FEATURE ON METROLOGY

Visual inspection gets AI-powered boost

A UK digital transformation specialist has added an important feature to its augmented reality solution, Vuforia, which will support and simplify visual inspection on shop floors across the country.PTC’s Step Check will provide employees with a step-by-step guide through inspection tasks using context-sensitive work instructions. These instructions superimpose on the physical product during inspection, while artificial intelligence (AI) helps to detect improper assembly, missing or misaligned parts, and other errors.

Thanks to colour-coded graphics displayed in real time on the part or product in question, operatives can see at a glance whether it has passed the inspection step. In addition, Step Check automatically documents inspection results and creates dashboards to analyse the inspections performed.

“Step Check uses advanced computer vision to recognise parts or products requiring inspection using their 3D CAD models; it then utilises an AI model based on examples of passed and failed inspections,” explains JJ Lechleiter, general manager of Vuforia at PTC.“The AI models learn from the decisions made by the employees and, as a result, continuously improve the results. Vuforia’s computer vision capabilities also recognise things not included in 3D CAD models, such as stickers or labels.”

Step Check is part of PTC’s Vuforia Expert Capture SaaS augmented reality (AR) solution, a product for the quick and easy creation of step-by-step AR work instructions. The new feature focuses on one of the most important phases of the manufacturing process: visual inspection in quality control. Traditionally, these inspections are performed by the naked eye and paper-based documentation, putting pressure on employees to make decisions quickly and increasing the risk of errors and rework.
For further informationwww.ptc.com

Blum shines spotlight on laser measuring systems

Blum-Novotestpresented its new LC53-Digilog laser measuring system for tool measurement and monitoring in CNC machining centres, at the recent Control 2023 show in Germany. With this system, Blum has expanded its product spectrum to include an optical system with a separate transmitter and receiver unit alongside forward-looking Digilog technology.

Devices with separate transmitter and receiver units – namely the predecessor systems Mini NT and Micro Single NT – have been in the company’s portfolio for many years and are valued for their high degree of precision and process reliability. Thanks to the Digilog technology employed in the LC53-Digilog, it has been possible to enhance these attributes even further.

While the tried-and-test digital/switching laser measuring systems based on NT technology generated only a small number of signals by shading the tool, the new Digilog laser measuring systems generate many thousands of measurement values per second while dynamically adjusting the measuring speed according to the tool’s nominal speed. The LC53-Digilog also measures each cutting edge individually, rather than just determining the value for the longest cutting edge, and thereby makes a comparison possible from the shortest to the longest cutting edges. Run-out errors, caused by contamination of the taper of the tool holder, for example, are automatically detected. Furthermore, due to the large number of measurements per cutting edge, the LC53-Digilog is able to detect contaminants and cooling lubricant adhering to the tool. By deducting them from the calculations, it makes measurement results even more reliable.

The LC53-Digilog is particularly easy to install with the newly developed mounting set, which comfortably aligns the transmitter and receiver unit. It is possible to attach systems to a machine wall using only a single threaded hole.
For further information www.blum-novotest.com

Innovative technology boosts 3D measurement

A technological innovation from Pepperl+Fuchs in co-operation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology ISIT enables maximum precision and performance, while remaining highly cost-efficient. For the first time, high-performance distance measurement technology is combined with MEMS technology, forming the basis for the R3000 3-D LiDAR/MEMS sensor.

The 3D measurement is based on Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT), a distance measurement method developed by Pepperl+Fuchs that can be scaled to meet a wide range of requirements. Based on over 250,000 emitted laser pulses per second, it measures distances from a few centimetres to several hundred metres with millimetre accuracy. Ambient light and other environmental influences are effectively suppressed, helping PRT to deliver fast, precise and reliable measurement results.

To reach the third dimension, Pepperl+Fuchs combines PRT with a micro-electro-mechanical system from Fraunhofer ISIT for the first time as part of the R3000 product study: a small, economical, and mechanically robust MEMS mirror is integrated into the sensor. Through the motion of the piezoelectrically driven element, the emitted laser beam deflects in two axes by 40° x 30°. Unlike conventional 3D sensors, no pixel grid is created during the process of measurement. Instead, the R3000 uses a particularly small light spot and seamless scanning to produce ultra-high resolution 3D point clouds with exceptional detail.

