Raw part characterisation and automated alignment by means of a photogrammetric approach

Large raw parts require a long time consuming process of alignment into the machine, before the machining process starts. The alignment process requires two steps: characterisation of geometry, and alignment. Important skills are necessary, and besides the time consumption of workforce and machine, the risk of getting into shortage of material is high. The paper presents a methodology developed to automatize this process. The method consists of using photogrammetry to characterise the raw part, comparing the measured results and the CNC program to obtain the optimal alignment, and using stereo-photogrammetry to verify the alignment and calculate the required corrections.