Start-up starts with industrial computed tomography

t-exact GmbH, based in Schmalkalden, Thuringia, offers 3D measurement and analysis services. The company uses WENZEL's eXact U computer tomograph for analysis using computed tomography (CT), particularly for applications in the plastics industry. This includes the measurement of components made of materials such as rubber or silicone, which are difficult to sample using conventional measurement technology. t-exact GmbH can draw on extensive experience, as this technology has been used by the parent company, Hehnke GmbH & Co. KG from Steinbach-Hallenberg, since 2012.

With more than 120 employees, Hehnke has been producing precision plastic components for the automotive industry for 23 years. One of the company's core technologies is the production of hybrid plastic and metal components. “The requirements for components are increasing enormously. Particularly with regard to one of the megatrends in the automotive sector, autonomous driving, the reliability of mechanical components is playing an increasingly decisive role. Analyzing these components using CT is a decisive competitive advantage,” explains CEO Tommy Hehnke.

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“We were aware of the importance of this technology for our customers, but it would have been reckless to buy such a costly device as early as 2012. That's why we first purchased the point clouds and then analyzed them in-house using appropriate software,” explains Torsten Herrmann, CEO at Hehnke and managing partner of t-exact GmbH.

“Our customers quickly recognized the advantages of this measurement technology, in particular the time savings in measurement tasks, non-destructive measurement and the options for analyzing structures in the component. Acceptance increased and so in 2017 we decided to found a new service company and invested in one of the latest and most modern tomographs from the manufacturer WENZEL,” explains Tommy Hehnke, shareholder of Hehnke GmbH & Co. KG and managing director of t-exact.

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The young start-up company chose WENZEL as a partner in the area of computed tomography and coordinate measurement technology after a strict selection process. With WENZEL's powerful eXact U, the company is able to offer professional 3D measurement and analysis services using computer tomography. The option of non-destructive testing saves customers enormous time compared to other analysis and measurement methods. With the eXact U, plastic components, structural and hybrid components as well as cast parts or organic and mineral materials can be measured and tested without contact. This also applies to the measurement of elastic, transparent and soft components.

“An increasing number of our customers are now accepting the requalification required in IATF 16949 by means of CT comparative measurement between approved initial sample part and the component that has just been produced. For now, this approach brings the practical implementation of the standard requirement within the realm of what is economically possible,” explains Torsten Herrmann.

In addition to CT analysis options, t-exact also offers tactile measurement services. “Tomography is not useful everywhere, this method cannot be used everywhere, which is why we also offer the options of traditional measurement techniques,” explains Tommy Hehnke.

“We have already been able to convince and inspire many customers with the advantages offered by the eXact U computer tomograph from WENZEL.”

Daniel König, plant manager at t-exact

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