3D measurement for small batches

At the EMO exhibition in Hanover last week, Alicona presented its new ‘cobot’ system, combining collaborative robots with high-resolution optical 3D measuring sensors. The new Compact-Cobot is a universal solution applicable in all industries to verify surface state and dimensional accuracy.

Alicona cobots combine collaborative robots and optical 3D measuring sensors. A measuring sensor is mounted to a mobile robot platform and can be positioned as needed, even for the measurement of components in the machine. This is made possible by intuitive hand-guided controls for the teaching of measurement routines, automatic measurement evaluation and a no-enclosures safety concept.
Cobots require no prior metrology knowledge and make handling, programming and executing measurement routines easy. Using connected automation software, any series of measurements can be defined by an administrator at several positions, which the operator then starts with the press of a button. Control and measurement are fully automated, and upon completion the worker receives a measurement report with OK or not OK details.
In addition, an optional CADCAM connection allows the definition of measurement points and directions directly in the corresponding CAD file. A simulation provides a preview of the process to be performed, supporting safe and secure measurement planning. Virtual operation of the Alicona measurement system comprises the entire handling, from the positioning of a component through to the determination of the measurement area in 3D.
For further information www.alicona.com

GB Precision upgrades microscope

Birmingham-based GB Precision has expanded the benefits obtained from its toolmaker’s microscope by equipping it with a Tucsen TrueChrome Metrics digital image measurement system. The TrueChrome transmits images directly from the microscope, in real time, to an attached PC screen. Last year, Alrad Imaging announced a UK distributorship for Tucsen scientific cameras.

“This has greatly increased the advantages we gain from the microscope, transforming it from solely an inspection tool into a flexible communication device that helps us solve engineering problems,” says GB Precision director Paul Turner. “One of the issues with using a microscope on its own is that, naturally, only one person at a time can view the image. That’s inconvenient when wanting to discuss a specific feature, angle or geometry with members of the team.”
Using the camera attachment, the image is displayed directly on a PC screen, so several people can simultaneously see the component under review and, if the viewing angle, position or magnification needs to be altered, again, all parties see the change immediately. Furthermore, viewing the images on a large PC screen is easier than looking through a microscope eyepiece, making detailed image scrutiny a more comfortable experience.
Another significant benefit is the ability to automatically store data directly to the PC, thus maintaining a detailed record for future use – a growing requirement of customers in sectors such as aerospace, medical and pharmaceutical.
For further information www.alrad.co.uk

£40m metrology centre gets official launch

The Future Metrology Hub, based at the University of Huddersfield and funded by the EPSRC and industry, was officially launched at an event attended by more than 130 scientists, engineers, academics and industrialists from around the UK. They heard a sequence of talks from key figures, including the hub’s director, Professor Dame Jane Jiang (pictured), who provided an overview of its work. She said that metrology is critical to modern manufacturing and pledged that the technology she and her colleagues develop in the lab – such as sensors and artificial intelligence control systems – would be geared-up for use in the real world of industry.

University of Huddersfied, Director of the Future Metrology Hub, Professor Jane Jiang.
11.09.17

There are 29 industrial partners, including firms such as Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, GKN Aerospace, BAE Systems, Siemens, Reliance Precision and Carl Zeiss, all of which were represented at the launch. Another key partner is Renishaw, which has collaborated with the University of Huddersfield for a quarter of a century. Renishaw’s group engineering director, Professor Geoff McFarland, gave the keynote address at the launch day.
He described the trajectory of modern manufacturing, with its “intelligent factories with zero waste and optimal efficiency using automated processes”. Metrology was crucial to this, said McFarland, describing the science as “one of our best manufacturing tools”, and it needed to have a presence on the shop floor.
Renishaw has more than 1500 patents and patents pending, said McFarland, “but we don’t have all the answers and there are more and more questions. And that is why we are involved with this wonderful hub.”
For further information https://research.hud.ac.uk/institutes-centres/fmh

Turbocharger firm improves performance

A Northamptonshire-based automotive company that remanufactures vehicle turbochargers has received a boost from the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP) in a bid to improve export performance. Air Jordan 3 Homme

Corby-based Fast Turbo Ltd, nike tn rose femme which specialises in reconditioned turbochargers, Canotta Memphis Grizzlies vacuum alternators, New Orleans Pelicans

electronic actuators and gasket kits, Nike Air Mag was put in touch with MGP and an expert in manufacturing strategy who worked alongside the management team to create a five-year pathway for the business. Adidas Schoenen “The MGP specialist worked with us to identify the skills and weaknesses of our business, GS Air Jordan 14 and identified a process of prioritisation that will help us to focus on key areas,” says managing director Slawomir Soja. Fjallraven Kanken No.2 “As a result,

Bay Engineering future-proofs with Haas

Bay Engineering is a precision engineering company based in Weymouth, Dorset on the Lynch Lane Industrial Estate. The company is committed to providing high-quality CNC machined components while providing prompt and efficient customer service. Established in 2001 by directors Steve Balem and Darren Taylor, Bay Engineering has been going from strength-to-strength.

