Advances in Automated Profile Measurement for ... - ASCONA

clicks. Advanced intelligence in the Contur Projector software enables quick set up of all
reference measures, which in some cases could be hundreds of measurement points. Through
the use of profile reference points and macros, repeated measures or symmetrical shapes are
quickly set up. Typically, new profiles can be set up by the engineering or quality staff for the
Contur Projector in approximately 3-5 minutes with no programming required. During the
extrusion process, the
measurement cycle itself is
less than 10 seconds which is
well below a 1-billet cycle
time, thereby allowing the
extrusion team to see all
dimensional results quickly for
decision making purposes. If
the die is running out-oftolerance,
then the press
should be stopped – or even
better, the ability to predict
when a die will fail offers a
significant cost avoidance
opportunity to replace the die
before scrap is incurred.
As well, if customer tolerance requirements change, the user is able to modify the reference file
and reassess actual dimensional results since the Contur Projector captures the exact profile
image on the network. Quality audits are easily supported since every measurement is logged in
the database which is critical for advanced application traceability standards (e.g. automotive and
aerospace).
Finally, the importance of reporting should not be minimized as this is often the customer view of
the measurement system. The Contur Projector provides extensive reporting capability for both
internal and external users. Summarized and detailed tolerance reports are available
immediately after a measurement cycle is completed. These may be run adhoc or as a standard
procedure for customer documentation with every order. Also, if more advanced reports are
needed, custom reports can be created in the software to show only the information required by
the customer. The Contur Projector reports are internet-enabled so only an internet browser is
required for another user to review dimensional tolerance reports – which is a very efficient
method to report this information.
ASCONA’s latest system release for the Contur Projector includes measurement of profiles up to
290mm x 650mm, cycle time down to 3 seconds at 10µ repeatable accuracy, and weight-based
measurements so kg/mt (or lbs/ft) are automatically calculated with every sample.
Overall the Contur Projector from ASCONA truly delivers on the new vision for aluminium
dimensional measurement where operator independence can be achieved through the latest
technological advances. Proactive quality requires the measurement system to support
frequency, productivity and traceability. The result improved dimensional quality and press
operations – or restated, improved profits for the extruder and improved quality assurance and
tighter tolerances for the customer.