LK Metrology expands into industrial CT

Best known as a manufacturer and global supplier of CMMs and more recently laser scanning sensors, LK Metrology, based in Castle Donington, has acquired ProCon X-Ray GmbH, a specialist German manufacturer of computed tomography (CT) systems. Through the acquisition, LK Metrology can offer its customers an even wider range of products for inspection and measurement from a single source, from traditional CMMs, portable measuring arms and laser scanners to high-resolution X-ray and CT equipment. The companies will work closely together in the ongoing development of industrial CT solutions.

More information www.lkmetrology.com

XYZ Tackles Europe’s Skills Shortage

XYZ Machine Tools extends its help in tackling the skills shortage far beyond UK shores. A good example is the Czech Republic, home of Rexim spol, an XYZ distributor for 15 years. Many of Rexim’s machine installations have been into training and technical schools. Indeed, two recent installations have been for large numbers of machines to provide a foundation for skills training within the Czech Republic.

To help modernise the secondary technical school and business academy in Uhersky Brod, Rexim supplied six XYZ SLV manual mills and four 1550 VS manual lathes. Another regional Vocational School benefitting from XYZ machines is SOS Frydek Mistek following the purchase of 12 XYZ 2000 manual mills, 12 1330 Trainer lathes, six RMX 2500 CNC bed mills, six RLX 1630 CNC lathes, a 660 HD Vertical machining centre and a CT65 turning centre.

More information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Magnet rings enhance exoskeleton accessibility

Hutchinson is announcing its collaboration with Wandercraft, a pioneer in medical robotics, on an innovative project aimed at making exoskeletons more accessible to the general public. As an expert in the development and manufacture of angle and speed measurement solutions for magnetic encoders, Hutchinson is contributing to the success of this initiative by integrating compact Nonius magnet rings for precise and immediate angular control.

The Atalante X autonomous walking exoskeleton, a key tool for healthcare professionals, is dedicated to rehabilitation in medical centres. A new platform for personal use is currently being developed to enable a major advance in autonomy for private individuals.

Wandercraft is working on optimising its robot and standardising its components to make the product accessible to as many people as possible.

The engineer-to-engineer approach of Hutchinson and Wandercraft teams has enabled the development of a tailor-made system adapted to the architecture of the new robot. Each of the robot’s joints is equipped with a sensor featuring Nonius magnetic targets designed and manufactured by Hutchinson, enabling instant and absolute angular control. As soon as the robot is activated, the position of each axis is known before any movement is triggered.

Hutchinson’s compact magnet rings enable the creation of leaner, lighter exoskeletons. The cost of the system, including a Hutchinson magnet ring and the iC-Haus chip, is said to be cheaper than a traditional encapsulated sensor solution.

ʺMobility is part of Hutchinson’s DNA,” says Laurent Khouri, industry market leader at Hutchinson in Segré-En-Anjou Bleu, France. “Today, we’re proud to be part of a pioneering human adventure that will enable people to regain their freedom of movement.”

More information www.bit.ly/44q0ib5

Faro leaps into 3D metrology marketplace

Faro has unveiled its Leap ST handheld 3D scanner. Designed as a metrology-grade tool with the versatility to measure and verify any surface or part with the flexibility of five operating modes, the company says Leap ST is a breakthrough in handheld 3D metrology technology. Compact and portable, Leap ST is intended for many workflow applications and industries. A sampling of those applications includes aerospace and automotive, transportation equipment, metals fabrication, and more.

Leap ST’s adaptability ensures quick set up with fast time to data and high data quality. The five modes are: ultra-fast scanning for fast coverage to measure part features for small to medium parts; hyper-fine scanning for capturing geometries of complex objects with high resolution; photogrammetry to maintain best accuracy over large sized objects; deep-hole scanning for maximum allowable depth with hard-to-reach areas and deep holes; and large-area scanning  for capturing large features that need inspection or when a first rough scan of a medium-to-large part is required.

Leap ST is also fully compatible with Faro CAM2, an application-focused 3D measurement software platform and its dedicated editions – CAM2 Scan Professional and CAM2 Expert – as well as third-party solutions like PolyWorks.

Developed to streamline industrial metrology applications like dimensional controls, incoming part and first article inspections, part-to-CAD comparisons, assemblies, and repeat part measurements, Faro says CAM2 increases the efficiency of measurement routines and provides an effective correlation between quality assurance and production operations.

According to Faro, Leap ST and CAM2 are among the best 3D laser scanner and software duos on the market today, equipped to address most precision measurement tasks.

More information www.faro.com

Martin Precision enhances measurement capabilities

Martin Precision Ltd, a supplier of precision-engineered components and assemblies for the aerospace and defence sectors, has strengthened its quality control processes with the integration of advanced metrology solutions from Bowers Group.

Supplying industry giants such as Rolls-Royce, Incora, Siemens, Farsound and Leonardo, Martin Precision invested in a suite of metrology tools, including Sylvac Scan 25T and Sylvac Scan F60T optical measuring machines, a Baty R14 profile projector and Bowers XT3 Holematic bore gauges, which have been a trusted solution in its operations for over a decade.

Alan Muir, quality manager at Martin Precision, says: “The Scan machines have proven to be reliable, user-friendly and highly accurate for the tolerances and sizes we work with. They have significantly improved our inspection efficiency, making them a valuable addition to our operations.”

The Sylvac Scan 25T and F60T optical measuring machine play a crucial role in final inspection, ensuring batch consistency and compliance with strict industry standards. Meanwhile, Bowers XT3 Holematic bore gauges are used throughout production and inspection testing to verify the internal dimensions of key components such as bolts, unions and small fasteners.

To enhance efficiency further, Martin Precision uses pre-programmed measurement routines at the final inspection stage, allowing for seamless batch processing and accurate digital recordkeeping. These records are vital for securing First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) approval and maintaining the company’s stringent quality assurance standards.

With the daily use of Sylvac Scan machines, Martin Precision has experienced significant improvements in accuracy, reliability and inspection speed. The company has successfully reduced inspection times, allowing for a more efficient workflow.

More information www.bowersgroup.co.uk