High-Precision Metrology Solutions for a Growing Industry

Q: How does ZEISS leverage its experience in metrology to provide highly accurate measurement systems to the Mexican automotive industry?

A: ZEISS was founded over 175 years ago and has about 80 years of experience in the automotive industry. Throughout these years, ZEISS has innovated within high-precision measurements. Lately, we have incorporated new technologies, such as scanning and inspection optics, reverse engineering lasers and 3D construction. ZEISS has also developed X-ray testing to verify that a piece follows industry standards and that the material it is made of does not have any impurity or weakness that could lead to material fatigue. 

Q: What role do robots play within inline inspection?

A: ZEISS is deeply involved in Industry 4.0 and aims to help clients minimize costs by reducing errors. The company collaborates with the robotics industry to get parts from the production line to measurement points, which are highly precise. Robotization helps to automate processes and minimize errors. Furthermore, robots enable factories to operate 24/7.

Q: How does ZEISS combine its product offering to provide comprehensive metrology solutions?

A: ZEISS provides a comprehensive solution that incorporates hardware and software to check that measurements are correct. We offer measurement and integration software, in addition to a wide range of accessories that can be used as independent solutions or that can be integrated into the production equipment. We have a wide range of software at different levels. During production, information emitted by a machine travels to a control point where quality management can check exact measurements. This technology must work 24 hours a day, every day. Our comprehensive solutions ensure continuous production while avoiding bottlenecks.

Q: How does ZEISS work with clients to help them implement its solutions smoothly?

A: Software programming takes time. Our software engineers work closely with the client to reduce the installation time without compromising the measures that must be taken. All time reductions increase the productivity of the production chain. We have applications that constantly study customer requirements, service engineers who prevent any pause in production and a wide range of services and experts to offer the best solutions to the customer.

Q: How is metrology changing to meet the new precision demands of EV manufacturing?

A: EVs have different mechanical parts and require different manufacturing processes. These vehicles have considerably fewer components than combustion engine vehicles. Electric motors, batteries and transmissions imply a paradigm shift on what we should measure. While this environment involves challenges, ZEISS is working closely with customers to define standards. We have diversified measurement sources to adapt to new technologies and measurement demands.

Q: How does ZEISS adapt to Mexico’s growing manufacturing capacity?

A: Mexico’s manufacturing capacity continues to grow. Under USMCA, several megatrends are coming to the country. The COVID-19 pandemic changed how corporations plan production, leading them to bet more on nearshoring than on offshoring, while technology continues to improve. New production processes involving lower costs create new challenges and opportunities within the metrology business. Both in software and hardware, ZEISS adapts to the highest demands and modern trends.

Q: How has ZEISS México grown its presence in the plastic medical devices segment?

A: The medical devices industry is an important sector in Mexico, with annual production valued at US$20 billion and growing. This industry is concentrated in specific regions, such as Baja California. Medical devices are subject to highly demanding regulations, such as those from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We provide customers with measurement technologies and processes that follow the standards of the FDA and other global agencies.

ZEISS continues to grow, learn and improve. By the end of 2022, we will open a quality center in Tijuana, Baja California, which hosts one of the most important medical device clusters in the country.

Q: How does ZEISS México’s portfolio work to meet the demands of the country’s growing aerospace sector?

A: The aerospace industry is demanding and rigorous. ZEISS has a history in this sector, good clients and an understanding of the industry’s measurement and high-precision metrology demands. As Mexico’s aerospace clusters continue to grow, ZEISS has a strategic presence with locations in Silao and Queretaro. We have accreditations from the highest standardization boards and we provide tailor-made measurement solutions for specific aviation parts to ensure they meet clients’ requirements.

Q: What role does ZEISS Metrology Academy play in the training of metrology technicians?

A: Measurement and metrology standards are constantly evolving. While there is good training in Mexico, industry demand is expanding and training must be continuous due to the nature of the industry. New hardware and software equipment require new training.

One of ZEISS’s main goals is to help clients grow their skills and knowledge that the new software demands. Therefore, we have developed a portfolio of ZEISS Academy products so our clients’ personnel can become accredited through different types of training, both virtually and in-person in our quality centers. These certifications complement the training of these technicians.

Q: What are ZEISS México’s main plans and strategies for 2023?

A: ZEISS continues to strengthen its presence in Mexico’s different industries. In addition to the new quality center in Tijuana, ZEISS México will reinforce its position as the most important player for measurement and quality systems in the country.

ZEISS is investing in talent to cover the potential demand. Our plans continue to focus on growing the team, looking for new clients and deepening our relationship with those we already have. We must grow in personnel but also in skills to adapt our technologies to our customers’ operations. The success of our customers is the success of ZEISS.