FEATURE ON METROLOGY

Creaform introduces HandyScan Black Elite Limited

Creaform, a business unit of Ametek Inc and a specialist in portable 3D measurement solutions and engineering services, is adding the HandyScan Black Elite Limitedhigh-accuracy handheld scanner to itsHandyScan BlackElite series line-up. Developed over the last decade by optimising manufacturing and calibration processes, working closely with suppliers and speaking with several thousands of industrial customers, this handheld solution delivers high levels of accuracy.

Designed specifically to address the needs of the most demanding dimensional metrology professionals in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, Creaform says that the HandyScan BlackElite Limited can tackle any quality control or product development applications where tolerances require increased accuracy. It is twice as accurate as theHandyScan BlackElite, assessed through an ISO 17025 accredited calibration, based on VDI/VDE part 3 standard.

The HandyScan BlackElite Limited provides accuracy of 0.012 mm and is powered by smart resolution that highlights fine details and high curvature. A total of 11 blue laser crosses help to provide increased scanning speed on difficult surfaces. The device boasts integrated photogrammetry, as does the whole HandyScan 3D line-up.

Notably, the HandyScan BlackElite Limited is portable, lightweight, simple and versatile, making it suited toon-the-go scanning in any environmental conditions. In addition, HandyScan BlackElite Limited is suitable for Creaform application software, such as VXmodel module for scan-to-CAD, VXinspect module for dimensional inspection and VXintegrity NDT software platform for NDT applications.

This metrology solution was fully developed and is manufactured in Creaform’s ISO9000 headquarters in Canada, where the company maintains an ISO 17025 accredited calibration laboratory in-house.
For further information www.creaform3d.com

Wenzel to spotlight latest products at Innoteq

As a content and community platform, Innoteq earlier this month served to connect the main players of the Swiss manufacturing industry as a hotspot and relevant industry meeting point – live and digitally.

At the event, Wenzel delivered a number of live demonstrations, including those for the company’s compact tomograph exaCT S; its LH 108 co-ordinate gantry measuring machine with rotary table; the CORE optical measuring device; and the optical X-press shaft measuring machine.

On the LH CMM, Wenzel had integrated a rotary table and provided insights into the latest solution for measuring gears on a conventional co-ordinate measuring machine. As a point of note,it is possible to configure all measuring machines of the LH series with an integrated rotary table. This enables precise four-axis measurement of rotationally symmetrical components, as well as reliable measurement of the entire spectrum of prismatic components.

Further innovations were available at Innoteq in the area of optical high-speed scanning. With WM Quartis it is possible to configure the CORE measuring device and operate it with tactile sensors, as well as with optical double-eye sensors. To increase speed in production, the CORE offers a flexible measurement solution for demanding tasks. According to Wenzel, WM Quartis measures up to four times faster compared to tactile CMMs. For customers whose environmental conditions do not require an automated light shield (CORE S LP), the company has developed the CORE S E (Essential), at a lower price and with a smaller footprint.

Also demonstrated at the booth were computed tomography solutions. The desktop CT exaCT S supports applications in a wide range of industries where internal and external structures of components require capturing completely and quickly.
For further information www.wenzel-group.com

Digital 3D touch sensor wins Hexagon’s support

Hexagon has announced the winner of the second cohort of its coveted ‘Sixth Sense’ open innovation platform, which nurtures start-ups creating solutions to pressing manufacturing challenges.The Sixth Sense platform offers business insight, access to experts and mentorship, as well as exposing them to Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division’s global customer and partner base, which includes the likes of Audi, Airbus, Meta and Zimmer Biomet.

GelSight won the competition, following an intense 10-week programme of product refinement and business development, which culminated in a pitching competition at The Hague, Netherlands, where the team presentedits progress to a panel of judges representing experts in technology, investment and Hexagon leadership. As part of its winning package, GelSight will receive access to Hexagon’s extensive customer base to expand its business, andintegrate with Hexagon products and further resources to aid globalisation.

Youssef Benmokhtar, CEO of GelSight, says: “Many inspections in the industry today are still performed by an inspector simply looking at or touching a part to identify, and sometimes measure, a defect. This is a subjective, non-repeatable, non-traceable process. Our gel material acts as artificial skin, providing extremely detailed and rapid surface characterisation. We have digitised the entire workflow – our technology analyses the readings to give users detailed 3D visualisation with up to 5 million data points that can help automate processes, cutting costs and time.

