Better quality control in large applications

Following rigorous tests spanning thousands of hours, a new laser radar system for shop-floor quality control has been introduced by the metrology arm of Japanese camera giant Nikon. The APDIS laser radar, an automated, non-contact metrology solution, inspects features at double the speed of the previous version and, according to Nikon, delivers high-accuracy measurements equivalent to those provided by a horizontal-arm CMM.

Nikon Metrology’s laser radar products employ a focused laser beam and heterodyne interferometry to measure range accurately. This configuration produces a sensitive radar that is capable of performing measurements on almost any surface, irrespective of reflection.

Suitable for the repetitive, labour-intensive, complex measuring of objects from a long stand-off distance, and able to access even hard-to-reach areas without the need for photogrammetry targets, retroreflectors, handheld probes or surface preparation, APDIS may be used in numerous manufacturing sectors, including aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, research and indeed any large-scale environment.

A new, high-definition camera coupled with new Nikon confocal optics allow for enhanced viewing of what is being inspected. Better usability results from reducing the unit’s weight by 40% and its size by a quarter, while internal changes and comprehensive testing have further raised the level of reliability.

The APDIS range comprises four models, two of which are the MV430E and MV450E, having a 30 or 50 m radius measuring range respectively. These versions promote the use of APDIS scanners as a non-contact accelerometers by pointing the laser beam at any surface to measure vibrations at up to 2000Hz, which can be useful when assessing installations or equipment.

There are also MV430 and MV450 standard versions without the improvements for applications where top speed and vibration analysis are not required.

For further information
www.nikonmetrology.com

Latest Vantage laser tracker 6DoF probe

Faro Technologies is releasing its next-generation Vantage laser tracker six degrees of freedom (6DoF) probe. The new 6Probe offers portability and is compatible with Faro Vantage S6 and E6 laser trackers, enabling users to build, inspect and measure products faster and with greater accuracy. In fact, Faro reports that typical users of the new 6Probe can now save at least 30 minutes of time on any given workday.

With kinematic self-identifying styli, users can now change probing tips quickly and measure without any recalibration, while also measuring hidden areas outside of the tracker’s line of sight with wider acceptance angles.

“The next-generation Vantage laser tracker 6DoF probe extends maximum measurement consistency and reliability in a variety of working environments, delivering best-in-class performance through faster and easier probing than previous models,” says Leo Martinez, Faro’s product marketing manager. “With Super 6DoF and conventional 6DoF probing, Faro offers the industry’s most comprehensive 6DoF solutions available.”

Faro ActiveSeek, a feature to automatically locate and follow the active target, enhances 6DoF and standard probing. Trackers from Faro support the patented Super 6DoF TrackArm solution, which allows the Vantage and one or more Faro ScanArms to work together, thus creating an integrated contact and non-contact 3D measurement system for large-volume measurement. With a range of up to 60 m (with a 4 m reach), Super 6DoF eliminates line-of-sight challenges and expands measurement range while maintaining accuracy, says the company.

The Vantage platforms offer large-volume 3D measurement up to 80 m, streamlining processes and reducing inspection cycle times.

For further information
www.faro.com

Citizen centres on customisation

The degree of customisation that Citizen Machinery is being asked to engineer into the machines and equipment it supplies has now reached such a high level that the company has decided to centralise this side of the business by setting up a dedicated centre, CMSolutions, at its Bushey headquarters in Hertfordshire. CMSolutions operates independently from the applications department to project-manage complex, high-level installations, from initial consultation, through design, configuration, assembly and prove-out, to delivery, acceptance and training.

For further information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

Complete control of measurement

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division is launching a new software plug-in that will allow full operation of Hexagon structured light scanning systems from within the third-party inspection software platform PolyWorks, developed by InnovMetric Software. This move represents the first implementation of a new SDK released by Hexagon that allows a third-party software environment to take full hardware control of any of the company’s structured light scanners.

The SLS-PW plug-in, and any subsequently developed plug-ins, will let users streamline their scanning and inspection workflow into a single software environment, with clear productivity benefits. Notably, the increased efficiency of a single platform workflow will reduce inspection times by eliminating the need to export and import measurement data between separate programs, as well as by minimising training needs.

Dirk Rieke-Zapp, commercial product manager – structured light scanners, says: “The need to use proprietary stand-alone software solutions to operate structured light scanning systems is an issue faced by users across the industry, whether they are using scanners from Hexagon or other manufacturers. With the development of this new SDK for our range of structured light scanners, we’re making it possible for users to deeply integrate this type of high-detail scanning within their existing metrology workflows by completely removing the need to insert proprietary software at the measurement step of the inspection process.”

When added to the existing versatility of the PolyWorks platform, the SLS-PW plug-in delivers a flexible solution for companies that run a range of metrology hardware and wish to simplify their workflows.

For further information
www.hexagonmi.com

Getting it right, from the start

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland, has supplied precision subcontractor MRN Engineering with a new three-axis vertical machining centre.

