The ARCH 1S Motorcycle. (Photo courtesy ARCH Motorcycle/PRNewswire)
ARCH will integrate Hexagon’s latest metrology technologies throughout its manufacturing and quality control processes.
NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I.—A partnership between Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division and ARCH Motorcycle will “support the quality control demands of engineering and producing unique riding experiences for ARCH customers,” Hexagon said in a release.
The partnership is intended to help ARCH expand its commitment to producing bespoke (custom manufactured) motorcycles by fully digitizing quality processes throughout engineering and manufacturing with state-of-the-art measurement technologies.
ARCH Motorcycle, founded in 2011, is a manufacturer of high-performance custom motorcycles. The company seeks to maximize the performance potential of its motorcycles by combining artistry and engineering with precision technologies while keeping innovation at the forefront of its designs.
Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division provides products that are said to use data from design and engineering, production, and metrology to “make manufacturing smarter.” Its equipment and software for reverse engineering are among the 3D scanning technologies that ARCH Motorcycle will be implementing.
An aluminum part of an ARCH motorcycle is inspected with a Hexagon portable measuring arm. (Photo courtesy ARCH Motorcycle/Hexagon/PRNewswire)
According to Hexagon, the technologies will enable ARCH to retain classic design elements for application to products in development. They are also expected to help ARCH Motorcycle create tailored ergonomic motorcycle designs that incorporate individual customer specifications for shocks, seats, handlebars, foot controls, and overall fit.
“At ARCH, we strive for precision machining and attention to detail for crafted production motorcycles,” the release stated. “Our goal is to integrate Hexagon’s latest metrology technologies throughout our manufacturing and quality control processes to achieve meticulous finish and uncompromising quality for every ARCH motorcycle. The ability to quickly digitize parts will also streamline our 3D digital workflows for computer-aided design (CAD) and production of bespoke parts that enhance a rider’s experience and comfort.”
According to the release, the ability to quickly digitize part dimensions and surface finishes for comparison to CAD models and quality standards will enable ARCH to improve throughput and quality control easily and with confidence in its data. It also allows the company to keep an accurate digital 3D record of each customer’s motorcycle to support future customer service.
Hexagon devices to be used by the ARCH manufacturing team include an easy-to-use portable measurement arm (Absolute Arm) with a state-of-the-art laser line-scanner (AS1 laser scanner) that is said to enable even inexperienced users to capture measurements directly into associated software. The 3D laser scanner provides a guided workflow that helps users visualize 3D models and guides them through successful coverage of critical features and surface measurements. Paired with tightly integrated measurement software, the laser scanner also makes it easy to scan large components and reverse engineer parts, Hexagon said in the release.
“Quality control represents different challenges for every manufacturer, but it can be especially challenging for those who produce highly customized products,” said Brian Winters, product manager for Absolute Arms at Hexagon, in the release. “We’re excited to partner with ARCH Motorcycle to provide flexible tools that make it easy to digitize measurements as components are made and assembled. This immediate access to accurate 3D measurement data is intended to help produce the one-of-a-kind experiences and production motorcycle quality that customers want.”