“The transition to flexible, holistic metrology will allow industry to reduce costs”
Metrotek: operational excellence in industrial production
Metrotek focuses on integrating accurate, real-time measurements directly into manufacturing processes.
Various technology providers (including CFAA, Ideko, Tekniker, TECNALIA, Vicomtech and Innovalia) are working on implementing holistic metrology, with the aim of achieving operational excellence and optimising overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). This approach is not limited to a single parameter. It also integrates instrumentation, algorithms, environmental factors and mathematical models to obtain a complete, reliable characterisation of products.
This development is particularly critical for the aeronautics sector, where current demand exceeds production capacity by 20%. In-process metrology is emerging as a key tool for improving sustainability and efficiency in this sector.
Main innovations of the Metrotek project
- Fast, accurate measurement: Implementation of laser line sensors and advanced software (such as Optiscan MH and M3MH) to carry out non-contact checks inside machining centres, thereby reducing production times.
- Confidence in measurements and digital twins: use of virtual simulations to quantify the uncertainty of measurement and ensure traceability, even in uncontrolled environments.
- Flexible, automated systems:
- Evaluation of markerless photogrammetry to inspect large-scale components at a lower cost.
- Use of computed tomography (CT) to analyse complex internal structures in additive manufacturing.
- Integration of mobile robotics and AI to automatically scan irregularly shaped parts.
- Development of the Cranebot robotic crane, which makes it possible to take precise measurements in large workspaces using interferometric systems.
The transition to flexible, holistic metrology will provide cost savings to industry through corrective measures, minimise waste and improve decision-making through high-quality data obtained in real time.