3D-skanning för kvalitetsarbete i produktionsprocessen för krafttransformatorer : Kartläggning av möjligheter för potentiella processförbättringar hos Hitachi ABB Power Grids

Sammanfattning: Hitachi ABB Power Grids is a world leading manufacturer of power transformers, operating on an increasingly competitive market. With the advancements in digitalization and electrification, the production of power transformers has been subject of higher demands, both in terms of product quality and production efficiency. To stay ahead of market rivals, constant development of the business and its production processes is necessary, which has been enabled by increased access to innovative technical solutions. Novel appliances and areas of development has been investigated, of which 3D-scanning is one of the promising technologies that has proven useful in the manufacturing industry.  The purpose of this study has been to map the production process of power transformer manufacturing at Hitachi ABB Power Grids, with the intention of identifying potential areas for use of 3D-scanning technology in quality management. By analyzing each individual production segment, the study has sought to answer to where in the production system that 3D-scanning technology can be beneficial, what type of improvements it can contribute with, and what risks and limitations that using the technology might entail.  The results were obtained by analyzing empirical data, collected through both qualitative and quantitative methods. Interviews with employees and on-site observations has been the main sources of data, together with documentation and statistics from the company’s own data bases.  Central factors that the analysis was built upon are the registered costs of failure and reported quality defects, combined with the appropriateness of 3D-scanning technology in each segment regarding the practical usability, advantage in time, economic profitability, and the feasibility of implementation in the production system. A value assessment was made of the device’s potential, leading to identifying improvements in transparency, traceability, and efficiency. Some of the discussed drawbacks were limited visual access, faulty handling of the equipment, and excessive reliance on the technology.