The Portuguese metalworking and manufacturing industry is facing a crucial moment of digital transformation. With over 23,000 companies in Portugal and Spain generating exports exceeding 23 billion euros annually, the need for high-quality and precision dimensional control solutions has never been more evident. Today, S4Metro Leiria marks a historic turning point by becoming the owner of the first Cube-R system in the Iberian Peninsula, equipment that redefines the standards for automatic dimensional inspection in the region.\n\n
Cube-R Technical Characteristics: Innovation Without Compromise
The Cube-R is more than just a metrology device. It's an integrated solution that combines metrological-grade precision with the speed and efficiency of industrial automation. But what are the details that make it so revolutionary?
Unparalleled Precision
Based on MetraSCAN 3D-R BLACK+ Elite HD technology, the Cube-R offers:
- Accuracy of 0.025 mm in dimensional measurements
- Resolution of 0.015 mm for critical feature detection
- 3 million measurements per second in full-field 3D data acquisition
- Certification of conformity with international standards VDI/VDE 2634 Part 3 and ISO 10360
These figures are not just technical specifications. They represent the guarantee that every inspected part meets the most demanding quality criteria.
Three Modular Configurations for Maximum Flexibility
The Cube-R is available in three standard configurations that perfectly adapt to the requirements of each application:
| Configuration | Capacity |
|---|---|
| M2™ | Ideal for parts up to 2 metres |
| M3™ | Perfect for components up to 3 metres |
| M4™ | For large structures up to 4 metres |
This modularity ensures that the equipment grows with the company. Thus, it adapts to new challenges without the need for a complete system replacement.
Robustness in a Real Industrial Environment
Unlike conventional CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machines) solutions that require controlled environments, the Cube-R was designed to operate on the shop floor with:
- Ability to operate even in environments with vibrations
- Compatibility with complex surfaces and challenging materials
- Automatic handling of complex geometries without the need for part preparation (no more powder spraying!)
- Functionality on chrome, black, and composite materials
Real-World Applications of the Cube-R
The implementation of the Cube-R is not experimental. It is validated by success stories across Europe and North America. Understanding these applications helps contextualise the potential for the Iberian region.
Automotive Industry: The Primary Use Case
The automotive industry has shown the highest concentration of Cube-R implementations globally. Multinational component manufacturing companies have used the technology for:
- Inspection of Sheet Metal Components: Car body panels, mudguards, doors, bonnets
- Control of Complex Castings: Engine blocks, suspension arms, high-precision aluminium castings
- Validation of Welded Subassemblies: Body-in-white structures, welded assemblies
- 100% Inspection in Production Lines: Reduction of defects, elimination of CMM bottlenecks
A notable case mentioned in Creaform's technical documentation illustrates a first-tier sheet metal part manufacturing operation: a European automotive company implemented a customised Cube-R which increased the rate of inspected parts from 10% to 87%. The equipment maintained full metrological precision.
Applications in Composites and Aeronautics
For composite material components, the Cube-R offers:
- Non-destructive measurement of carbon fibre panels
- Validation of critical dimensions without damaging high-cost components
- Rapid inspection of assembly tolerances
Foundry and Heavy Manufacturing
In foundry operations, the technology allows for:
- Detection of porosity defects
- Validation of dimensions after finishing
- Dimensional control of large-format structures
Portugal and Spain: A Market Ready for Transformation
S4Metro's decision to invest in the Cube-R coincides with a critical moment for the Iberian industry.
Current Industrial Context
Portugal has:
- 23,000 metal and metalworking companies
- 250,000 direct employees in the sector
- Exports of 23.1 billion euros in 2022
- Growing focus on Industry 4.0 and automation
Spain, as the fourth-largest global automotive producer, complements this ecosystem with continuous demand for world-class quality solutions.
The Competitive Advantage of Automatic Inspection
In a context where European labour costs continue to rise and global competition intensifies, automation of dimensional inspection offers:
- Increased Productivity: A factor of 5 to 10 times compared to manual CMM
- Waste Reduction: Early detection of deviations reduces rework
- Complete Traceability: Every measurement is digitally recorded
- Reduced Dependence on Skilled Operators: Automation lessens the need for highly trained personnel
S4Metro's Metrology Laboratory: More Than a Service, an Opportunity
S4Metro has not merely acquired equipment. It has created a reference centre for precision metrology. The laboratory now offers two critical value propositions:
1. Inspection Services with Cube-R
Companies can order:
- Complete dimensional inspection of components up to 3 metres
- Validation of critical tolerances with 0.025 mm accuracy
- Metrological reports traceable to national and international standards
- Analysis of dimensional trends for process optimisation
This is particularly valuable for SMEs that cannot justify their own investment but have demanding quality requirements.
2. Testing and Evaluation for Potential Clients
A unique proposition: companies interested in acquiring a Cube-R can now test it in a real production environment, with their own data. This allows for validating ROI before a significant investment.
This eliminates uncertainty and allows for:
- Practical verification of compatibility with specific parts
- Analysis of real cycle times
- Staff qualification before implementation
- Demonstration of internal financial results
Potential Impact for the Portuguese and Spanish Industry
What is the real importance of this installation for the region? Several indicators suggest a profound impact:
Modernisation of Supply Chains
Many Portuguese and Spanish SMEs are suppliers to large European OEMs, especially in the automotive sector. The availability of a Cube-R in the region now allows these suppliers to significantly reinforce the coverage of their inspections, without significantly increasing operational costs.
Attraction of Foreign Investment
International investors evaluating Portugal and Spain as manufacturing locations critically consider the availability of quality infrastructure. A certified laboratory with Cube-R constitutes a positive differentiating element.
A Step Towards Industry 5.0
The installation of the first Cube-R in the Iberian Peninsula at S4Metro's laboratory in Leiria is not merely a corporate event. It represents the materialisation of a broader strategy: to consolidate the Portuguese and Spanish metalworking industry as European leaders in quality and operational efficiency.
For companies with stringent dimensional inspection requirements, for automotive suppliers seeking competitive differentials, or for any organisation considering adopting automatic inspection technology, the S4Metro laboratory in Leiria is now an unavoidable destination.
The future of metrology using automation in the Iberian Peninsula began here. And it began with precision.
Technical Training and the FARO × Creaform Merger
In this video, we speak with Luis Iñaki Martínez Clamens, Sales Manager at FARO Creaform, who joined us to provide comprehensive technical training. We also took the opportunity to explore the news of the Faro × Creaform merger and what changes for customers and the industry moving forward.