Don Whitley Scientific (DWS), a manufacturer of specialised equipment for microbiology, cell culture and laboratory automation, has transformed its quality assurance processes after investing in an Altera C 15.9.7 CMM from LK Metrology.
Based in Bingley, West Yorkshire, DWS manufactures complex components for medical gloveboxes using technologies including casting, moulding, fabrication, additive manufacturing and CNC machining. With some components requiring tolerances as fine as 0.01 mm, the company recognised the need for more precise and repeatable inspection, while also moving away from paper-based processes.
The LK Altera CMM, supplied with CAMIO 2026 software, enables DWS to verify dimensional accuracy before components enter production or spares are dispatched. Components are also sampled during manufacture, allowing the identification of process drift before the completion of entire batches.
Previously, inspection relied on micrometers, vernier callipers and bore gauges. Measurement variation could result in non-conforming parts being accepted and batches requiring rework or scrapping. Since introducing the CMM, production efficiency has improved by around 30%, while scrap and rework have fallen by approximately 90%.
CAMIO has also enabled DWS to adopt GD&T, including true position tolerances, improving part-to-part interchangeability and reducing fitting and rework. Automated programming using PMI and the CMM’s multi-sensor capability provide further scope for future development.
“We’ve never looked back since buying the LK CMM,” states Fergus Murray, director of engineering at DWS. “The whole experience has far exceeded our expectations. The support from LK has been second to none. We always feel respected and know someone will respond quickly whenever we need help. The consultative approach made the buying process very straightforward.”
LK’s ability to supply a machine from stock, customise its height to suit DWS’s premises and provide UK-based technical support were key factors in the decision.
More information www.lkmetrology.com
