Recap: Control 2024 — Pioneering the Future of Quality Assurance in Stuttgart

This April, the 36th edition of Control brought 475 exhibitors from over 38 countries to Stuttgart, marking it as a center stage for the future of measuring, testing, and evaluation technologies. Held from April 23 to 26, this international trade fair for quality assurance demonstrated a high level of expertise and a clear thematic focus, attracting 13,149 trade visitors.

The event was not only about showcasing cutting-edge technologies but also about fostering meaningful exchanges among experts. We experienced a highly lively and exciting Control 2024, a testament to the collaborative spirit of our industry. Over 25,000 m2 in Halls 8 and 10 were bustling with professionals demonstrating the latest in quality assurance and how these practices can shape the future of manufacturing.

A significant highlight was the Fraunhofer stand, coordinated by the Fraunhofer Vision Business Unit, which displayed innovations in surface inspection, optical 3D metrology, inline measuring, and augmented reality, along with cutting-edge non-destructive testing technologies like X-ray computed tomography, terahertz, and ultrasound.

The event proved crucial for automotive, mechanical engineering, aviation, and semiconductor professionals. It mainly focused on future-oriented sectors such as battery production and recycling. Key displays also included advancements in robotics, automation, and sensor technology.

OneStep AI: Revolutionizing Quality Assurance with Artificial Intelligence

OneStep AI stands out as a transformative platform in artificial intelligence, particularly within the field of quality assurance. Designed as a low-touch, cloud-based solution, it enables users to build, train, and test AI models effortlessly. The platform caters mainly to industries seeking to integrate AI into their quality assurance processes, offering tools that simplify complex AI deployment and operationalize data science workflows. This allows companies to enhance precision and efficiency in quality control measures, driving forward innovations in product reliability and manufacturing processes.

Throughout the fair, I enjoyed meeting with numerous companies, such as Ibg Prufcomputer GMBH, Helmut Fischer GMBH, VMG Group, and many others. Each brought unique insights and innovations to the forefront of quality assurance.

Insights into Companies vising or exhibiting Control 2024 and Their Role in Quality Control

• Ibg Prufcomputer GMBH specializes in advanced testing equipment that helps ensure the reliability of electrical components in various industries. Their presence at Control 2024 highlighted the critical role of precise testing instruments in maintaining high-quality standards in electronic manufacturing.
• Helmut Fischer GMBH: Renowned for their expertise in coating thickness measurement and material analysis, Helmut Fischer's technologies are pivotal for industries where surface properties influence product durability and functionality, such as automotive and aerospace sectors.
• VMG Technics and VMG Group: Both entities focus on integrating sophisticated vision and measurement technologies to enhance the automation of quality control processes. Their solutions contribute to the accuracy and speed of inspections across production lines, ensuring consistent product quality.
• Hammermeister Manufacturing & Solutions GMBH: This company provides customized manufacturing solutions incorporating rigorous quality assurance protocols. Their participation at Control 2024 underscored the importance of tailored QA approaches in achieving exceptional product standards in bespoke manufacturing.
• Schaeffler Technologies Ag & Co. Kg and Schaeffler Automotive Buehl GMBH & Co. KG: Both Schaeffler entities are at the forefront of developing high-precision components crucial for automotive and industrial applications. Their commitment to quality is evident in their stringent testing and evaluation processes that ensure reliability and performance under demanding conditions.
• Blanco GMBH + CO KG: Known for its high-quality kitchen and industrial sinks, Blanco's presence at the fair highlighted its dedication to maintaining top manufacturing standards through continuous improvement in its material processing and finishing techniques.
• Aptean Germany GMBH: Provides enterprise software solutions that help businesses automate and optimize their quality control processes. At Control 2024, Aptean demonstrated how integrating IT solutions into QC can drive efficiency and accuracy in data management and compliance tracking.
• Konrad Ertel and Cairnhill Metrology PTE LTD: Both firms showcase advancements in metrology that provide precise measurements critical for quality assurance in engineering and manufacturing industries. Their technologies help companies adhere to strict quality standards and regulations.

Pioneering Innovations in Quality Control: Highlights from Control 2024

As Control 2024 has now concluded, marking a pivotal event in the quality control and metrology sector, we are proud to recap some innovative solutions showcased from April 23rd to 26th in Stuttgart, Germany.

Among the standout innovations was the Non-Contact Real-Time Coating Layer Thickness Measurement from Das-Nano. Their Irys system represented a breakthrough in coating thickness measurement. Unlike traditional methods, Irys is a contactless, non-destructive system that uses advanced terahertz technology to measure individual layers of coatings up to 7 layers thick. This non-ionizing technology makes it safe for human exposure and allows for real-time thickness measurements on various substrates, including plastics, metals, and composites. This innovation was essential for enhancing R&D speed, improving painting processes, and enabling early defect detection in manufacturing.

Another significant introduction was the Production-Ready 3D Optical Profiler System by ZeGage. The ZeGage Pro and ZeGage Pro HR are 3D optical profilers that provide non-contact measurement and characterization of micro- and nano-scale features across diverse surfaces. Utilizing ZYGO's proprietary CSI technology, these profilers set new benchmarks for ease of use and flexibility, integrating SureScan technology and Smart Setup. These tools were invaluable for ensuring quality control and monitoring manufacturing processes across various industries.

Kistler presented their Fast Optical Inspection of Lateral Surfaces system, the KVC 821, which leveraged a new multicapture device featuring eight mirrors arranged in a circle to capture entire lateral surfaces of test parts in high resolution. This system enhanced defect detection and reduced the need for mechanical part rotation, significantly speeding up inspection times with the capability to handle up to 400 parts per minute.

Creaform introduced its HandySCAN 3D|MAX Series—a 3D scanner for large parts. The MAX Series builds on the reputable HandySCAN 3D line-up, featuring blue laser technology, integrated photogrammetry, and live meshing. New features included Flex Volume, Smart Surface Algorithm, and Real-Time Calibration, optimizing the scanning process with AI-enhanced image processing for improved performance on complex finishes. These scanners were ideal for quality control in large-part manufacturing, providing real-time flexibility and precision.

DatenBerg GmbH also introduced their Web-Based Test and Work Planning module, a digital solution to streamline production documentation and reduce error potentials through automation. This system facilitated the creation of digital quality control charts and production data acquisition directly in the browser, supporting seamless integration into existing manufacturing processes.

These innovations represented just a glimpse of the many groundbreaking technologies on display at Control 2024, highlighting the event's role as a critical platform for quality assurance and metrology advancements.

For those interested in the synergy of AI and industrial applications, OneStep AI presented a low-touch platform for building, training, and testing AI models, enhancing how industries can leverage AI for quality assurance.

OneStep AI stands out as a transformative platform in artificial intelligence, particularly within the field of quality assurance. Designed as a low-touch, cloud-based solution, it enables users to build, train, and test AI models effortlessly. The platform caters mainly to industries seeking to integrate AI into their quality assurance processes, offering tools that simplify complex AI deployment and operationalize data science workflows. This allows companies to enhance precision and efficiency in quality control measures, driving forward innovations in product reliability and manufacturing processes.

Control 2024 reinforced the importance of technological innovation in quality assurance and highlighted the collaborative spirit of the industry's brightest minds. As we eagerly anticipate next year's event, we look forward to even more significant advancements that will continue to shape the manufacturing and quality assurance landscape globally, sparking excitement for the future of our industry.

Volkmar Kunerth CEO Accentec Technologies LLC & IoT Business Consultants Email: [email protected] Accentec Technologies: www.accentectechnologies.com ?

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