Subscription service for 3D fixture modelling software

Renishaw’s FixtureBuilder 3D fixture-modelling software is now available via a new subscription service. Customers can therefore take advantage of a complimentary 12-month subscription to this accessible fixture-planning software when they purchase qualifying metrology fixturing products or bundles.

FixtureBuilder software allows the quick and easy creation and documentation of advanced CAD-based metrology fixturing set-ups for repeatable and productive part inspection. Users have access to the full catalogue of Renishaw metrology fixturing components when designing and documenting their modular fixturing set-ups.

Renishaw’s FixtureBuilder software boasts an intuitive interface, complete with clear and organised component libraries, intelligent drag and drop functionality, and an easy-to-use constraint mechanism. Its full CAD compatibility and custom libraries further enhance the user experience.

The FixtureBuilder software’s standout feature is its ‘Build it’ function, which automates the generation of work instructions and bill of materials for each fixture set-up. This simplifies the purchase of fixturing components and helps users to meet their quality standards.

“Our fast and flexible FixtureBuilder software is a powerful addition to any manufacturer’s inspection workflow,” says Will Paul, product marketing manager. “The weakest link in an inspection process is often the ability to design and document comprehensive fixturing set-ups with ease and speed. FixtureBuilder gives our customers confidence in the positioning of their parts.”

FixtureBuilder 8.1 is the latest version of the software. It enables users to design fixturing set-ups in seconds and then export them to an inspection programming software of choice using popular file formats like IGES, SAT, and STEP. This ensures seamless functionality and compatibility with industry-standard inspection programs and applications.
For further information www.renishaw.com/fixtures

Fast and cost-effective surface measurement

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has announced the release of a new laser scanner for CMMs. The HP-L-10.10 LITE is for manufacturers seeking a cost-effective option that delivers more efficient surface measurement and higher throughput.

Concentrating on core laser scanning functions, the newHP-L-10.10 LITE laser scanner makes it easy and affordable for manufacturers to benefit from the measurement speed and coverage of laser scanning. The scanner captures the complete surface data of a part in a fraction of the time compared with measuring many points or lines using tactile measurement methods.

“When launching the standard-setting HP-L-10.10 CMM laser scanner in 2021, we knew many manufacturers wanted to increase their inspection efficiency and throughput but did not necessarily require that scanner’s full feature set of capabilities,” says Patryk Wroclawski, non-contact sensors product manager. “The HP-L-10.10 LITE is our answer to this need. And while it might be our entry-level scanner, it’s a high-speed and accurate device that delivers big productivity improvements across multiple measurement applications.”

Hexagon built the scanner upon its latest cross-platform laser line scanning technology. It employs the same SHINE (Systematic High-Intelligence Noise Elimination) technology as the flagship HP-L-10.10, allowing it to collect clean 3D measurement data from almost any surface material and finishquickly and accurately.Fast point cloud creation at up to 240,000 points per second acquisition rate and a 120 Hz frame rate make the HP-L-10.10 LITE suitable for scanning surfaces quickly, and its probing form error of just 14 µm is strong performance for laser scanning on a CMM.Equipped with the HP-L-10.10 LITE, a CMM becomes a multi-sensor machine that can handle most measurement tasks.
For further information www.hexagon.com

Nikon expands X-ray CT system range

Nikon IMBU is adding three new models in its VOXLS range of X-ray CT (computed tomography) systems for non-destructive inspection. The introduction of the 30 series fills a specific need in the industry for users seeking an automation-ready system with the versatility to meet a wide range of industrial applications.

The VOXLS 30 C 225, 30 C 320 and 30 C 450 models are now available to order and have maximum source energies of 225, 320 and 450kV respectively for examining parts of various densities and sizes. They also have a more compact footprint than Nikon’s 40 Series while maintaining advanced features traditionally exclusive to larger, more expensive solutions.

