Car manufacturer uses novel laser scanner to reduce time to production

Purpose - This paper aims to describe a new optical geometrical inspection technique and its applications by Volvo Cars.Design methodology approach - The paper discusses the limitations of contact probe-based coordinate measurement machines scanning, describes a new, laser-based 3D geometrical scanning system developed jointly by Metris and Volvo, Ghent, and considers its applications and benefits.Findings - This shows that the 3D laser scanning system offers significant operational benefits over the conventional, contact probe-based approach to geometrical inspection. It has been shown by Volvo to reduce the roll-out time of an entire vehicle assembly process by up to ten weeks.Originality value - This paper shows how the joint development and deployment of a laser-based 3D scanning system has speeded up and improved the geometrical inspection of car components and finished vehicles.