FEATURE ON METROLOGY

Nikon expands X-ray CT system range

Nikon IMBU is adding three new models in its VOXLS range of X-ray CT (computed tomography) systems for non-destructive inspection. The introduction of the 30 series fills a specific need in the industry for users seeking an automation-ready system with the versatility to meet a wide range of industrial applications.

The VOXLS 30 C 225, 30 C 320 and 30 C 450 models are now available to order and have maximum source energies of 225, 320 and 450kV respectively for examining parts of various densities and sizes. They also have a more compact footprint than Nikon’s 40 Series while maintaining advanced features traditionally exclusive to larger, more expensive solutions.

The systems are for automated operations that include quality control in factories producing lithium-ion batteries or additively manufactured components. The automotive, aerospace, medical and pharmaceutical industries are additional target markets, with many further applications in materials science, natural sciences and academia.

Dr Andrew Mathers, X-ray and CT product manager, says: “Automation at multiple levels is a major focus of the new 30 series, from batch CT providing efficiency gains for technicians to full factory integration with robotic handling and automated inspection via Nikon’s OPC UA Interface.”

At the core of the series is a metrology-grade, granite-based manipulator coupled with rigid steel towers, which provides a thermally stable and solid construction. High-precision motors, ball-screw drives and encoders ensure precise positioning and accurate movement of all axes, including the synchronous vertical motion of the X-ray sources and detectors.

To facilitate automation even further, the systems feature motorised bi-parting radiation doors that open and close in less than five seconds, behind which the cabinet interior can accommodate items up to 1000 mm in diameter by 1370 mm tall.
For further information https://industry.nikon.com

CTPE growsinspection capability with height gauge

CTPE Ltd, a contract supplier of machined components based in Mildenhall, chose Bowers Group to assist in enhancing its inspection capabilities by investing in a Trimos V3 height gauge.

Alex Taylor, CTPE operations director, says: “We opted to work with Bowers Group for this project as we’ve previously dealt with the company for other measuring equipment and always been very happy with the service. The Trimos V3 is a great product from a quality Swiss brand and it’s been a good addition to ourinspection department. It’s very easy to useand has helped accelerate our inspection times. The accuracy and repeatability are very good, and we can measure features on larger partsthat were previously beyond our capabilities.”

The V3 height gauge boasts a measuring range spanning from 400 to 700mm, ensuring versatility in its applications. What sets it apart is the large two-line ‘black mask’ display, a proprietary feature in the market that guarantees high contrast, regardless of lighting conditions. Its user-friendliness is also a popular characteristic, with electronically adjustable measuring force and an easy-to-read display unit that provides direct and easy-to-read access to functions, enabling rapid operation.

With the Trimos V3 in place, CTPE’s inspection capabilities are taking a significant leap forward. Employed on a daily basis for conducting first article, in-process and final inspections of milled and turned components, the company says that itsquality manager and machine setters are notably impressed by the height gauge’s accuracy and repeatability.

The equipment excelled at precisely measuring the larger milled and turned parts that had previously posed a challenge, even allowing the team to measure specific features that were beforehand were simply not possible.
For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

CMM retrofits enable multi-sensor inspection

At one of two factory units in Devizes operated by sealing specialist Cross Manufacturing, two CMMs built by LK Metrology in 1997 and 2007 have been given a new lease of life following an upgrade. The project involved the future-proofing of both machines by retrofitting multi-wired NMC300 controllers with updated firmware and software. Among the many advantages is the ability to deploy different types of sensor in addition to touch-trigger probes. Within the scope of the project, LK also fitted two new Renishaw PH10MQ motorised probe heads.

As a result of the improvements, Cross Manufacturinghas the ability to use its Renishaw SP25M tactile scanning probe, which the companyhopes will cut metrology cycle times by at least one-third when implemented in early 2024. It is possible to add further types of contact and non-contact sensor in the future should Cross Manufacturing choose to extend the CMMs’ capability and consolidate other automatic measuring functions into a single metrology routine.

Located on the shop floor in one of two adjacent sites, the CMMs are an LK G90C 10.10.8 and an LK Evo 15.15.10 having nominal inspection volumes of 1000 x 1000 x 800 mm and 1500 x 1500 x 1000 mm respectively. They fulfil a critical role serving the turning section, where the company products brush seals ranging in size from 1.83 m down to 102 mm in diameter for high-temperature gas turbine applications in aerospace and power generation.

“The vast majority of our parts are 100% inspected,” states senior project manager Mark Bolwell.“Upgrading our CMMs means we’ll be able to increase throughput by introducing tactile scanning, allowing us to support ever increasing demand without having to invest in another CMM at this time.”
For further information www.lkmetrology.com

Mitutoyo CMM offers pace and precision at Fort Vale

Based in Burnley, Fort Vale Engineering is a specialist in the design and manufacture of stainless steel valves and fittings for the container tank industry that enable the safe transportation of liquids, powders and gases. Due to the nature of the global industries Fort Vale serves and the need to transport gases and liquids safely by road, rail and sea, the quality of the company’s products is of paramount importance.

Given the company’s rigorous quality standards and precision requirements, when looking to purchase a new CMM, Fort Vale compiled a demanding list of system requirements. In addition to a high-accuracy specification, the large volumes of parts constantly passing through the company’s busy inspection department meant that speed and ease of use were also major considerations. Furthermore, as the CMM had to inspect a diverse range of components, from small complex parts to large castings, the capacity and flexibility of the planned machine were additional important factors.

After researching the available brands and models, the high-specification CMM that best matched the company’s demanding criteria was a Mitutoyo Crysta-Apex EX 1200R equipped with a Renishaw Revofive-axis scanning probe head. Offering anXYZ capacity of 1200 x 2000 x 1000mm, the Mitutoyo CMM was able to accommodate even the largest of Fort Vale’s components.

Fort Vale director Andy Bryce says: “Since its installation, our Mitutoyo CMM has become the main workhorse of our quality department. As well as its impressive accuracy specification that allows the inspection of our highest-precision, tightest-tolerance parts, the CMM’s impressive speed of action and automated CNC operation, means that it is able to process impressive volumes of inspection work each day.”
For further information www.mitutoyo.co.uk

High scan definition for large surface measurement

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division isreleasing a new modular 3D laser scanner for large surface inspection. Suitable for use with both its laser tracker and portable measuring arm devices,the new Absolute Scanner AS1-XL is built on the same SHINE technology as the company’s flagship Absolute Scanner AS1, allowing it to collect clean 3D data at high speeds, even from challenging surfaces. With a wider scan line, the new scanner is suitable for applications such as aerospace panels, marine propellers and large automotive castings.

The AS1-XL boasts an ultra-wide scan line of 600 mm at mid-range. Together with its 1.2 million points per second acquisition rate and 300 Hz frame rate, it can scan large surfaces quickly without losing inspection detail. The scanner also features an extended measurement stand-off distance of 700 mm, which paired with its 600 mm working range allows for hidden point measurement capability of up to 1 m.

“Since even before the launch of the AS1 we’ve wanted to deliver that same level of data collection quality and automation readiness in a device focused on large surface inspection,” says Daniel Moser, laser tracker product director at Hexagon. “We’ve seen with our previous generation of scanners that the appetite and applications for a dedicated large-scale scanning device are out there in the market. With the AS1-XL, we’ve been able to deliver on the promise of that large surface measurement concept in a far more satisfying way thanks to our new scanning technology, which is ten times faster than our previous generation offer, the LAS-XL.”
For further information www.hexagon.com