ABB Poland's Efficient Switch Inspection with SIMSCAN-E 3D Scanner

In the electrical manufacturing industry, where reliability is critical for components like low-and-medium-voltage switches, manufacturers face growing pressure to enhance product performance while maintaining efficiency and controlling costs.

As designs become more complex and timelines shrink, traditional quality control methods often fall short. High-tech 3D scanning offers a faster, more accurate way to inspect parts and gather data, enabling quicker, smarter decisions in product development and quality assurance.

ABB Sp. z o.o. is a leading player in the power and automation industry in Poland, specializing in the production of distribution transformers, power transformers, and more. As part of the global ABB Group, the company combines advanced engineering with digital innovation to support the transition toward more efficient and sustainable industrial solutions.

The Inspected Part: Small Yet Complex Switch Components

The components ABB needed to inspect switches vary in size, typically ranging from 0.3 meters to 1 meter. These parts are made from a combination of metal and ceramic materials, resulting in varied surface characteristics—some shiny, some matte. The workmanship of the parts reflects high industrial standards, with intricate details and surface finishes that pose scanning difficulties. Despite their relatively small size and moderate weight, the switches are geometrically complex, with multiple features that demand accurate and comprehensive 3D data capture.

One of the main technical requirements was achieving a high accuracy while ensuring a scanning time of less than 2 minutes per component. Time efficiency was vital, not only for quality inspection but also for enabling quick reverse engineering to support product upgrades. 

Limitations of Previous Measurement Methods

Before adopting Scantech's solution, ABB had to rely on traditional or mainstream 3D scanning systems that required several compromises:

Surface Treatment: Many scanners couldn't effectively handle reflective surfaces, forcing operators to use anti-reflective sprays—an inconvenient and sometimes intrusive process. This extra step not only adds time and cost but also risks contaminating the parts or affecting downstream processes.

Cable Dependency: Conventional systems often required a tethered setup, restricting movement and flexibility, especially in tight or dynamic workshop environments.

Bulky Equipment: Larger scanning systems were not ideal for compact components and delicate areas, making it difficult to maneuver and capture fine details efficiently.

Time Inefficiency: These systems often required longer scan times and manual adjustments, hindering fast-paced production environments.

SCANTECH's 3D Solution: SIMSCAN-E in Action

To overcome these challenges, ABB turned to SCANTECH's SIMSCAN-E—an ultra-portable, high-performance 3D scanner engineered for fast and accurate scanning of complex parts—with support from our trusted partner, Invizion, who assisted in implementing the solution.

Key features of the SIMSCAN-E that proved instrumental for ABB include:

Ultra-Fast Scanning: With a measurement rate of up to 6.3 million measurements/s, SIMSCAN-E can capture full 3D data of a switch in just 2 minutes, helping ABB meet tight turnaround times for inspection and reverse engineering.

No Spray Required: Thanks to advanced optics, blue lasers, and sophisticated alogrithm, SIMSCAN-E effectively handles reflective surfaces without the need for surface treatment, saving time and maintaining part integrity.

Compact and Ergonomic Design: As one of the smallest high-end 3D scanners on the market, SIMSCAN-E is easy to maneuver around small and medium-sized parts, even in tight workspaces.

Wireless Freedom: The wireless functionality of SIMSCAN-E eliminated the limitations of cable-bound systems, allowing operators greater mobility and ease of use during scanning sessions.

Conclusion

SCANTECH's 3D scanning solution helped ABB Poland overcome critical limitations of traditional inspection methods. By implementing the SIMSCAN-E, ABB not only streamlined their quality control process but also accelerated reverse engineering workflows, enabling faster product improvements and a more agile manufacturing cycle.

SCANTECH's technology continues to support manufacturers like ABB in their transition toward smarter, more efficient, and more responsive production environments, empowering them to maintain excellence in a rapidly evolving industry.