Partnership for automated QC solutions

Metrologic Group and Creaform have entered into a partnership in which Creaform integrates Metrologic Group’s software suite with its new CUBE-R 3D automated dimensional inspection system.

This laser scanning, all-in-one solution features Metrologic Group’s 3D measurement programming and inspection software packages, Silma and Metrolog X4 i-Robot, and offers robotic operations in an automated industrial measuring cell.
CUBE-R is an off-the-shelf, fully integrated, automated 3D inspection solution designed for manufacturing companies requiring automated quality control directly on the shop floor. The machine optimises the MetraScan 3D-R metrology scanner with the use of Metrologic Group’s robot-dedicated measurement software, Metrolog X4 i-Robot, thus providing a flexible plug-and-play alternative to CMMS and other robot-mounted, structured-light 3D scanners.
The CUBE-R extends the capabilities of the MetraScan 3D-R for the dimensional measurement of parts ranging from 1 to 3 m with metrology-grade volumetric accuracy under real shop-floor conditions.
Integrating Metrologic Group’s Silma X4 i-Robot and Metrolog X4 i-Robot, the CUBE-R delivers an array of benefits. For instance, the software calculates the most efficient positioning of the sensor and the best collision-free trajectories for the robot. In addition, the same software manages the optical 3D measurements and simultaneously provides advanced analysis of the results – even when computing huge point clouds –, and edits personalised, easy-to-understand reports. In short, Metrolog and Silma X4 i-Robot turn the CUBE-R into a simple automated measurement solution, easily operated by a non-specialist operator.
For further information www.creaform3d.com

RPI supplies Rolls-Royce with five iMAPs

RPI UK, a specialist developer and manufacturer of precision positioning devices for high-accuracy rotary and angular inspection systems, has supplied five integrated measurement assembly platforms (iMAPs) to Rolls-Royce and its approved MRO facilities.

iMAP, which is said to reduce inspection times by 90% and improve gauge repeatability and reproducibility by up to 10 times, will be used by Rolls-Royce to measure and assemble engine turbine rotors at its sites in Derby and Germany.
Atlanta-based Delta Airlines, which carries out MRO of the Rolls-Royce Trent engine, has also purchased an RPI iMAP machine – the first one sold to a Rolls-Royce approved MRO facility.
Jim Palmer, RPI’s sales manager, says: “We’ve been working with Rolls-Royce for over 30 years so its great news that both Rolls-Royce, and their approved MRO facilities, are choosing to invest in iMAP, which has been independently verified to give significant operational improvements over traditional measurement methods.”
iMAP’s data acquisition software AccuScan enables manufacturers to measure up to 4000 data points on up to eight surfaces simultaneously (per revolution), thereby significantly reducing process times compared with other available methods. This significantly improved inspection data is then used by IntelliStack, iMAP’s rotor stacking program, to solve the mathematical problem of how to best assemble a multi-stage rotor assembly and achieve minimum runout or unbalance of the finished rotor.
Combining a motorised
high-precision air bearing rotary axis, rigid column unit, anti-vibration granite base and AccuScan multi-channel circular geometry inspection software, IMAP is intended to deliver productivity improvements in turbine rotor assembly.
For further information www.rpiuk.com

Faro TracerSI boosts laser-guided assembly

Faro has released the next generation of its Tracer platform for laser-guided assembly and verification: the TracerSI laser projection system. TracerSI is a fully integrated solution that includes improved hardware built upon the previous TracerM product and BuildIT projector software.

Like TracerM, TracerSI uses 3D CAD information to project 3D laser images on to a physical surface and provide a live, visually rich virtual template that assemblers can use to quickly position components with confidence. This solution can deliver significant ROI as organisations no longer have to invest capital in physical templates, such as wood or metal moulds or tools, which also have to be built, maintained, stored and sometimes repaired. Additionally, real-time manufacturing errors are minimised and, as a result, costly scrap and rework costs are reduced. There are actual, documented cases where rework and scrap savings alone lead to payback periods as short as 90 days, says Faro.
TracerSI is said to represent the first of its kind laser scanning camera, with projection and high-resolution image scanning capabilities throughout its entire projection volume. Since the laser scanning camera does not rely on lenses or conventional image capture, the depth of field is equal to the full projection range. In addition, there are no lighting limitations since it is laser illuminated, and there are no restrictions on frame size or resolution.
Faro’s TracerSI moves guidance assembly forward through its native support of feature-based alignment. As a result, retroreflectors (special targets that reflect light back to the original source) do not have to be placed on or around the object or assembly. This convenience substantially reduces the time required for set up.
For further information www.faro.com

Instant measurement system available from Vision

Vision Engineering has announced the general availability of its TVM field of view (FOV) video measurement system.

The non-contact TVM combines a small footprint with larger system performance and ease of use. Time-saving, instant FOV measurements and a moving stage allow larger components to be measured quickly and easily.
The TVM series includes the TVM20 and TVM35, with FOV sizes of 20 and 35 mm respectively. Both systems are designed to meet rigorous quality assurance applications in automotive, aerospace, medical and plastics manufacturing. Cylindrical, flat or square components can be measured instantly within the FOV at the click of a mouse.
As with other measurement and inspection systems from Vision Engineering, TVM systems can be configured to suit specific applications, including small pressed components, turned parts, injection moulded plastics, tubes and cables, while the addition of a manually controlled stage extends measurement for larger components up to 200 x 100 mm.
The combination of the TVM’s flat-field telecentric lens and collimated sub-stage lighting, featuring a newly developed quadrant LED ring light, creates a sharp image of components on the HD monitor, and significantly improves the video edge detection of complex parts such as threads and valves.
The TVM’s user-friendly software comprises a suite of features that includes simple data import/export, image stitching and reporting facilities.
TVM20 and TVM35 systems are manufactured in the UK at Vision Engineering’s global headquarters.
For further information www.visioneng.com

Boosting manual 2D inspection

If the manual inspection of 2D components on a measuring machine, optical profile projector or measuring microscope is too time consuming or not sufficiently precise, the newly developed Quadra-Chek 2000 from Heidenhain can solve the problem.

Equipped with embedded evaluation software and a high-resolution, 7”, hardened colour touch screen, the unit has a built-in power supply, rugged aluminium housing and fan-less cooling. Heidenhain says these factors make it suitable for applications on the shop floor as well as in the inspection room.
Point acquisition using X and Y hand wheels, and perhaps also stage rotation, is simple using crosshairs or via a connected optical edge detector. The latter enables a high level of repeatability and reduces measurement uncertainty by eliminating subjective error. Predefined geometry tools record the co-ordinates of 2D features such as points, lines, circles, slots and squares, and measure the distances and angles between them. A ‘Measure Magic’ function simplifies inspection further by using the acquired points to recognise, select and fit the geometry automatically.
When dealing with complex contours and repetitive inspection, a user can automatically record the measuring routine and run it at any time. Quadra-Chek 2000 keeps track of the presets, sequence of measurements, tolerances and data output commands. When the recorded program is executed again, the unit displays on-screen user guidance detailing all of the features to be measured.
The menu-driven software is context-sensitive, showing only those functions that are available in the current measuring situation. Results are captured and displayed graphically.
For further information www.heidenhain.com