In 2012, the company moved into a new purpose built 6000 sq ft factory and invested in new machining centres with a prospect to increase its workforce of 13.
“We have expanded our team to 20,” states Taylor. “Our highly skilled staff are augmented by external specialists in their respective fields. This has enabled us to continue our steady growth while making improvements across the company. Ultimately, this lets us deliver an ever-improving service and quality of work to our customers.”
But it doesn’t stop there.
“In 2010, we turned over £320,000. Since then we have steadily grown and have every confidence in reaching our forecast of £1.7m for 2017.”
Adds Balem: “Our culture of continuous investment should see us soon surpass the £2m mark. This will undoubtedly include the procurement of more Haas five-axis CNC mills. We have a long-standing tradition of using Haas. We find them to consistently deliver solid, long-lasting machines, which are great value for money and output quality components.

“Our commitment to quality has always been at the forefront of our current and future plans,” he continues. “We have just received our certification of the latest ISO standard, ISO 9001:2015. We are duty bound to ensure all components we manufacture are fully traceable. From the material purchased, to programmer, to operator, to inspection, through to goods-out.”
More five-axis machining has been an essential part of Bay Engineering’s long-term investment plan for increasing both capacity and machining capabilities.
“We were looking for a five-axis machine to expand our capabilities and had a list of specific requirements,” says Taylor. “Our search for a ‘perfect-fit’ machine began and ended with a call to Haas. They suggested the 12,000 rpm version of the Haas UMC-750 universal machining centre.”

Investing in a CNC machine tool should not require nerves of steel. But, for owners of SME machine shops with a need for high-productivity five-axis machining that is exactly what used to be the case. High purchase cost and complexity were usually enough to put-off those with anything less than cast-iron composure. Until, that is, Haas released its UMC-750 in 2015.
The UMC-750 is designed for both 3+2 and simultaneous five-axis machining. Travels of 762 x 508 x 508 mm and an integrated dual-axis trunnion table are featured. An inline direct-drive, low-heat 40-taper spindle (8100 rpm standard, or optional 12,000 or 15,000 rpm) is offered, while the machine comes as standard with a 40+1 tool side-mount tool changer. The machine provides +35 and -110° of tilt and 360° of rotation for suitable tool clearance and large part capacity.
According to Haas, the UMC-750 is a high-performance CNC machine tool for a fraction of the usual cost associated with machines of such capability and quality.
A wide selection of high-productivity options is available for the UMC-750, including a belt-type chip conveyor, high-pressure through-spindle coolant systems, high-speed machining control software, the Haas Wireless Intuitive Probing System and expanded program memory.
“With 762 x 508 x 508 mm travels, an integrated dual-axis trunnion table and 40+1 tool changer, we knew we had found the right machine for our needs,” says Taylor. “Since taking delivery in March, it has become the most popular machine in the workshop.”
Such an advanced machine requires a similar step up in CAD software. Fortunately, Bay Engineering’s CAD package of choice was ahead of the game.
“We’ve been using OneCNC for over 10 years now,” says Taylor. “It has always worked seamlessly with our existing Haas machines. We have a CAD station attached to each mill for programming and file transfer. This year we’ve upgraded all our CAD stations to Windows 10 Pro and OneCNC-XR7 3D Expert to fully complement our new five-axis machine. We’ve also added modules to OneCNC that provide us with optimum five-axis control while maintaining our existing workflow.
“We have a strict 5S strategy in place, but we take the spirit beyond the obvious tooling and marking,” he adds. “All our CAD stations are configured with the same software connected to a central server providing access to all files at any time. Our ERP software is bespoke and accessible throughout the building. It provides the latest information from the shop floor as required by those who need it, including production status, resource planning and delivery performance.”
Bay Engineering has also started running a night shift, allowing continuous manufacturing around the clock.
“We were looking for a way to increase utilisation of our growing range of machining centres to meet customer demand,” says Taylor. “Adding 24-hour skeleton staff has allowed us to realise and leverage the full potential of our machines.”
Concludes Balem: “Our long-term investment plan since moving to new premises in 2012 has already paid off. We will continue putting our collective expertise, our machines, and our teamwork into ensuring our customers receive the highest quality components with customer service to match.”
For further information www.haas.co.uk