IMM Focus: Automotive:Korean auto parts maker takes on inspection setup

Looking to save time and money in its fixturing process, Hyundai Mobis, the component manufacturing subsidiary of the Hyundai auto company, used the RapidFit system from Materialise Technical to design and build its inspection fixtures.

RapidFit is both hardware and software, the former consisting of a reference plate and fixture and the latter a module of Magics RP. Assistant R&D manager Kyoung-Deog Lee says it takes only one day to master the software, which he describes as fast, flexible, and accurate.

First, the RapidFit software positions the part on the reference plate. Next, the user must indicate the contact points on the part that need to be supported by the fixtures. The software then automatically designs the fixtures using type and parameter settings already specified by the user. Shape, wall thickness, color, and labeling can all be specified. Since the output is an STL file, any RP technique can be used. Additionally, the fixtures can be built simultaneously with the part manufacture to save time. Using the company’s former system, a project used to take two weeks and carried a price tag of about $8500. Setting up for inspection with RapidFit takes two to five days and drops the cost to as little as $1500. Hyundai foresees annual cost savings nearing $180,000 and cutting 117 days from schedules.