New autonomous machine vision

Inspekto has launched the Inspekto S70 Gen.2 autonomous machine vision (AMV) system, a new and improved version of its established solution for industrial quality inspection. Powered by AMV-AI, S70 Gen.2 supports an even higher number of use cases and facilitates reliable quality inspection in challenging applications, such as highly reflective materials, moving parts and vibrating platforms.

Unlike traditional machine vision solutions, the S70 Gen.2 is an off-the-shelf edge device that users can install in as little as 45 minutes, without any expertise in machine vision or AI. The simple set-up procedure only requires an average of 20 to 30 OK (good) sample items and no NOK (defective) ones, meaning that no training, data labelling or annotation is required to create immediate proof of concept.

While retaining its user-friendly characteristics, the latest version of Inspekto’s flagship edge device offers new and improved attributes. The first is the possibility to deploy the system in an even higher number of use cases. As opposed to traditional machine-vision solutions, which are set to inspect only a specific use case, AMV systems are universal, which means they include both the required hardware and software, and can inspect a wide variety of parts. This feature now extends to the reliable inspection of highly reflective materials like metals and plastics.

The built-in 5000K LEDs of the S70 Gen.2, controlled by pulse-width modularisation and arranged in several distinct regions, allow the system to control the direction of illumination autonomously and take several images with varying light direction and intensity. S70 Gen.2 then fuses these images to create a single HDR image without any reflection.

For further information
www.inspekto.com

Automated CMM stylus cleaning

After detailed research into the effects of stylus-tip contamination when using a CMM, Dr Simon Lawes, Manufacturing Metrology Team at the University of Nottingham, said: “A stylus tip contaminated with tiny particles can lead to measurement errors 10 times greater than expected.” The problem in inspection rooms and on the shop floor is that stylus cleaning is a tedious and time-consuming job that reduces the amount of time the CMM is available for measuring.

To alleviate the problem, UK-based CMM manufacturer LK Metrology has introduced an automated stylus-tip cleaning system, LK StyliCleaner. It takes just 30 seconds to remove debris from a stylus tip, eliminating the tendency to delay cleaning and reducing the risk of taking inaccurate measurements.

LK says that the cleaning system is an inexpensive solution and works with all brands of CMM and software. No software integration is needed, just a simple part program for controlling the cycle. For LK CAMIO customers, the StyliCleaner is bundled with free-of-charge part programs for automated stylus-tip cleaning.

Controlled by the CMM’s axis movements, the automated cleansing cycle activates when a dirty stylus is programmed to move in front of the StyliCleaner motion sensor.

LK’s compact StyliCleaner, which has a 70 x 100 mm footprint, is available in two sizes, StyliCleaner8 and StyliCleaner16, to decontaminate styli from 0 to 8 mm, and from 6 to 16 mm in diameter. The separate control unit may sit on the CMM table or, if space is limited, can attach to the CMM stand via an optional mounting plate.

For further information
www.lkmetrology.com

GM CNC expands team

Unprecedented growth at GM CNC has seen the machine-tool specialist expand its team with two new recruits. The latest marketing appointments will see the company further build brand awareness, social media interaction, and provide support to the sales and service teams. Jake Riley and Reece Mundy will work across GM CNC and sister company GM Machinery, building communication platforms with existing and potential customers to inform the manufacturing industry about products, offers, services and live machine-tool auctions and events.

GM CNC director Nicola Howard says: “Digital marketing communication is an industry within itself, and while most companies believe they are proficient because they have LinkedIn or Facebook accounts, this route to market is vitally important to communicate with existing and new customers. This is why GM CNC is convinced that digital marketing communication deserves the attention of dedicated and experienced team members.”

For further information www.gm-cnc.com

15% lighter landing gear

Safran Landing Systems, the world’s largest supplier of landing gear, has teamed up with German metal additive manufacturing (AM) equipment specialist SLM Solutions to evaluate the feasibility of using its technology in the production of large, safety-critical aircraft components.

The trial involved 3D-printing the main fitting for the nose landing gear of a business jet, layer-by-layer, from titanium alloy powder.

It was a world first for such a large part measuring 455 x 295 x 805 mm tall. The component was redesigned to optimise its production using metal powder bed AM, leading to a time saving in the build process and a significant weight reduction of around 15% in comparison with milling the part from a forging. SLM Solutions’ sole agent in the UK and Ireland is Kingsbury.

For further information
www.kingsburyuk.com

Hainbuch expands clamping portfolio

With the acquisition of Vischer & Bolli Automation in Lindau, Hainbuch is expanding its range of stationary workpiece clamping devices. As a result of the purchase, Hainbuch is able to offer custom solutions for workpieces of up to 100 tonnes, or 10 to 20 m in length. The zero-point clamping system screws on to the machine table, serving as a base for fast changeovers. Both pneumatic and hydraulic versions are available for either manual or automated solutions.

To clamp the workpiece on the base, a vice, clamping tower, modular clamping device or magnetic clamping plate can be used depending on requirements, thus ensuring an optimal and economic solution is available for every workpiece, regardless of shape or size.

For further information www.hainbuch.com