CogniTens and QMC Announce Cooperation Agreement for OptiCell Automated 3D Non-Contact Robotic Cell for Automated Repetitive Part Measurements

    ROSEMONT, Ill.--April 15, 2003--CogniTens Ltd., manufacturer of 3D non-contact measurement solutions, and QMC LLC, integrator of dimensional and quality engineering solutions, announced they have reached a mutual agreement for integration and distribution of OptiCell, an automated 3D non-contact robotic cell for on-line repetitive parts measurements.
    CogniTens developed the non-contact 3D measurement solution for the robotic cell, which is based on its field-proven Optigo series. QMC brings along experience in providing quality solutions and performs the integration of Flexible Measurement Systems (FMS) to deliver a fully integrated turnkey non-contact measurement station.

    OptiCell

    OptiCell is an automated measurement system designed for automated process control and quality assurance on the shop floor. With its sub-millisecond acquisition time and an optical head mounted on an industrial robot, the system can operate in uncontrolled vibration, light and temperature environments. OptiCell is targeted at applications where tight process control is required to deliver immediate information on production processes. Highly accurate measurement capabilities and automated repetitive measurement functions allow OptiCell to measure multiple parts in sequence, providing manufacturing managers with part to CAD deviation information and trend reports. OptiCell is based on the field-proven Optigo station installed at many different customers worldwide. Optigo collects highly accurate and dense clouds of points, and delivers immediate analysis of the collected data to find deviations from the design intent, and flaws in tools and parts.
    "We have defined and targeted our latest developments in close cooperation with major automotive manufacturers," says Koby Rosenthal, President and CEO of CogniTens. "Our technology delivers the ability to perform fast and highly accurate measurement on the shop-floor. QMC brings along experience in system integration, quality control, and in-depth knowledge of engineering processes in the automotive industry." And Robert C. Berry, Vice President Engineering at QMC, adds: "We anticipate that the mutual cooperation will help penetrating the OptiCell quicker to the market and deliver to our customers the necessary information to increase quality of their parts and processes, and to shorten the overall time to market."

    CogniTens is a supplier for non-contact 3D measurement solutions for industrial applications. The company's systems use a unique combination of accuracy and superior image acquisition capabilities that enable them to perform full and accurate measurements on the shop floor. CogniTens, established in 1995, has offices in the USA and Japan. Amongst its customers are leading automotive and aerospace manufacturers such as BMW, Boeing, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Toyota, Suzuki, Yamaha and others.

    QMC is a full service integrator of dimensional and quality engineering services and solutions. Founded in 1988, QMC specializes in providing quality engineering services for any manufactured good and is involved in every phase of the product development cycle from conceptual design through prototype and productions. QMC's customers include DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Ford, Mercury Marine, Freighliner, Magna, International, Caterpillar, Whirlpool, Lear, Honda, and others.