Structured light 3D scanner for design

Faro has launched its Cobalt Design structured light scanner product family. Structured light scanning technology uses projected light patterns with a camera system to capture large areas at once and, as a result, significantly reduces data capture time and delivers quicker results.

Cobalt Design, combined with the recently introduced RevEng software platform, delivers a one-stop digital design solution where small-to-medium objects can be scanned with precision, in colour, with multiple levels of resolution. As such, it is the first colour structured light scanner from Faro specifically developed for design applications. In particular, the device is said to be suited to the scanning of complex surfaces, especially highly detailed organic shapes. Cobalt Design addresses a variety of design requirements, including reverse engineering, prototype design, packaging design, digital cataloguing, and even jewellery and fashion design.
The device enables design professionals to set up scan parameters once and then proceed to scan similar objects at the push of a button. Furthermore, several pre-configured scanning and meshing settings are available by default. This functionality, in turn, translates to less time per scan position, more scans per day and faster completion of scan projects.
An integrated, rotational axis improves the 3D scanning process and maximises scanning coverage. The object/part is placed in a fixed position on the axis, after which the axis can be set to automatically rotate up to 360° as it is being scanned.
Cobalt Design captures millions of 3D measurement points in as little as one second, with up to 3.1 Mpx accuracy for small-to-medium complex objects.
Precise and high-quality textured scans can be captured in colour and delivered as realistic images that enable even more detailed representations of geometric surfaces and finishing.
For further information www.faro.com

Another giant leap for Mills CNC

Mills CNC, the sole distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland, and home of the CNC Training Academy, has announced that it will hold an open house at the company’s Technology Campus facility in Leamington on 9-10 October.

Branded ‘Another Giant Leap’, the event will make more than a passing nod to the Apollo 11 mission and the moon landing which occurred in 1969. The open house will host a total of 15 Doosan machines, including a number making their UK debuts. Mills CNC will also exhibit its latest industrial and collaborative robot (cobot) solutions to visitors
for the first time.
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk

Remote monitoring of inspection

Aimed at multinational organisations with factories worldwide, but equally applicable to medium-size companies having several production facilities in one country, a web-based platform has been introduced by CMM manufacturer LK Metrology to help production departments monitor and control inspection activities around the clock.

Consistent with the aims of Industry 4.0, the new Metrology Gate portal provides remote access to information on the status and performance of all connected metrology devices. Available data includes measurement results and a summary of errors, a record of program changes, uptime of the CMMs and OEE. Historical logs assist troubleshooting and warn when routine maintenance is due, not only of the inspection machines, but of the machine tools or other equipment on which the components are
being made.
Delays in data searching are avoided, improving reporting procedures. Comprehensive daily reports include total output per shift and the number of parts measured, sudden changes in process averages, and comparisons between different machines producing the components. Graphical CAD reports, SPC analyses with Cp and Cpk results, and environmental logs including operating temperature are generated and communicated, alongside charts to aid interpretation and understanding.
In the case of critical dimensional discrepancies or hardware failure, the software shares the information with users immediately by sending alerts via email, SMS, WeChat or WhatsApp. Metrology jobs can be stopped and reset if performance is inadequate, maximising yield and minimising scrap.
Normally, data acquired is stored in the cloud but may be held on servers in different countries if preferred, or even on an individual computer. Either way, it is accessible over the internet instantly and globally in real time, on a PC in an office or using an app on handheld devices when on the move.
For further information www.lkmetrology.com

Five-fold gain in cleaning efficiency

The arrival of a front-loading, aqueous washing and rinsing system from Turbex at the Hampshire production facility of UK pump manufacturer Selwood has improved the efficiency with which machined castings are washed in preparation for assembly.

Two rotating-drum machines, also aqueous and supplied by Turbex 20 years ago to supplant a trichloroethylene cleaning process, have been replaced by a new AC-1.7-2 twin-stage machine.
Selwood’s old equipment had served well, but its effectiveness was diminishing through age and an inability to maintain water temperature and activate the detergent adequately. A batch of 12 to 15 castings for the assembly of one pump used to take 40 minutes to clean and, sometimes, they would have to go back into the machine if still soiled. The new Turbex industrial washing machine can process five such loads – placed in four rectangular stainless steel stillages – in 45 minutes.
For further information www.turbex.co.uk

Filtermist completes purchase of Kerstar

Air extraction and filtration specialist Filtermist International has completed a deal to acquire industrial vacuum cleaner manufacturer Kerstar.

Established in 1960, Kerstar produces a range of cleaners from its facility in Northampton, exporting to more than 19 countries worldwide through a network of approved distributors. UK customers consist of resellers and end users involved in engineering, aerospace and power generation. Kerstar also provides a comprehensive aftersales service throughout the country. This is the third acquisition Filtermist has completed so far this year.
For further information www.filtermist.co.uk