Thread gauges aid custom race car solution

Bowers Group’s precision measurement expertise played a crucial role in supporting the University of Wolverhampton Racing Team (UWR) with the manufacture of an adaptor plate. Used by OEMs such as Morgan, Mini and Toyota, adaptor plates convert the standard oil heat exchanger on the BMW B48 variant engine into an external oil cooler system. To ensure the accurate measurements of critical components, Bowers Group supplied an XT3 Holematic thread gauge, aiding UWR in achieving optimal performance.

UWR and the Morgan Motor Company were in an ongoing partnership to help convert two CX platform Plus 4 cars from road production vehicles into racing cars. The UWR team scheduled track test days to gather performance data on the new racing cars, where they discovered high engine and oil temperatures that could impact performance.

After exploring additional venting options that did not provide the desired impact, UWR designed an adaptor plate to replace the standard heat exchanger on the oil filter housing. This plate would enable the installation of an external oil cooler system, which was much better suited to lower both oil and engine temperatures in unison.

The team sought assistance from its partners and sponsors, including Bowers Group, Quickgrind, and Tungaloy UK, for the tooling and manufacturing of the plate. With time critical to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, Bowers Group promptly supplied an XT3 Holematic thread gauge to test the connections of the adaptor plate and ensure the team could build it accurately. Precision measurement was crucial for plate, which acts as a fluid barrier and pathway for both oil and engine coolant.

More information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

Extra stability for portable measuring arms

All 34 portable measuring arms offered in six-axis touch-probing and seven-axis multi-sensor variants by LK Metrology, are now available as standard with a 4.5-inch diameter mounting ring that allows the unit to sit on a larger base (3.5-inch ring previously). The new Version 3 Freedom arms are subsequently capable of measuring to higher precision. LK can supply a mounting ring adapter if an existing user already owns an LK tripod or stand with a 3.5-inch mount. Mechanical, magnetic and vacuum fixing alternatives are available.

As previously, the latest mobile metrology solutions feature a lightweight carbon-fibre tubular construction. Position feedback arrives courtesy of absolute rather than incremental rotary encoders, with the arms available in three accuracy categories: Classic, Select and Ultimate. Each is now capable of significantly higher accuracy measurement of size, position and form, whether using a tactile probe or laser scanner. Probing accuracy carries certification to ISO 10360-12 with functionality guaranteed up to 40°C.

The work-hardened six-axis arms offer full IP54 protection from water splashes and the ingress of dust and particles, delivering reliable, repeatable 3D inspection and measurement in harsh industrial environments. Also provided is enhanced RDS v6.4 software running on Windows for communicating with the arm via Wi-Fi or USB. The software offers improved monitoring of parameters such as ambient temperature and stress on the articulated joints, as well as base vibration, displacement, tilt and inclination.

The seven-axis Freedom Arm v3 does not offer IP54 protection but is able to deploy a laser scanner and a tactile probe to enable multi-sensor metrology. An OLED touch-screen display provides the operator with convenient fingertip control, raising inspection productivity by avoiding having to go back and forth between the arm and a computer.

More information www.lkmetrology.com

Decent year for tooling specialist

Cutting tool manufacturer Mapal was able to increase its group turnover in the 2023
financial year. At €588m, this represents an increase of 5.5% year-on-year. Dr Jochen Kress,
president of the Mapal Group, considers this a validation: “The fact that we were able to
achieve our planned growth despite considerable economic fluctuations over the course of
the year makes us optimistic that we have charted the correct course”.
The company expects turnover to stagnate overall in 2024. “The economy grew slower than
expected in the first half of the year,” says Kress. “However, there are more signs that the
second half will be more positive, which is reflected in our forecasts. We are now
concentrating on remaining in line with these despite the economic challenges.”
More information www.mapal.com

Record submissions for ADIPEC Conference

The ADIPEC 2024 Technical Conference has received a record 5977 submissions, a 16%
increase over last year, with major submission growth seen in categories such as AI/digital
transformation and energy transition/decarbonisation. There is also an increased level of
submissions from African and Arab states.


The Technical Conference is a key part of ADIPEC, the world’s largest energy event, which
takes place in Abu Dhabi on 4-7 November 2024. This year, the conference will feature 159
sessions across 12 categories, for which energy experts and engineers from around the
world submit their work for consideration as a presentation. The ADIPEC Technical
Conference is renowned for bringing together the brightest minds and technical experts
from across the energy value chain.
More information www.adipec.com

Hexagon’s first handheld 3D scanners

Hexagon’s first handheld 3D scanning devices enable engineers and manufacturing
personnel to scan what they need in a wide range of environments, inside and outside
factory walls. Two new portable devices, the AtlaScan Max and MarvelScan are for
measuring parts in a broad spread of inspection environments that include applications in
automotive, rail, industrial equipment and general manufacturing, as well as heritage and
restoration projects.
“Today, manufacturing and engineering teams recognise the value of up-to-date 3D scans
throughout the product lifecycle,” says Pirmin Bitzi, general manager for portable measuring
devices at Hexagon. “Almost anyone might need to perform a metrology-grade scan of a
part regardless of their location. Our first handheld 3D scanners enable customers to
digitalise parts without worrying about fixturing or environmental conditions, and
MarvelScan’s integrated photogrammetry system aligns to reference targets without the
need for stickering. Wireless and ergonomic, the scanners provide a seamless, instant
scanning experience from the shop floor to the shipyard.”
AtlaScan Max and MarvelScan users can adapt workflows on the fly using ergonomic,
thumb-operated controls that streamline 3D scanning processes in confined spaces and
rugged or outdoor environments. Eliminating the need to access a control PC during
measurement, this multi-mode scanning enables the efficient measurement of different
feature types and surfaces. For example, users can scan open surfaces in Standard mode,
then quickly switch to Fine mode using the on-device controls for higher resolution on
intricate features. Crucially, the data collected under these different modes are
automatically combined into a single, workable point cloud.
The new devices also eliminate the need to fixture parts prior to measurement, which
contributes to significant time savings and allows greater measurement flexibility.
More information www.hexagon.com