Assemblers of large objects, such as automotive bodies, have strongly recognized the need to continually improve processes to enhance dimensional integrity of assemblies, maximize customer aesthetic perception, and optimize product performance.  

Implementing laser sensors for dimensional monitoring has allowed assemblers to move from low-volume sampling to inspecting every production part, and more recently, implementing in-process monitoring and error-proofing for rapid response to dimensional variation.

Assembly process monitoring

In the past two decades, a number of technological advances have been made in the dimensional monitoring of assemblies. Until the late 1980s, dimensional monitoring was typically accomplished by removing a component from the assembly line and transporting it to a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) or off-line checking fixture. Time required for CMM measurement was several hours, resulting in data being available for only a few components per day, and not providing statistically significant results.

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