According to a report from Seagate Technology, about 68% of data available to enterprises goes unleveraged. Data can be a valuable resource, particularly in manufacturing, so by considering how they collect, store and interpret data, manufacturers can use this resource to its full potential.

Unlike manual methods, automated data collection enables anyone in the business to quickly access real-time data in the same format across all systems, saving time and allowing internal and stakeholder communications to run smoothly.

By using a fully traceable, automated data collection system, manufacturers have a centralised data collection point that they can use to streamline traditionally time-consuming reporting processes. For example, by using software such as Sempre Group’s High QA Inspection Manager, engineers can complete a ballooned drawing and populate a first article inspection (FAI) report in one click. Automated reporting and data collection allows manufacturers to get the most out of their workforce by moving them away from repetitive work and into more skilled processes that require human intervention.

As well as proving QA, manufacturers can use data to gain real insight into their manufacturing and quality processes, reviewing productivity and identifying areas for improvement. For example, if operators notice that a few parts are faulty, they can use the report to discover when the fault occurred and resolve the issue proactively, making changes that will prevent further faults. Over time, this will decrease the number of defective products, reduce material waste and improve productivity so that customers can receive parts sooner.

Manufacturers can also use software and data to make proactive changes on the shop floor during production. Reaction Plan Manager, for example, is an automated instruction-based software that analyses measurement data, calculates offset and provides tool correction instructions. For example, if a part does not meet specification, the software will instruct the operator about how to adjust the machine and correct the issue.

For further information
www.thesempregroup.com

Walter Ewag UK has announced a step change in the fully automatic measurement and digitisation of cutting tools with the launch of the Walter 3D laser sensor. The new laser sensor enables the Walter Helicheck Pro and Plus tool measurement machines to scan with four times the resolution than previously possible and to process that data four times faster. Suitable for inspecting high-performance cutters as used in industries including automotive, aerospace and medical, where cutting edge geometry, pitch and spiral pitch vary widely, the 3D sensor could replace two separate machines traditionally used for measuring such tools – perhaps a combination of conventional and laser checking.

Available as an option on the Helicheck Pro and Plus machines and their corresponding ‘Long’ versions – which can accommodate tools up to 80 mm diameter and 605 mm long – the 3D sensor has swivel angle ranges from -55° to 90°, thus also enabling the complete scan of indexable inserts.

Easily and quickly programmed using wizard routines, with resulting short set-up times, the 3D sensor effectively ‘visualises’ the workpiece as a point cloud (in differing formats) and enables various measurements to be undertaken on the 3D image. When the resulting image is ‘placed’ on the tool’s 3D design drawings, or a master part, any deviations are clearly visible (via the integrated 3D viewer) as 3D comparisons of point cloud and target model, including surface reconstruction.

The result, says Walter Ewag, is tool measurement that has never been more accurate or faster.

For further information
www.walter-machines.com