AMRC uses VR to rationalise processes

NiTEC UK of Chesterfield (a division of CBE+) has embraced virtual reality (VR) to design the layout of its new electroless nickel plating facility, part of a complex manufacturing portfolio, thanks to digital support from engineers at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). Chris Brown, technical director at CBE+ group, says: “The AMRC supported us to create and navigate around a new space using VR. It’s a useful way to do it – as you can imagine, if you had to start pouring concrete in the ground and building the new layout in order to test it, the whole thing would be cost prohibitive.”

For further information
www.amrc.co.uk

UCIMU reports excellent 2021

Last year was extremely positive for the Italian industry of machine tools, robotics and automation, which reported double-digit increases for all key economic indicators. This trend should continue throughout 2022, the year when ground lost in 2020 should be recovered. In 2021, production reached €6,325 million, marking a 22.1% upturn compared with the previous year. This outcome was due to the excellent trend of deliveries from Italian manufacturers to the domestic market, which increased by 27.8% to €2,965 million, as well as to the positive performance of exports, achieving €3,360 million (up 17.4%).

For further information
www.ucimu.it

Software inspects gears automatically

CMM manufacturer LK Metrology has introduced a third release of its CAMIO 2021 programming and measurement software featuring numerous improvements. The most significant is the inclusion of a module that automates the inspection of spur and helical involute gears.
CAMIO Gears makes it possible to begin measuring the specific geometry of gears quickly by utilising the core capabilities of CAMIO software to generate straightforward inspection programs, advanced gear reports and automated probe calibration routines.

For each gear type, the software has a unique set of definitions, evaluation algorithms and reporting graphics packaged into one add-on module, making it easy for users to bring a new capability to their existing CMM. The module supports alignment of the gear axis during measurement using any of the three CMM axes and traditional touch-trigger probes or advanced scanning probes.

LK has incorporated several other improvements into CAMIO 2021 R3, the availability of which was announced at the end of November. For instance, Smart 3-2-1 datum alignment is new functionality that intelligently selects the datum axis and origin constraints, as well as the most suitable datum features using best-practice techniques. Should the user change the alignment properties manually, the selections automatically update.

A further improvement is the Explorer Tree Datum Definition, which allows the more efficient definition of datum features directly from the feature explorer, with the option of specifying the datum label. In addition, the Report Table Feature Order provides new options for controlling the order in which features are reported in graphical tables, either alphabetically, by program output or in a user-defined order.
As another example, users may now define teach-path coordinates and directions using the CAD model.

For further information
www.lkmetrology.com

4K resolution digital microscope

The new Makrolite 4K digital microscope from Vision Engineering provides high image quality and wide dynamic range, making it is suitable for a broad spectrum of complex and high-contrast applications. According to Vision Engineering, the Makrolite 4K provides more fine detail with greater detail shadow and highlight areas. As a result, the microscope can handle challenging inspection routines, including reflective subjects such as solder joints, subjects in shadow, or subjects with low contrast, like rubber and plastic.

Makrolite 4K is said to be flexible and easy to use, providing high-definition video images with up to 330x magnification. The microscope delivers both versatility and high performance in applications such as production, lab research, R&D, micro assembly, quality control, inbound/outbound product checking, dissection and rework.

Available in two versions, the console configuration provides direct HDMI connection to the monitor for live display with full control of zoom and all camera settings. Connecting Makrolite 4K to a PC with Vision Engineering’s dimensioning software, ViPlus, extends its capabilities to include image capture, annotation, on-screen measurement, live overlays, data/image report generation and a range of image processing tools.
Additionally, the Makrolite 4K solution includes a wide range of stands and objectives, making it a flexible solution equipped to deal with a broad range of demanding inspection tasks.

Paul Newbatt, Vision Engineering’s group sales and marketing director, says: “Makrolite 4K represents a step forward for Vision Engineering in terms of inspection microscope image resolution. It retains the core Vision Engineering values of superb image quality combined with ease of use, but adds 4K resolution, a choice of console or PC versions, and range of five stands, to deliver a really flexible inspection solution”.

For further information
www.visioneng.com

MTC helps FFI achieve green hydrogen target

The UK-based Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has underlined its net zero credentials by supporting Australian giant Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) in its goal to produce 15 million tonnes of green hydrogen a year by 2030. Huw Sullivan, hydrogen leader at the MTC, says: “Supporting the delivery of net zero, including green hydrogen, is core to our vision for future manufacturing and creating clean growth jobs. Through our Liverpool, Midlands and southeast UK facilities we are engaging to support the next generation of green manufacturing technologies and stimulate investment in the UK supply chain.”

For further information www.the-mtc.org