Portable measuring arms for rigorous inspection

A new range of portable six-axis and seven-axis measuring arms is now available from LK Metrology, replacing the 34 original versions it introduced in 2021. Unlike their predecessors, six-axis Freedom Arm v2 products offer full IP54 protection from water splashes and the ingress of dust and particles, delivering reliable, repeatable, 3D tactile inspection and measurement in harsh industrial environments.

Available also is a new range of 21 stainless steel-tipped probes with a stainless steel or carbon fibre body, as well as updated RDS software v6.2 running on Windows for communicating with the arm via Wi-Fi or USB. For full IP54 protection of an arm, the probes have a rubber seal around the mounting interface while protective caps cover the arm ODU connectors. Additionally, a CP-W control pack features Wi-Fi connectivity and uses batteriesrather than mains power. An operator alert is among additions to the RDS software, warning the user if an arm does not have full IP54 protection.

The new seven-axis Freedom Arm v2 is not IP54 rated but is able to deploy a laser scanner and a tactile probe, thus makingit capable of multi-sensor data capture. A new OLED touchscreen display provides the operator with convenient fingertip control, enabling users to change settings, view messages and check results. It raises inspection productivity by avoiding the need to go back and forth between the arm and computer. Also new is a CP-B battery pack with Ethernet connection for probe and laser scanner use in environments where Wi-Fi is not permissible. The CP-B comes with two rechargeable batteries featuring hot-swap capability for unlimited continuous use on battery power.
For further information www.lkmetrology.com

Creaform launches latest VXintegrity version

Creaform, a business unit of Ametek Inc and a specialist in portable 3D measurement, is releasing a new version of VXintegrity, its solution for surface damage assessments that is accessible to all non-destructive testing (NDT) service companies across multiple sectors.

VXintegrity is a powerful NDT software platform, launched by Creaform last year, which integrates all analytical functions and tools into an intuitive, user-friendly interface for inspection teams and service companies. Composed of four software modules, VXintegrity solves the challenges of asset owners in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, oil and gas, power generation, and mining.

According to Creaform, the most significant change is VXintegrity’s game-changing algorithm, which eliminates the need for human interaction to analyse any surface and ensures highly repeatable results. It also removes all the limitations of simpler algorithms, paving the way to inspection applications on complex components, such as very aggressive double-curvature geometries, elbow pipes, T-joints, valves, advanced nozzles and boiler tubes. Creaform says that the algorithm is revolutionary for 3D surface assessments as it does not require a CAD model reference or any manual interventions with the data to identify the area of interest.

‘’By developing a dedicated NDT software platform, Creaform is showing the world its commitment to the NDT market and willingness to invest in developing the most innovative 3D scanning solution for surface damage assessment,” says François Lachance, product manager at Creaform.“Version 1.1 is in alignment with this commitment. Our newly reconstructed algorithm beats all other approaches on the market.”
For further information www.creaform3d.com

Seco Tools names new VP global sales

Andrew Hunter is now VP global sales at Seco Tools. He will report to Stefan Steenstrup, president Seco, and become a member of the Seco Management Group. Hunter has 23 years of experience from various customer-facing roles at Dormer Pramet, most recently as VP of sales & marketing where he headed an organisation consisting of 450 full-time employees in 26 countries. He will be responsible for securing growth at Seco, along with developing and implementing sales strategies to gain market share. Hunter will also be responsible for global sales activities and set the scene for the sales organisation.
For further information www.secotools.com

Fein launches powerful magnetic clamping solution

Power tools and accessories manufacturer Fein has introduced its first expandable clamping solution, the VersaMAG system, to the UK metalworking market. The modular system, centred round a powerful magnet, features a range of attachments that are fully interchangeable for use in endless applications.

VersaMAG, a neodymium magnet, forms the foundation of the clamping solution. Its two-rotor system generates a maximum holding force of 7800N, allowing end users to clamp securely to all magnetic surfaces as thin as 4mm. As a result, the system enables users to complete tasks safely and efficiently across a huge range of work environments, including shipyards, aircraft manufacturing facilities, and steel and fabrication shops.

The clamping system’s powerful magnetic base also eliminates the requirement to manoeuvre rigid worktop vices or materials to secure it safely while operating tools. This advantage significantly reduces the required set-up time across many applications.

In addition to the vice and jaws, Fein can offer a 16mm welding plate for use with the magnetic base. Featuring a hole-grid system, the welding plate enables simple and precise alignment of workpieces.Its small and compact design makes it suitable for both stationary and mobile use.

“As well as offering increased productivity and flexibility, VersaMAG expands our portfolio of safety solutions,” says comments Andy Mills, managing director of Fein UK. “We know from speaking directly to users that a lack of flexible vice options has historically led to frustration and safety risks, where material cannot be secured properly or operators have felt forced to use their hand, leaving only one hand free for tool operation. We’re proud to solve this issue with our new, easy-to-use magnetic clamping system.”
For further information www.fein.com/en_uk

Heimatec delivers training to Hyfore Workholding

With the recent announcement of Hyfore Workholding as the exclusive UK distribution partner for the Heimatec brand of precision tools and systems, Dirk Hund, head of sales from Heimatec Germany recently visited Hyfore Workholding in the UK to deliver in-depth product training.

Specifically, Hund visited Oli Riley, standard workholding product manager at Hyfore Workholding, to deliver in-depth product training on Heimatec tooling. The presentations and training included solutions for static and driven tooling for fixed-head and Swiss-type lathes.

Before the UK visit, the Hyfore UK team underwent comprehensive training sessions in Germany at Heimatec’s headquarters in Renchen. The programme consisted of in-depth training on how the manufacture, assembly and testing of Heimatec tool holders.Rileyalso had time to discuss the latest developments from Heimatec, gaining a deeper understanding of the behind the scenes processes and building relationships with the Heimatec team in Germany.

Commenting upon the exciting new partnership, Riley says. “I gained a great insight into the structure of the tool-holder units and their impressive build quality. I’m looking forward to imparting my new Heimatec product knowledge to new and existing customers throughout the UK.”

Hund adds: “Oli is a fast learner and picked up quickly on the advantages the Heimatec product portfolio offer, such as high-speed, advanced speeder technology, internal cooling solutions, high pressure versus standard pressure, customised solutions, Heimatec quick-change systems and more. We’re happy to collaborate with Hyfore Workholding and strongly believe we have found the right partner for future success in the fast-growing UK market.”
For further information www.hyfore.com