OEM&Lieferant Ausgabe 2/2018 / OEM&Supplier Edition 2/2018

149 the highest degree of digitalization possible and optimizes workshop literature for trucks and buses with innovative, digitalized sol- utions. This range of services in the aftersales sector is rounded off by pre-packaging services and aftersales training opportunities. To be able to realize different services for com- mercial vehicles, Formel D has responded accordingly in its subsidiaries, for example by adapting its systems to the weight of the com- ponents and aggregates found in trucks and buses. Industrial measurement technology for components of various sizes Services seeing an increase in demand include industrial measurement technology, some- thing that is essential in the automotive and supplier industries to precisely determine the shape, position, and size of components. As this is time-consuming for manufacturers and suppliers in many cases and procurement costs for the required measurement equip- ment are high, Formel D coordinates industrial measurements for its customers, tailored to their needs. Together with its service partner, Indumess GmbH, Formel D carries out measurements of components in a wide range of sizes for several customers from different automotive sectors in Northern Germany. Besides axle components and unfinished parts for truck trailers, the com- pany also analyzes pneumatic components for agricultural machinery as well as automatic transmissions for passenger cars. Depending on the type of the pieces, the measurement technicians use tactile or optical measurement systems from renowned manufacturers in the industry, the latter growing in popularity due to their innovative features. One service frequently requested is initial sampling in ac- cordance with VDA guidelines and customer specifications. Formel D carries out the entire process of initial sampling, examining test parts in terms of their design and fit – before series production or after customers have made modifications. When customers submit a new order, Formel D takes on the logistics aspect and picks up the component requiring testing. After reaching the project site near Bremen, the part is first stored in a temperature-controlled room. This prevents any temperature-related material changes in the metal that can later effect measurements. Stable, tailored clamping setups keep the components from shifting. Next, experts program the measuring station precisely to the stamped CAD drawings. Pro- vided the digital measuring points match the real ones, data capture is started automatically based on the measurement strategy defined for the component. If the customer does not have a measurement strategy, Formel D is there to offer guidance. Generally lasting several weeks, this process is completed when the Group sends the measurement com- ponents including detailed documentation back to the customer, giving them transparent results. On request, Formel D then discusses the results with the customer, providing a holistic approach to service. Tailored full-service package Overall, Formel D offers a full-service package tailored to the exact requirements of its cus- tomers. With its experience in quality assur- ance, Formel D has the expertise required to meet the current and future needs of its cus- tomers with cost-effective, flexible, and fast solutions. Formel D www.formeld.com The coordinate measuring device measures the most complex of components precisely and reliably. Website A component in false color comparison with the 3D model with deviation flags and positional tolerances. Image: © GOM GmbH Image: © Indumess GmbH