The systems are for automated operations that include quality control in factories producing lithium-ion batteries or additively manufactured components. The automotive, aerospace, medical and pharmaceutical industries are additional target markets, with many further applications in materials science, natural sciences and academia.

Dr Andrew Mathers, X-ray and CT product manager, says: “Automation at multiple levels is a major focus of the new 30 series, from batch CT providing efficiency gains for technicians to full factory integration with robotic handling and automated inspection via Nikon’s OPC UA Interface.”

At the core of the series is a metrology-grade, granite-based manipulator coupled with rigid steel towers, which provides a thermally stable and solid construction. High-precision motors, ball-screw drives and encoders ensure precise positioning and accurate movement of all axes, including the synchronous vertical motion of the X-ray sources and detectors.

To facilitate automation even further, the systems feature motorised bi-parting radiation doors that open and close in less than five seconds, behind which the cabinet interior can accommodate items up to 1000 mm in diameter by 1370 mm tall.
For further information https://industry.nikon.com

CTPE growsinspection capability with height gauge

CTPE Ltd, a contract supplier of machined components based in Mildenhall, chose Bowers Group to assist in enhancing its inspection capabilities by investing in a Trimos V3 height gauge.

Alex Taylor, CTPE operations director, says: “We opted to work with Bowers Group for this project as we’ve previously dealt with the company for other measuring equipment and always been very happy with the service. The Trimos V3 is a great product from a quality Swiss brand and it’s been a good addition to ourinspection department. It’s very easy to useand has helped accelerate our inspection times. The accuracy and repeatability are very good, and we can measure features on larger partsthat were previously beyond our capabilities.”

The V3 height gauge boasts a measuring range spanning from 400 to 700mm, ensuring versatility in its applications. What sets it apart is the large two-line ‘black mask’ display, a proprietary feature in the market that guarantees high contrast, regardless of lighting conditions. Its user-friendliness is also a popular characteristic, with electronically adjustable measuring force and an easy-to-read display unit that provides direct and easy-to-read access to functions, enabling rapid operation.

With the Trimos V3 in place, CTPE’s inspection capabilities are taking a significant leap forward. Employed on a daily basis for conducting first article, in-process and final inspections of milled and turned components, the company says that itsquality manager and machine setters are notably impressed by the height gauge’s accuracy and repeatability.

The equipment excelled at precisely measuring the larger milled and turned parts that had previously posed a challenge, even allowing the team to measure specific features that were beforehand were simply not possible.
For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

CMM retrofits enable multi-sensor inspection

At one of two factory units in Devizes operated by sealing specialist Cross Manufacturing, two CMMs built by LK Metrology in 1997 and 2007 have been given a new lease of life following an upgrade. The project involved the future-proofing of both machines by retrofitting multi-wired NMC300 controllers with updated firmware and software. Among the many advantages is the ability to deploy different types of sensor in addition to touch-trigger probes. Within the scope of the project, LK also fitted two new Renishaw PH10MQ motorised probe heads.

As a result of the improvements, Cross Manufacturinghas the ability to use its Renishaw SP25M tactile scanning probe, which the companyhopes will cut metrology cycle times by at least one-third when implemented in early 2024. It is possible to add further types of contact and non-contact sensor in the future should Cross Manufacturing choose to extend the CMMs’ capability and consolidate other automatic measuring functions into a single metrology routine.

Located on the shop floor in one of two adjacent sites, the CMMs are an LK G90C 10.10.8 and an LK Evo 15.15.10 having nominal inspection volumes of 1000 x 1000 x 800 mm and 1500 x 1500 x 1000 mm respectively. They fulfil a critical role serving the turning section, where the company products brush seals ranging in size from 1.83 m down to 102 mm in diameter for high-temperature gas turbine applications in aerospace and power generation.

“The vast majority of our parts are 100% inspected,” states senior project manager Mark Bolwell.“Upgrading our CMMs means we’ll be able to increase throughput by introducing tactile scanning, allowing us to support ever increasing demand without having to invest in another CMM at this time.”
For further information www.lkmetrology.com