Visit of the Cooperative State University Melle to HECHT AG
On 12 August 2025, a group of students from BA Melle (degree program: Wood and Furniture Technology) visited HECHT AG in Besigheim. The participants came from various areas of kitchen manufacturing and furniture production—from industrial companies to craft businesses—and were accompanied by Markus Sauter, Head of Wood and Furniture Technology. The goal: hands-on insights into state-of-the-art metrology and how it improves quality, lead times and scrap rates in our industry.
Michael Kruse, HECHT AG’s Head of Sales, welcomed the group and outlined current technological developments. For more than 50 years, HECHT AG has been a leader in tactile and optical measuring and inspection systems for furniture parts—with a clear mission to make production processes more efficient and protect top-tier quality.
Focus topics of the visit
- Digital inline metrology with the 4i Inline Scanner
The 4i Inline Scanner enables fully automated, high-precision measurement of furniture parts directly in the production flow—without time-consuming manual checks. For kitchen manufacturers and furniture makers, that means immediate error detection, lower scrap and rework, and higher delivery quality.
- 3D HawkEye Scanner for part identification
The system automatically identifies parts even after the painting process. Traceability and unambiguous part assignment help prevent errors in flexible furniture production and keep assembly running smoothly.
- Opto-DesQ Vmax -measuring table for complex joints
Especially for connection systems like KeyHole and WedgeDowel—common in furniture and kitchen cabinet production—Opto-DesQ Vmax delivers precise measurement results within seconds. Manufacturers gain tight-fitting joints, fewer claims and durable products.
- Inline Hole Presence Check
Error-free drilling is crucial for stable constructions. Automated borehole inspection ensures fewer assembly issues and fewer customer complaints—and can be added to existing lines with minimal effort.
Practice meets theory: Students experience industrial measurement technology first hand
In the concluding discussion, everyone agreed: modern metrology is a key driver of competitive and sustainable kitchen and furniture production. Those who integrate digital technologies and precise scanners benefit from consistent quality, leaner processes and a stronger market position.
