Measurement of moulds and tooling for modification or repair is done automatically at a German automotive plant, the system delivering complete 3D data sets.

Since September 2004, Volkswagen (Kassel, Germany) has used a COMETVarioZoom 2M sensor and the COMETinspect software for 3D coordinate measurement and inspection applications. In the moldmaking and tooling division of the company's production unit in Kassel, die copying and die spotting models are developed for the application of corrective measures or changes to the shape of the tools (e.g, if tools are subject to wear and tear or in case of upcoming product changes). For an effective acquisition of the 3D data, the tool/model parts are positioned on a COMETrotary rotating table - the measurement is then done automatically and delivers complete 3D data sets, which are stored for successive reproduction of the parts with highest contour accuracy.

For an inspection of the dimensional accuracy when starting the production of initial tool models, the measured 3D data can be compared online with the existing CAD data sets.