“Working with Sixth Sense has been such a memorable experience,” he adds.“We are proud and humbled to have been chosen and are looking forward to the future with Hexagon. The real work starts now.”
For further information https://sixthsense.hexagon.com

Blum touch probes prove their long service life

Employing measuring systems in the working area of a CNC machining centre is still an unfamiliar idea for some quality experts. With its probes in use at German company Scherzinger Pumpen, Blum-Novotest is demonstrating that automated measurement not only works effectively in this harsh environment and in two-shift operation, but does so reliably and accurately over many years.

“Our core competencies in manufacturing are in milling, turning and grinding, as well as logistics and assembly,” reports Mario Maier, head of process planning at Scherzinger Pumps. “We machine metal as well as plastic and, in so doing, achieve a high level of quality and reliably tight manufacturing tolerances. Blum touch probes and laser light barriers, which we use in many machining centres, help us to accomplish that. The probes have an astonishingly long service life.”

At Scherzinger, the Blum TC50 infrared probes primarily find use for measuring bores and for workpiece zero-point detection. The company machines housings for brine pumps, for example, from two sides by rotating the clamped components in the machine tool. As a point of note, the drive is located on one side, while the two gear wheels of the actual pump are located on the other side. Scherzingermachines the through-hole of the drive axis from the drive side in the first set-up. After finishing one side – there are five housings per set-up – the housings swivel by 180°to allow machining of the pump side.

To ensure that the two machining operations align precisely with each other, the probe (mounted in the machine spindle) measures the position of the through-hole on all five housings after swivelling. The measured positions are then taken into account during the second machining operation so that, for example, the threaded holes for the cover can be precisely aligned, drilled and cut.
For further information www.blum-novotest.com

Gauge confirms accuracy of measuring machines

CMM manufacturer LK Metrology is introducing a range of UKAS-certified length and form artefacts complete with holding fixture, allowing users to verify the inspection accuracy of any 3D measuring platform. Customers can therefore have greater confidence in the results of an inspection, whether for metrology or reverse engineering, long after the annual calibration of the measuring machine.

Each CMM Checking Gauge (CCG) enables independent monitoring and verification of accuracy through regular intermediate checks on a CMM or portable measuring arm. An OEM can be certain that prototypes and production parts are within tolerance, while subcontractors are able to assure their customers that any machining and inspection carried out on their behalf is accurate. CCG demonstrates a commitment to a consistently high standard of dimensional quality control. Artefact measurement uncertainty is down to ±0.01 μm.

The gauge provides an efficient go/no-go check with measurement results for ongoing CMM monitoring. Three combinations of length bars, ring gauge, test sphere and fixture of different sizes are available to suit various measuring machine models. Regular use provides an early warning of changes in the inspection system and an opportunity to take pre-emptive action. Once identified, it is possible to address accuracy issues due perhaps to environmental changes or an unnoticed probe crash by scheduling an interim machine service or calibration, before downstream manufacturing processes are impacted.

CCGcomes in a carrying case with a program on a USB drive that runs in LK’s CAMIO measuring and reporting software. The program comprises DMIS measurement and alignment routines for bridge and horizontal arm CMMs, allowing the CCG cycle to run seamlessly on LK machines.
For further information www.lkmetrology.com

USA flag [head] Accurate and easy way to perform Brinell tests

AMETEK Newage Testing Instruments, an established manufacturer and worldwide supplier of hardness testers and accessories, is launching its improved Brinell Optical Scanning System (BOSS).

Brinell testing is a widely used method for measuring the hardness of metals. There are several reasons why this method is so popular, including its suitability for all metal types and that it offers a very accurate and simple testing method.Manual reading is quite easy and straightforward, but here operatives come across the one disadvantage of the Brinell method: manual reading via microscope has a high risk of human error and requires training and concentration to achieve accurate results.

Since the formula for the Brinell Hardness Number (BHN) calculation depends on the indent impression reading, these readings require high accuracy. That is why AMETEK Newage developed BOSS, which virtually eliminates operator influence on the test results.

BOSS uses a compact scanning head attached to a computer using the BOSS software to measure impression diameters in seconds and yield a measurement resolution of 0.01mm. BOSS software is used to set up the criteria for the reading, and perform the necessary BHN calculations to ASTM standards. The system even takes into account such anomalies as impression roundness and the surface finish of samples.

In this latest launch, the BOSS software now features an even better user interface that is intuitive in a familiar window-based environment and with faster and easier installation. The new configurable display shows the 10 most recent readings and features customisable measurement screens that users can configure to tailor the software to their specific application. An updated demonstration mode allows for multiple impressions, creating an improved sales and training experience.
For further information www.hardnesstesters.com