The machine, a Fanuc-controlled Doosan DNM 5700 is now producing complex, high-precision components at the company’s 120 sq m modern manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Banbury. These parts, made from aluminium, steel, stainless steels and plastics, must meet exacting geometric tolerances and surface finishes. Components produced to date include: prototypes and one-off test equipment/test rig parts for motorsport customers; pre-production and low-volume components for motorsport and automotive customers; and precision prismatic parts (required in higher volumes) for a cabinet maker.

Owner and managing director Matt North established MRN Engineering in 2014. The company initially started trading as a specialist engineering design consultancy working on a contract basis with a number of blue-chip motorsport companies. The main focus of the company’s operations back then was in the research, development and design of specific test equipment, such as for examining and measuring the strength, durability and safety of components and assemblies.

At the end of its latest contract in June 2020, and with the pandemic outbreak impacting on its ability to secure new contract work, North decided to make his long-term vision for the company a reality. He began by making plans to augment MRN Engineering’s range of services through the addition of high-end and bespoke manufacturing and machining capabilities.

“I had always intended the company to develop and grow, and become a ‘one-stop-shop’ solutions provider,” he says. “COVID-19 acted as the catalyst and, from June 2020, I set about building and launching the machining/manufacturing arm of the company.”

To all intents and purposes, although not starting entirely from scratch, the decision to significantly expand MRN Engineering’s services and capabilities involved a similar level of preparation and planning required of any new business start-up.

The first few months (from June to September 2020) firstly involved creating a robust business plan, setting out the company’s aims and objectives, financial predictions, market analysis, and product and service differentiators. North then began identifying the right location and suitable premises for the new business, before investing in the right advanced technologies, commensurate with the company’s vision, aims and objectives.

MRN Engineering’s vision was, and still is, to provide customers with a specialist design and manufacturing service. The company’s initial and main focus would be on the motorsport sector, and involve the design and manufacture of test equipment, as well as customised and prototype parts.

Explains North: “Essentially, I was playing to my strengths – combining my design engineering knowledge and experience with my manufacturing/production know-how to create a unique offering. Having worked in the motorsport and automotive sectors for a considerable number of years I knew the market. I had also established strong relationships and enjoyed a good reputation with key decision makers in a number of ‘target’ companies. In short, I was confident that providing a seamless ‘design-to-manufacturing’ service would be a success.”

The decision to operate from the outskirts of Banbury in Oxfordshire was prompted by a number of reasons, including proximity to a number of UK-based motorsport companies and their supply chains.

“Although I already knew the location well, I did spend considerable time inspecting and selecting the most suitable premises in terms of size, services and facilities, cost, and communication and transport links,” says North. “Finding the right premises was a critically important decision, among many others.”

In terms of capital investment, MRN Engineering purchased a new Doosan DNM 5700 vertical machining centre.

“Right from the outset I made the decision to invest in a ‘new’ as opposed to a ‘pre-owned’ machine tool,” says North. “Although there are no doubt some great used machines on the market, the price/cost differential between a good, well looked after used machine and a new one, wasn’t as big as I thought. I also believed that the company’s reputation in the motorsport sector, with its emphasis on high accuracy and repeatability, and the incredibly short lead times involved, would be best served through the acquisition of a new, more reliable machine.”

Having decided on a new machine, North then researched the market to identify the most suitable machining centre and machine tool supplier.

The Doosan DNM 5700 is a rigidly-built three-axis vertical machining centre equipped with a 12,000 rpm direct-drive spindle that features roller LM guideways, a 30-position (quick-change) ATC and a 1300 x 570 mm work table.

Says North: “I could have gone for something smaller and for a machine that didn’t offer the same high specification as the DNM 5700. However, I needed a machine that was big and powerful enough to machine large, complex, high-precision prototype parts often involving long cycle times, as well as one that could produce multiple parts, quickly, in a single set-up.”

He continues: “Having researched the market and spoken to a number of colleagues and peers, who extolled the virtues of Mills CNC – in particular the company’s aftersales service and support – I discussed my requirements with the sales and technical staff at Mills and made the decision to invest in the Doosan DNM 5700.”

The machine, which carries a two-year warranty, features an optional Blum TC50 touch probe and Blum ZX Speed IR tool-setting probe.

Since installation at MRN, the new DNM 5700 has not missed a beat. As intended, it is machining low-volume, high-precision prototypes and parts for the motorsport sector, as well as higher volume production parts for a number of customers in other industries.

“I wasn’t really expecting to be earning money during the first three months of operation – but I have exceeded these expectations – in no small part down to the acquisition of the DNM 5700,” concludes North. “To further improve our productivity and re-emphasise our commitment to quality, we have recently invested in a CMM and, in the near future, will look to strengthen our machining and manufacturing capabilities still further.”

For further information
www.millscnc.co.uk