Measuring Automotive Interiors and Dashboards

The interiors of automotive vehicles are a major area of engineering with complex and unique manufacturing challenges

Here at Third Dimension, we’ve been in the metrology industry for over 25 years, working with and producing measurement equipment for use all over the world. For most of that time we’ve been working with automotive companies, who face numerous quality control challenges to provide the best possible models for consumers. Automotive interiors can present challenges as they are functional and highly visual to the customer. Before looking at how to measure complex automotive interiors and what tools to use, let’s review some of the key reasons why checking them is so important.

QUALITY CONTROL CHALLENGES

Poor fit and finish can cause squeaks and rattles, leading to time consuming rework and expensive warranty repairs. Therefore, manufacturers need to carry out checks of fit and finish on interior and dashboard surfaces of cars. These can present significant challenges in inspection, measurement and overall quality control.

Modern materials and styling, such as chrome trim, multi-material designs and highly contoured or complex organic geometries require advanced manufacturing – and advanced inspection techniques to deliver the designers dreams.

For example, gaps between components may be extremely small and measurement areas may be close together, requiring inspection technology that can handle these challenges. Another example is soft or floating components such as roof lining or glove boxes, where any contact while measuring will immediately compromise the data collected.

HOW AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS ARE MASTERING THE COMPLEX INTERIOR MEASUREMENTS

One way in which automotive manufacturers are addressing this critical area of inspection is turning to non-contact, laser precision measurement. The GapGun from Third Dimension is a precision non-contact feature measurement tool ideally suited to the task. With many years of experience Third Dimension is well positioned to assist customers with their unique measurement challenges. Furthermore, the GapGun has a number of innovative features that make measuring automotive interiors quick, easy and repeatable.

Third Dimension engineer Callum explains that “cars are constantly evolving and therefore so too are the challenges that come with getting accurate measurements. Overcoming these and offering solutions is always rewarding – for example producing an extension cable for the GapGun Pro2 which makes it easier to access hard to reach places within automotive interiors has proven to be extremely helpful”.

Read more and discover the key advantages of the GapGun Pro2:

https://www.third.com/measuring-automotive-interiors-and-dashboards/