The sometimes multi-axle structure of commercial vehicles poses unique challenges for measurement technology, which the non-contact sensor x-3Dsurface can address. Its outstanding features are its highly precise surface-based measurement and that it is ready to perform measurements immediately, providing a significant cycle time benefit, especially for multi-axle commercial vehicles. The measurement contains much more information than the previous line-based one and covers more vehicle types. These strengths allow the customer to perform a more efficient and stable chassis geometry measurement. Furthermore, the flexible sensor distinguishes itself by integrating easily into existing systems and is not sensitive to outside interference.
The two cameras of this non-contact system capture the entire wheel and display it as a three-dimensional “measuring surface in space.” This measuring surface helps to calculate chassis geometry values such as toe-in and camber. The innovative sensor x-3Dsurface also enables non-contact caster and kingpin inclination measurement for the first time without having to mount measuring plates on the wheel. Precise adjustment of the chassis geometry ensures that the steering wheel remains straight while the vehicle is driving straight ahead, and tire wear is optimized, ensuring increased range on commercial vehicles with either a combustion engine or electric motor.
Joint tests in the Dürr Assembly Products factory in Püttlingen in Saarland, Germany, verified the function, reliability, precision, and reproducibility of the new sensor with the most accuracy on the calibration gauge and various commercial vehicles. Based on the positive test results, many European commercial vehicle manufacturers have decided to equip all new test stands with the technology and retrofit the new sensor to existing machines.
It is not only European companies that the sensor has impressed. Many other premium commercial vehicle manufacturers in the USA, China, and Brazil have equipped their new wheel alignment stands with x-3Dsurface. The x-wheel truck d wheel alignment stand in combination with x-3Dsurface is ideally suited to today’s chassis geometry measurement requirements.
