DWFritz Automation
Revolutionizing Industrial Measurement and Inspection with ZeroTouch^®

DWFritz Automation is a global provider of metrology, inspection, and assembly solutions for advanced manufacturing. Its advanced product line, ZeroTouch®, is designed for high-speed, comprehensive inspectionand digital twin replication for in-line or near-line scenarios. In just 15 to 20 seconds, the system efficiently acquires a comprehensive dataset of the component or part required to create its digital twin. Utilizing a pre-written program, ZeroTouch® ensures swift and accurate measurements of the component within an envelope of approximately 12 cubic inches.

ZeroTouch® has multiple sensors to generate a full point cloud of the entire component under inspection. This enables the measurement of all visible features on the surface, with the exception of deep holes and smaller features that are not large enough for laser measurement. The system creates a digital twin in just 60 seconds while extracting specific features, including analysis time.

“Our system is designed for accuracy and increased throughput that efficiently executes a comprehensive inspection plan in just 30 seconds, outperforming traditional methods that take 10 minutes,” says Pete Edmonds, VP of sales at DWFritz.

The system seamlessly integrates with Windows OS, using DWF ZeroTouch® application software and supporting analysis in all software tools such as Metrolog X4. It also supports reference model data formats such as STP and IGS, presenting a comprehensive solution that meets the highest precision manufacturing standards, particularly in the automotive industry.

The platform’s efficiency is particularly highlighted in industries like prosthetic manufacturing, where accurate measurements of parts are critical. Compared to traditional methods, such as coordinate measuring machines (CMM), which take an average of 10 minutes, ZeroTouch® achieves the desired results in 42 seconds. This translates to an impressive 10 to 1 efficiency ratio, demonstrating a tremendous advancement in industrial inspection.

DWFritz's ZeroTouch® provides three essential functionalities in a unified solution. First, the system excels at providing dimensional measurements that address the primary requirement for most users. In addition, ZeroTouch® encompasses defect detection, a critical feature particularly relevant in scenarios where defects may not align with predefined measurement points.

Consider a prosthetic knee, which is usually assessed through a contact system and requires measuring a few hundred points for accuracy validation. However, by scanning the entire surface, ZeroTouch® ensures accuracy and detects defects without subsequent manual visual inspections. Beyond this, the system allows users to create a digital twin in the same timeframe, providing them with a comprehensive three-in-one solution.

The nature of the ZeroTouch® product can be described as semi-custom, combining the standard base metrology system with customization for specific applications. While foundational elements adhere to standardized specifications that are applicable across various machines, the system’s defining feature lies in its ability to adapt and tailor itself to accommodate a particular family of parts.

This adaptability is particularly effective when addressing clients' diverse product lines. For instance, in the prosthetic manufacturing sector, where various sizes of knee joints are produced, the system can be customized to handle the entire range within a single machine configuration. This configurability ensures that the system is meticulously crafted to meet the nuanced requirements.

Our system is designed for accuracy and increased throughput that efficiently executes a comprehensive inspection plan in just 30 seconds, outperforming traditional methods that take 10 minutes

In line with this commitment, the ZeroTouch® platform introduces three distinct modules designed for specific applications. The ZeroTouch® Gear (ZTG) is specifically intended for gears and provides particular functionality for this type of component. The ZeroTouch® Linear (ZTL) is a high-speed, non-contact linear inspection platform that precisely measures linear-shaped parts like aerospace blades. Complementing these is the ZeroTouch® Rotational (ZTR) module, which addresses the requirements of measuring rotors, stators, brake discs, and other cylindrical or quasi-round parts.

A notable success story that illustrates the versatility of the ZeroTouch® platform involves a leading automotive entity that implemented ZTR for the inspection of electric motor stators during their assembly process. The ZTR's adoption helped validating each of the approximately 16 steps in the manufacturing sequence, demonstrating the platform's swiftness and flexibility in a comprehensive validation process.

DWFritz's ZeroTouch® system features an inherent capability for upgrades and configurations. This ensures that the system remains flexible over time, adapting to changes in production requirements or technological advancements. The system can be seamlessly reconfigured regardless of a company’s decision to continue or terminate their production.

This adaptability extends to upgrading the system with the latest sensors, keeping ZeroTouch® at the forefront of technological breakthroughs. The machines are not limited to the specifics of a single product generation but can be repurposed for diverse generations of products. This capacity for complete reconfiguration and upgradeability makes ZeroTouch® a lasting and versatile tool in industrial measurement and inspection technology.

DWFritz's ZeroTouch® platform is more than just a technological advancement in industrial measurement and inspection technology; it is a revolution. From its swift data processing to comprehensive coverage, seamless operation, industry impact, and adaptability, every aspect of the system is designed to address the diverse needs of modern manufacturing.