The flexible systems enable over and over again different application possibilities. Recently a project involving exchangeable Megalu columns, an economical alternative for dedicated fixtures, was carried out.

Using basic equipment comprising of 120 Megalu columns as well as a horizontal grid plate and a vertical sandwich plate 14 different fixtures were assembled for holding various passenger car body parts during measuring. The columns are equipped with lables which makes identification of a column group for each car part easy.

Each individual column is mounted on a small foot plate, which is equipped with a quick change mechanism (PWS - Precision Witte System), so that the Megalu columns can be mounted quickly and easily onto the horizontal and/or vertical sandwich plates. The PWS system enables highly accurate, repeatable setting of the columns and guarantees form and force fitting connection with simultaneous centering in the supporting sleeves. The sockets used withstand traction of up to 2 tons.

„The changeover of fixtures is done in minutes and takes less time than required for positioning and aligning a stand-alone measuring fixture. Due to high accuracy positioning, repeat measuring of the individual fixtures is not necessary, since base plates have already been checked.“, explained Stefan Röding (Witte Far East, Singapore), who was in charge of this project for a Chinese auto manufacturer.

Body parts as well as underbody groups and rear decklids are set up in car line on horizontal plates, while side panels are mounted vertically. All columns are mounted on only one 1.5 x 2.5 meters sized storage and transport rack. This space saving solution is ideal for the often limited space conditions in many measuring rooms. The base plates are completely re-usable and can be utilized for future projects.