Creaform, a business of Ametek and a worldwide provider of automated and portable 3D measurement solutions, is releasing its MetraScan Black+, MetraScan Black+Elite and HandyProbe Next+, all latest versions of the company’s suite of optical CMM 3D scanners and probes.

Leveraging new ISO 10360 certifications and set-up assistance tools, this latest-generation MetraScan 3D line-up aims to provide professionals with sophisticated tools that optimise operations.Guaranteeing confidence in the stated specifications, the sensor acceptance test procedure is based on ISO 10360, an international standard which ensures intense testing to define specifications and qualify sensor performance.Performance tests take place at Creaform’s ISO/IEC 17025-2017 accredited laboratories, which ensures the quality of facilities and equipment, the traceability of artefacts, and the quality of validation methods.

Enabling the simple and precise measurement of large parts, the expansion of this line-up marks a strategic move by Creaform to meet the evolving needs of quality control (QC) experts. The products now offer an accuracy specification of up to 0.025 mm + 0.015 mm/m in the extended measuring volume, ensuring trust in the performance and accuracy of the QC process on large parts.

Another stand-out feature is 360° magnetic targets. Visible from all angles, these reusable and durable targets are easy to set up. They offer automatic detectionto support the fast delivery of results.

Guidance tools are available to provide visual guidance feedback on positioning targets when creating a set-up, which is especially useful for non-experts, while troubleshooting tools offer advanced set-up diagnostics if required.

For further information www.creaform3d.com

Bowers Group is celebrating yet another successful exhibition on the international stage as the team reap the rewards of a busy SteelFab 2024. A prominent event in the Middle East’s metal manufacturing and steel fabrication industry, Bowers Group’s Baty Venture Plus XT stole the spotlight at the exhibition. This four-in-one system, which integrates profile projection, microscopy, CMM and video inspection capabilities, attracted significant attention.

Export sales manager at Bowers Group, Mark Golding, was delighted with the event, saying: “With an excellent turnout, the exhibition provided the perfect opportunity for establishing new partnerships, a step that will play a crucial role in expanding Bowers Group’s global supplier network. I’m personally looking forward to working with our new suppliers and clients over the coming year and beyond.”

With each new edition, SteelFab continues to play a key role in the region’s industrial growth, seen not only as an opportunity to showcase products but also as avenue for engaging with industry peers and contributing to the progress of the manufacturing and engineering sectors.

Flying the flag for British industry on the UK pavilion, it was an important step for Bowers Group in reinforcing its commitment to excellence in the field of metrology. The company’s contribution to SteelFab reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen its place as a leader in the advancement and innovation of precision measurement technology.

Baty, proudly part of the Made in Britain collective, reflects the essence of British manufacturing on a global scale. The Made in Britain mark signifies the commitment to quality and precision in Baty’s vision systems.For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division is launching a new type of high-productivity structured light scanner. Built on a completely re-engineered platform, Hexagon says the SmartScan VR800 is the first optical 3D scanner on the market with a motorised zoom lens that enables users to adjust data resolution and measurement volume entirely through software settings. This capability improves the productivity of quality inspection, and further enhances workflows with more efficient post-scanning alignment processes.

Whereas conventional structured light scanners have a fixed optical configuration, the combination of dual stereo cameras and optical zoom-enabled projection makes the SmartScan VR800 more flexible, allowing users to define in exactly which form they collect their data.

Three new software functions – Smart Resolution, Smart Zoom and Smart Snap – allow the user to customise inspection resolution and measurement volume with no mechanical alterations to the system. This capability means that data-heavy high-resolution scans can focus on the feature-rich areas that matter most, while covering other areas more efficiently via larger and/or lower resolution scans.

The new system simplifies the scanning process from start to finish. Users can: easily adjust scan detail and size with software (no manual changes needed); mix detailed and broad scans into one model for faster results; and process scans quicker by cutting down on excess data, while keeping essential details.

Pirmin Bitzi, general manager for portable metrology devices at Hexagon, explains: “The need to change optics for different use cases has always been a key challenge when implementing structured light scanning inspection solutions. Finding a solution to that industry-wide problem was a key motivator. We wanted a way to meet the demands of applications where it’s not efficient to scan everything at high resolutions, nor acceptable to scan everything at lower resolutions.”

For further information www.hexagon.com/mi

NMi Group, a global specialist in mission-critical testing, inspection, certification and calibration (TICC) services, has acquired TrustCB in the cybersecurity domain. This strategic move solidifies NMi Group as a major provider of certification services for the evolving landscape of digitally integrated and smart devices.

Now part of NMi Group, TrustCB is the exclusive commercial certification body for the globally recognised Common Criteria (CC) cybersecurity standard, working with global clients and capable of certifying up to the highest levels (EAL7). This strategic alignment reinforces NMi Group’s commitment to a comprehensive approach, integrating legal metrology and CC standards to ensure the overall reliability and integrity of smart industrial devices.

A key emphasis of the acquisition is TrustCB’s expertise in translating CC standards via SESIP to the IoT domain. This strategic move further fortifies NMi Group’s dedication to ‘Measure Tomorrow’ by synergising measurement precision with robust cybersecurity standards.

Expressing enthusiasm about the strategic move, Yvo Jansen (pictured), NMi Group CEO, states: “Acquiring TrustCB fortifies our commitment to excellence in smart industrial devices. By integrating accuracy in measurements with robust cybersecurity standards, we ensure regulatory compliance and enhance the overall reliability of our solutions.”

Echoing this sentiment, Wouter Slegers, who will continue to as TrustCB’s CEO, adds: “Joining forces with NMi Group is a strategic move safeguarding the TrustCB CC and dedicated scheme certification business even further. In practical ways, nothing changes: TrustCB remains the trusted, responsive partner as a certification body. This synergy amplifies our commitment to precision and security in smart industrial devices, advancing the global standard for regulatory compliance and elevating the trustworthiness of our certified solutions.”

For further information www.nmi.nl

Featuring an integral accelerometer, the new Heidenhain ECI 123 Splus rotary encoder enables position measurement and vibration analysis in a single component. This added functionality simplifies condition monitoring and maintenance planning in high-wear automated systems.

Detecting vibration early on is vital for achieving smooth processes, optimal results and long service life in high-performance automation systems. The earlier the detection, the easier it is to prevent scrap, machine damage and system downtime. By integrating an accelerometer into a rotary encoder, Heidenhain is offering a new and convenient solution for detecting and analysing vibrations on rotating machine elements.

Users of the ECI 123 Splus benefit from combined motion control and condition monitoring on their rotating machine elements. Linking vibration data with position feedback makes it easier to determine the type and location of the vibration’s source. And for even more condition data, the ECI 123 Splus supports up to three connected external temperature sensors. The system reliably transmits all data for further processing via an EnDat 3 interface. This combination of functionality saves on additional vibration sensors while simplifying cabling and installation.

So how does it work? Well, the ECI 123 Splus measures machine vibration using a built-in three-axis accelerometer and a microcontroller for on-device analysis, including initial analysis for up to 64 orders. For Subsequent analysis, the encoder’s EnDat 3 interface transmits the purely serial data to the user’s downstream electronics. There, OEMs can segregate their analysis based on timing, type, trigger, speed range and measured axis, and monitor data over time for changes to the relevant orders.

For further information www.heidenhain.com