the part measurement process. Their operators were using standard manual devices such as micrometers, calipers and height gauges.
“We work with parts that have tolerances of ±11 microns, so a discrepancy of 4 microns between operators is a significant issue,” says Javier Otxoa, Quality Technician in the Metrology Department at CIE Automotive.
Javier Otxoa, Quality technician at CIE Automotive (Spain)
CIE Automotive optimises part measurement with Equator system's technology
We seek versatility. Production lines have a limited service life and, as they reach the end of their cycle, many devices can no longer be reused. However, the Equator™ system enables us to continue using the same measurement solution across both new and existing lines.
CIE Automotive | Mecauto (Spain)
Solution
CIE Automotive has added the Equator gauges to complement their existing Renishaw machine tool inspection probes. These measurement tools are used every day.
"Depending on the Equator systems available on site, we operate across three shifts. The Equator 300 gauges are used five days a week, while the Equator 500 runs seven days a week. For the latter, in-line operator control involves checking one part per machining centre every hour," continues Otxoa.
Results
Introducing Equator gauges has enabled CIE Automotive to improve the repeatability and reproducibility of part measurement across the plant. By automating inspection, the Equator gauges have eliminated the uncertainty resulting from the use of manual devices.
An additional benefit is being able to cope with large variations in daily and seasonal temperatures. “In summer, we can have 15 °C degrees at night and 35 °C during the day, so the Equator gauges help us, alerting us when we need to compensate for ambient temperature,” notes Javier Otxoa.
Furthermore, CIE Automotive has achieved automatic recording of measurement data, making it easier to carry out process capability studies that allow them to assign operators to higher value-adding tasks.
