Empower manufacturing and deliver capabilities

The 34th edition of Machine Tool Indonesia, an international machine tool, metalworking and allied industries event, will take place this week (30 November to 3 December) at the Jakarta International Expo centre. Billed as the only place for exhibitors to meet key trade buyers and decision makers from the Indonesian manufacturing industry, the show expects to attract more than 37,000 visitors.

These visitors will have the chance to see the latest market trends, keep up to date with specialist sectors, increase their industry knowledge and stay ahead of competitors. The show incorporates a number of other concurrent exhibitions, including Manufacturing Indonesia, Industrial Automation & Logistics Indonesia, and Tools & Hardware Indonesia.
For further information www.machinetoolindonesia.com

First update to the SI prefixes since 1991

Measurement scientists and government representatives from around the world at the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) in Versailles, France earlier this month voted to expand the range of prefixes within the International System of Units (SI).

Dr Richard Brown, head of metrology at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the UK’s national metrology institute, led the proposal recommending the new names – ronna and quetta – as SI prefixes for 1027 and 1030, respectively. They are joined by their microscopic counterparts, ronto for 10−27 and quecto for 10−30. The proposal was approved by the CGPM and these new prefixes have been incorporated into the SI with immediate effect, becoming the first expansion to the range of SI prefixes since 1991.

The expansion has been driven by the requirements of data science, digital storage and the exponentially growing size of the global datasphere, which is already using prefixes at the top of the existing scale. Additionally, the prefixes for very small numbers are useful for quantum science and particle physics.

“Our system of SI prefixes has expanded over the years in response to advances in science and technology requiring access to an increased range of orders of magnitude relating to measurement,” explains Brown. “This most recent change is essential to meet the requirements of data science and the ever-growing global datasphere – growth that we expect to accelerate with more widespread digitalisation and the advent of new technologies, such as quantum computing. These new SI prefixes will allow clear and unambiguous communication of these measurements for many years to come.”
For further information www.npl.co.uk

Air gauging system streamlines measurement

Addmore Engineering has found the optimal way to measure safety- and performance-critical components with an air gauging system from Bowers Group. As part of its inspection process, Addmore needs to measure bolts that are critical components on braking systems. It is, therefore, imperative that 100% of the parts produced are within tolerance. The air gauging system from Bowers Group ensures that the performance critical parts manufactured by Addmore Engineering satisfy customer requirements to 100% inspect safety-critical characteristics and meet tight tolerances.

Ben Vasquez, managing director at Addmore, says: “The Bowers air gauging system is the perfect solution because it standardises the measurement process and eliminates the potential for human error. The system allows multiple operators to check the diameter of the components accurately in minimal time, while the modern control panel gives a quick yes/no output that allows each bolt to be checked with guaranteed high-precision results.”

Addmore Engineering manufactures in excess of 10,000 bolts every month. The business had previously experienced some difficulties whereby operators were achieving different readings with micrometers; a significant problem when trying to measure 7 µm tolerances. Bowers’ air gauging system allows team members to check component diameters in a short space of time. Using air flow volumes and pressures to measure parts, air gauging is a reliable, repeatable technology suited to applications that demand sub-micron precision.

As a further benefit, air gauging technology is also flexible, enabling measurement of not only dimensions, but geometric and relational characteristics, such as squareness, parallelism, ovality, taper and straightness. Inspectors and machine operators at Addmore Engineering use the Bowers air gauging system on a daily basis.
For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

OGP SmartScope E7 now available in UK

OGP has launched the SmartScope E7 multi-sensor measurement system into the UK market. Featuring an easy-to-use interface designed for use with a single-operator, the SmartScope E7 cuts down on lengthy training and unnecessary downtime, while delivering a range of features that the company says can transform inspection processes. Suitable for operators functioning at all skill levels, and businesses and subcontractors at all available budgets, the SmartScope E7 makes light work of things that matter most.

OGP UK manager Graham Shaw says: “The SmartScope E7 joins the OGP portfolio as the first in the new E-series range – and as an ideal benchtop solution for the shop floor. One of the most dynamic features of the E7 and the SmartScope range is functionality where complex software is packaged up in an easy-to-use interface.”

He adds: “The system benefits from full integration of the E7 with the Measure-X software package, which is a game-changer in terms of repeatability and reproducibility. There are huge time- and cost-saving benefits, including geometric functions for tolerance and reporting that set the benchmark for the industry.”

Maximising efficiency and repeatability through its sturdy design, the E7 comes equipped with fast video detection, multi-sensor versatility and automatic focus with a 5x digital zoom able to apply instant magnification. The new fixed-lens IntelliCentric optical system delivers high-resolution imaging while the all-LED coaxial illuminates all angles. Suitable for an array of applications, from complex critical components to high-volume measurement of parts at high speed, the SmartScope E7 will be of interest to multiple industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical and more.
For further information www.ogpuk.com

£500,000 investment in engineering hub

Specialist industrial service provider Eriks has invested £500,000 in a new Southampton regional hub as part of multi-million-pound infrastructure improvement programmes in the UK. The company has ploughed funding into the 1800 sq m purpose-built hub, which will support the company’s customer base across manufacturing sectors in the south and southwest of England.

The regional hub replaces two smaller outdated facilities in Southampton and brings together core areas of engineering expertise in a central location, as well as a local stockholding of critical parts, allowing Eriks to improve further the speed, flexibility and scope of its customer services. A wide range of services is available, including standard repairs and upgrades for pumps, motors and gearboxes.
For further information www.eriks.co.uk