🎧 ARCH partnership with Hexagon is cruising

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division and ARCH Motorcycle, a manufacturer of high-performance bespoke motorcycles, have partnered to support the quality control demands of engineering and producing unique riding experiences for ARCH customers.

By combining artistry and engineering with precision technologies, ARCH maximises the performance potential of its motorcycles while keeping innovation at the forefront of design. The partnership is geared to help ARCH expand its commitment to producing bespoke motorcycles by fully digitising quality processes throughout engineering and manufacturing with state-of-the-art measurement technologies. 

ARCH Motorcycle was founded by Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger in 2011 to challenge the perception of what an American motorcycle could be. Anything that compromises the ride, aesthetics, stance, or function is treated as an opportunity to innovate and improve the design. ARCH owners seek more than just a machine. They are passionate individuals in search of a completely immersive riding experience. Every ARCH motorcycle is built from an obsession for innovative design, engineering excellence and dedication to the rider – and that is why the company is working closely with Hexagon.

3D scanning technologies to be implemented by ARCH Motorcycle include Hexagon’s equipment and software for reverse engineering, which will enable ARCH to retain classic design elements for application to products in development. The technology will also help ARCH Motorcycle create tailored ergonomic motorcycle designs that incorporate individual customer specifications for shocks, seats, handlebars, foot controls, and overall fit. 

“At ARCH, we strive for precision machining and attention to detail for crafted production motorcycles. Our goal is to integrate Hexagon’s latest metrology technologies throughout our manufacturing and quality control processes to achieve a meticulous finish and uncompromising quality for every ARCH motorcycle. The ability to quickly digitise parts will also streamline our 3D digital workflows for CAD and the production of bespoke parts that enhance a rider’s experience and comfort.” 

 The ability to quickly digitise part dimensions and surface finishes for comparison to CAD models and quality standards will enable ARCH to improve both throughput and quality control easily and with confidence in their data. It also allows the company to keep an accurate digital 3D record of each customer’s motorcycle to support future customer service. 

Hexagon devices to be used by the ARCH manufacturing team include the easy-to-use portable Absolute Arm measurement technology with a state-of-the-art AS1 laser line scanner) that enables even inexperienced users to capture measurements directly into associated software. The 3D laser scanner provides a guided workflow that helps users to visualise 3D models and it guides them through successful coverage of critical features and surface measurements. Paired with tightly integrated measurement software, the laser scanner also makes it easy to scan large components and reverse engineer parts. 

The Absolute Scanner AS1 can collect up to 1.2 million data points per second at a line rate of 300 Hertz – even at maximum data quality and scan line width settings. This allows for surface and feature measurement without any need to slow down to ensure data quality. The AS1 is also fully high-speed automation compatible, making new worlds of high-productivity measurement possible. With the AS1, programmed robotic scan paths no longer need to be limited by the data collection speed of the scanner – the AS1 has been designed to keep up with the world of smart manufacturing.

“Quality control represents different challenges for every manufacturer, but it can be especially challenging for those who produce highly customised products,” said Brian Winters, Product Manager for Absolute Arms at Hexagon. “We’re excited to partner with ARCH Motorcycle to provide flexible tools that make it easy to digitise measurements as components are made and assembled. This immediate access to accurate 3D measurement data is intended to help produce the one-of-a-kind experiences and production motorcycle quality that customers want.”