Modular process optimization in quality control

Fonderia Bassoli has been relying on measuring solutions from WENZEL for the quality assurance of its die cast parts since 2011. Eight WENZEL coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) of the LH series now ensure process optimization in quality control in modular measuring rooms. Another coordinate measuring machine with a 3D laser sensor is located in the measuring laboratory. Likewise, an exaCT M industrial computer tomograph for looking inside the components.

The parts produced by Fonderia Bassoli are die castings of various sizes, weighing from 50 grams up to 9 kilograms, for the mechanical, electromechanical, agricultural, electronic and many other industries. The dimensional tolerances of the machined parts are in the order of about 13 microns.

By using the WENZEL CMMs, which are directly integrated into automatic turning islands, the Italian company, based in Luzzara, has been able to significantly reduce measurement times, thus increasing the cycle time for measurements and, consequently, productivity. In addition, in the event of tolerance deviations, preventive and corrective action can be taken in real time via the interface between the WENZEL-CMM and the machine tool.

Prior to the introduction of WENZEL CMMs, manual measuring machines was used online, supported by random inspection on a three-dimensional measuring device located in the engineering office. Production batches were much smaller than today; nevertheless, waiting for the results of the measurements could lead to dimensional deviations and scrap parts.

At the beginning of the first project, different measurement technologies available on the market were studied: stylus masks, laser scans, optical cameras and many more. Fonderia Bassoli's goal was to obtain some versatility in quality assurance without compromising measurement accuracy and repeatability, also taking into account the location of the measuring machines. The choice fell on a traditional coordinate measuring machine, which met all these requirements, especially flexibility.

The WENZEL CMM was equipped with a motorized measuring head and a probe adapted to the required tolerances. In addition, four pneumatic stabilizers were mounted as vibration dampers under the granite plate to eliminate the vibrations emitted by the production machines. From a thermal point of view, the machine is housed in an insulated, modular and air-conditioned cabin to ensure a constant temperature during the measuring phase.

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Looking into the component with computed tomography

In order to also be able to non-destructively measure and inspect the internal features of the components, the measurement laboratory was expanded to include an exaCT M industrial computer tomograph from WENZEL . The exaCT M is based on a workstation concept that combines high X-ray performance and high scanning speeds in a small footprint. The CT workstation exaCT M, has an integrated evaluation unit in an ergonomic desk workstation.

The decision in favor of WENZEL, over the competitors, was made on the basis of the high product quality, the cost-effectiveness of the overall solution and the solidity of the Wiesthaler company. Above all, however, the interface between the measuring system, machine tools and robots was convincing. In the event of a change in production or in the implementation of the measuring program, it is thus possible to intervene quickly and easily if necessary.

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About FONDERIA BASSOLI

FONDERIA BASSOLI M. S.R.L. is a mining and metals company based in Luzzara, Italy and was founded by Marsilio in 1957. In 1961, his sons Franco and Bruno joined the company. Shortly after, technological development began, with the purchase of the first die-casting machine.
Due to continuous growth, the company needed more space to expand and moved to the new facilities in Luzzara in 1989. In 1998, the range of services offered was expanded with the creation of a new department for the mechanical processing of the castings produced.

To date, Fonderia Bassoli has 22 automatic die casting cells with variable tonnage from 200 to 1,000 tons, a tooling department with 5 machining centers with 3 to 5 axes, a technical office with 3D software for internal mold design and equipment, and a mechanical machining department with 10 robotic turning islands and 3 vertical machining centers. Quality assurance takes place on 8 coordinate measuring machines in process automats. In the measuring laboratory there is another coordinate measuring machine with 3D laser sensor and an exaCT M industrial computer tomograph for looking inside the components.

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