To make communication between man and machine as simple as possible, the R3000 is equipped with additional functions. The sensor not only generates a 3D point cloud, but also a superimposed intensity image that can visualise the scene and therefore facilitate programming and operation. In addition, each measurement point can be displayed with a visible laser beam. The synchronous laser projector allows the R3000 to be precisely aligned and adjusted without additional tools, ensuring easy commissioning.
For further information www.pepperl-fuchs.com

Renishaw and Metrologic renew strategic agreement

Some 20 years after their first agreement, Renishaw and Metrologic Group have strengthened their collaboration by signing a new strategic agreement to meet new challenges faced by the manufacturing industry. Customers will benefit from Renishaw’s Revofive-axis CMM scanning systems, PH20 five-axis touch-trigger systems and the Equator shop-floor gauging system, powered by Metrologic’s X4 software platform. This will provide full integration of metrology solutions with the X4 software platform.

Covering the entire manufacturing chain and bringing its expertise to five-axis technology applications and the Equator gauging system, Metrologic Group is introducing new developments to its universal software platform that will power Renishaw’s products with an easy-to-use, intuitive and ergonomic solution.

This win-win association allows the enduser to bring 3D measurement close to the production line with the combination of Metrolog X4 and Renishaw’s Equator system. Also, thanks to five-axis technology combined with the ease of programming of Metrologic Group software, manufacturers can increase their CMM productivity, improve part quality and reduce scrap.

Says Laurent Monge, president of Metrologic Group: “We are committed to working with our customers to improve their productivity and bring 3D metrology closer to the manufacturing line. As such, I am convinced that combining Renishaw five-axis technologies together with the Metrologic Group software solution represents a key step in that journey.”

Victor Escobar, president of Renishaw SAS, adds: “The integration of Renishaw’s measurement technologies with Metrolog X4 will allow both existing and new users of Metrolog software to reap the benefits of accurate, high-speed, multi-sensor CMM measurement and fast flexible shop-floor gauging. This combination of technologies from Metrologic and Renishaw will enable significantly faster, value-added measurement for both process control at the point of manufacture and conventional quality assurance activities.”
For further informationwww.renishaw.com

Bowers Group reveals showcase for Control 2023

At Control 2023 (Stuttgart, 9-12 May), Bowers Group will shine the spotlight on its quality control and connective metrology solutions (hall 9, stand 9106).Visitors can expect live product demonstrations to illustrate how effective data transfer between measurement equipment and applications can boost manufacturing productivity.

On display will be a range of Bluetooth-enabled hand tools and height gauges working in conjunction with Sylvac’s Sylcom software, showing how connectivity can improve efficiencies and reduce errors. Notably, visitors will have the chance to see Bowers’ Made in Britain registered, digital external micrometer, DigiMic, which features advanced, built-in Bluetooth connectivity. Offering quick, simple, and highly accurate measurements, the DigiMic can easily integrate into any Industry 4.0/SPC system.

Bowers Group’s Baty-branded Venture XT is a highly flexible multi-sensor vision system and will also be on the stand, demonstrating the latest Fusion Software release featuring lens error mapping and offline vision/touch-probe programming from CAD. The combination of contact and non-contact measurements in the same automated inspection, combined with ease of use and graphical reporting, make the Venture XT a cost-effective measurement solution for both production cells and QC labs alike.

Bowers Group will also showcase its oldest brand, Moore & Wright, a range of handheld metrology instruments that includes micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges and general workshop measurement tools.

Bowers Group export sales director Richard Grocott says: “Once again, we look forward to exhibiting at the Control exhibition and the opportunity to meet with so many of our customers and valued distribution partners. “Control week” is such an important event in our calendar, enabling Bowers Group to showcase our measurement technologies, which are designed to assist a wide range of manufacturers.”
For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk