Case Study: Asturfeito achieves precise assembly of Arctic radio telescopes with Hexagon

Measurement and assembly of two large telescopes in the arctic circle

A Spanish engineering and manufacturing company, Asturfeito, faced the challenge of assembling two massive 13.5-metre radio telescopes in the harsh, remote conditions of the Arctic Circle. The project required incredibly precise measurements and verifications, with tolerances of less than 0.04 millimetres, under unstable and extreme environmental conditions, including variable temperatures and difficult light. To achieve this, they turned to their long-time technology vendor, Hexagon, and utilized the Leica Absolute Tracker AT402 laser tracker.

Hexagon's solution provided the durable and reliable measurement technology needed to overcome these extreme challenges. The AT402 was used to verify all components to exact specifications before assembly and was then essential for controlling the bearing pins to ensure the telescopes' correct horizontal and vertical rotation on-site. The equipment performed seamlessly, enabling Asturfeito to complete the complex installation and achieve the stringent precision required. The success of this project, along with prior collaborations like the ALMA project, has solidified Asturfeito's complete confidence in Hexagon's products and services, which provide them a distinct competitive advantage in manufacturing speed and capacity.

Asturfeito

Manuel Martínez

Manager of the Quality Department