Precision components tested in three seconds

Poppe + Potthoff sets new standards in efficiency and accuracy of automated quality assurance

Werther (Germany), April 18, 2013 - Poppe + Potthoff Maschinenbau is presenting a new testing machine at the Automotive Testing Expo (June 4-6, 2013 in Stuttgart, Germany). This testing system visually and tactilely measures ten characteristics of precision components in three-second intervals. The samples are loaded, sorted and palletized automatically to enable several hours of operation without any intervention.

The quality requirements in the automotive industry are higher than anywhere else. Every product is tested down to the last detail – this is especially true for safety-relevant components. Accordingly, precision components such as valve elements for the hydraulics of driving assistance systems need to be checked to 100 percent. This process is now being carried out by the new Poppe + Potthoff machine PPM 193 in only three seconds.

“Hydraulic valves are needed in large quantities for brake systems, gears or medical technology,” explains Stefan Dreyer, CEO of Poppe + Potthoff Maschinenbau GmbH in Nordhausen. “Only if these components are processed with the utmost accuracy, they remain leakproof and work reliably. Our machine is therefore deigned to test very precisely and rapidly at the same time.”

The components which are often only a few millimeters small are transported to two indexing tables via a spiral conveyor and then positioned by air pressure. Four cameras inspect their dimensional accuracy in comparison with reference images. What is not visible to the camera is checked tactilely. In addition, a leak test is performed. In total, ten features of the part are precisely measured.

A computer controls the inspection process and stores all measurement values in a database. According to customer specifications, defective parts are sorted out in six categories, the flawless ones are set on automatically changing pallets by a robot. The storage tower can accommodate several thousand components and thus allows for an operation of several hours without intervention.

Die kompakte PPM 193 der Poppe + Potthoff Maschinenbau GmbH prüft im Drei-Sekunden-Takt Präzisionsbauteile zu 100 Prozent. Quelle: Poppe + Potthoff

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Poppe + Potthoff Maschinenbau GmbH designs and manufactures test stands for measuring the strength and durability of components in automotive engineering and shipbuilding as well as other industries. The specialized machines made by the experts for high pressure technology are designed for precision and high-performance and are used in research, development and production. This includes test stands for measuring bursting pressure and tightness, impulse testing, autofrettage as well as automated testing and sorting. The company based in Nordhausen (Germany) is a member of the Poppe + Potthoff Group.

Poppe + Potthoff stands for precision. The group develops and manufactures customer-specific steel tubes, common rail subsystems, high pressure tubes, precision components, line shafts, couplings as well as specialized test stands and other machines. Poppe + Potthoff enables highly sophisticated solutions in automotive engineering and shipbuilding, machine tool building and mechanical engineering as well as other industries. The family-owned enterprise with its headquarters and technology center in Werther (Germany) was founded in 1928 and has more than 1,200 employees. Poppe + Potthoff is active in more than 50 countries with its subsidiaries and long-term partners – always in close contact with its customers. www.poppe-potthoff.com