Success story

Stellantis is a global automotive manufacturer resulting from the merger between the PSA Group and FCA in 2021, which today markets fourteen automotive brands worldwide.

The Stellantis metrology laboratory is accredited to A109000, the reference standard for Stellantis laboratories (based on ISO 17025). “For over 30 years, our laboratory has been at the service of the design of all automotive mechanical components, and is therefore very involved in mechanical functions” explains Jean-Pierre HUGUET, Metrology Manager. The metrology department’s know-how is applied to all parts requiring precision, including internal combustion and electric motors, transmissions, chassis, as well as mechanical and electrical parts, all of which require adapted measurement methodologies. “Here, each part measurement requires specific expertise and the creation of a customized program” explains Olivier LASSALLE, metrology technician. The site uses four CMMs (three-dimensional measuring machines): DEA, Wenzel, Leitz 864 and Leitz 866.

What to do with an aging CMM?

• Extend the life of a CMM by restoring full performance at lower cost than buying a CMM

• Meet the latest standards and be ready for the future with a scalable solution

In the context of evolving standards, it is necessary for the metrology laboratory to remain compatible with, among others, the ISO GPS (Geometrical Product Specifications) standard to maintain its activity. This standard is essential for standardizing the geometrical specifications of parts, enabling consistent interpretation of tolerances on the drawing. It ensures that each component meets the precision criteria required to guarantee its assembly and functionality within an assembly.

“I was first trained in-house on Leitz machines, using obsolete and aging software that no longer complied with the ISO GPS standard. Training on this software was not enough to enable me to achieve complete autonomy,” notes Olivier LASSALLE.

Adopting a recent and upgradable software such as Metrolog X4 has enabled the laboratory to obtain measurement software that complies with the latest standards. “Importing CAD files and managing geometric tolerances according to ISO standards make the software very practical for complex measurements,” explains Olivier LASSALLE.

• Benefit from a single software solution for all CMMs

A fleet of machines, each equipped with a different software package, requires resources capable of mastering several different software packages, which was becoming complicated at Stellantis. The issue of internal skills management prompted the metrology team to question the relevance of keeping the two Leitz CMMs, which were equipped with their original software.

 One of the major advantages of this retrofit project lies in the use of a single, universal software package for all the laboratory’s CMMs, whatever their model or application. “This simplifies our day-to-day work and reduces the need for specific training for each machine, making our team more versatile and efficient,” notes Jean-Pierre HUGUET.

What’s more, the laboratory’s other two CMMs were already equipped with Metrolog X4. “All our technicians have mastered Metrolog X4, which simplifies the use of these machines and enables us to take full advantage of their capabilities,” notes José FERNANDEZ. Olivier LASSALLE underlines the importance of collaboration within his team for the transfer of knowledge: “Thanks to this new software and additional training, I am now able to use it independently, and I have been able to count on the support of my colleagues, who have also mastered Metrolog X4”.

In conclusion: retrofitting to extend CMM life without compromise

 This retrofit project carried out for the Stellantis technical center is a fine demonstration of the technical support Metrologic Group can offer its customers. By choosing Metrolog X4, Stellantis has not only modernized its measuring equipment, but also optimized the performance and durability of its CMMs, while keeping costs under control.

“Thanks to Metrologic Group’s expertise and everyone’s commitment, we now have high-performance, long-lasting measuring tools that are perfectly suited to the demands of our business”, says Jean-Pierre HUGUET.

This success is based on genuine collaboration between the teams, reinforced by almost 30 years of partnership and a relationship of trust based on responsiveness, ongoing support and solutions adapted to Stellantis’ changing needs. “A big thank you to Stellantis, for their trust and loyalty. It’s a real source of pride to work together on this kind of project,” concludes Etienne COIFFARD, Strategic Key Account Manager at Metrologic Group.

At Metrologic Group, we are proud to support our customers in their technical challenges by offering them comprehensive services, from retrofit to maintenance, including tailored training. Drawing on our 40 years of expertise in industrial metrology, we remain at our customers’ side to extend the life of their CMMs and support their activities over the long term.

What’s next at Stellantis?

Thanks to this investment in Metrolog X4, Stellantis is currently planning to centralize the roughness and gear measurement functions on a single machine, and therefore on a single software package. Renishaw’s REVO 5-axis measuring head complements Metrolog X4 perfectly.

Today, these applications are carried out using dedicated software and machines, making implementation more complex.

The next step for Stellantis is to take advantage of the universality of Metrologic Group solutions to boost performance.

Many thanks to José FERNANDEZ for his trust and loyalty

As 3D support technician, José FERNANDEZ is responsible for Metrolog X4 measurements at the Stellantis site. He also plays a cross-functional and global role within the Stellantis group for mechanical parts. As part of his job, he is responsible for testing new modules and monitoring technology to improve processes.

This is why he is the initiator of this retrofit project. The smooth running of Metrolog X4 on this machine was validated by working with Kevin SOUVIGNET, his dedicated technical interface at Metrologic Group. José FERNANDEZ was also involved in the development and continuous improvement of our product.

Many thanks for his availability, transparency and dedication, as well as to the whole team who welcomed us with the same enthusiasm.

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