Creaform has unveiled its new MetraScan-R Black Elite HD, as well as a new edition of VXelements for long-term support (LTS). This latest set of solutions also includes a new version of VXscan-R module specially made to accommodate custom automated 3D scanning cell layouts, while keeping the ease-of-use of its digital-twin programming software.

Notably, MetraScan-R Black Elite HD offers an optimised field of view for increased performance levels during challenging applications, such as 3D measurements on sheet metal parts. Creaform says that the system is ideal for the automotive market. With its 69 laser lines and 3 million measurements per second, this specialised 3D scanner is suitable for parts with many edges, trims and boundaries.

The intuitive VXscan-R software module makes it possible to include the custom features of any 3D scanning CMM (enclosure, robot base, turntable) for fast and easy programming.

Exclusive to the R-series products, the new VXelements LTS version extends the period of software maintenance, while increasing software robustness and dependability by limiting the number of new feature releases.

Thanks to its compatibility with major 3D metrology software, offline programming and seamless integration within any production workflow, the R-Series is accessible to all, regardless of expertise or experience level.

Jérôme-Alexandre Lavoie, product manager at Creaform, says: “In the quest to gain efficiency, manufacturers require QC solutions that can adapt to their workflow and environment, while being easy to use. For better decision-making to get better quality parts, they also need fast and precise data. With these latest innovations there has never been a better time to easily move to automation.”

For further information
www.creaform3d.com

Industrial measurement systems specialist, the Sempre Group, is now offering demonstrations on the UK’s first InspecVision 2D and 3D measurement machine. Potential and existing customers can visit the Sempre Group’s facility in Gloucester to see the new features of Planar and Optiscan systems, such as the automated turntable feature for 3D measurement, the SurfScan and 2D repositioning upgrades. Customers can use these additions to improve measurement accuracy and integrate 2D and 3D measurement.

Manufacturers, particularly in the automotive and sheet-metal industries, can exploit these systems to measure and obtain traceable results, without the need for hand tools or manual input. They can also link the system to CAD models, easily showing users if a part is in or out of tolerance with overlaid colour mapping.

The Sempre Group can provide expert demonstrations of the technology, including the range of add-ons, such as SurfScan, a high-resolution projector that can be simply retrofitted to an existing Planar vertical column. This allows manufacturers to improve the accuracy of their 2D and 2.5D inspection without investing in an entirely new and possibly costly system. The addition enables businesses to accurately inspect forms, louvres and small bends with a single click, streamlining complex part measurement.

Sempre can also demonstrate the 2D repositioning Planar add-on to customers looking for an unbiased opinion about the technology. OEMs cam use the system’s integrated optical markers to measure parts larger than the base table in one cohesive process. The system stitches 2D scans together, removing the manual and time-consuming process of accurately repositioning parts. Ultimately, this allows manufacturers to invest in one system, rather than multiple systems for different sized parts, potentially saving thousands.

For further information
www.TheSempreGroup.com

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

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

Hertford-based subcontract machining services provider Qualiturn Products is an enthusiastic early user of Mitutoyo’s new PJ-Plus profile projectors.

Says managing director Nick Groom: “Although we were happy with our existing relatively modern profile projectors, after seeing a Mitutoyo PJ-Plus profile projector inspecting a range of fairly complex, precise components, I was amazed to see the difference that the inclusion of LED lighting made to the crispness of the images on the screen. Also, as the regular replacement of halogen lights following lamp burnout has always been a downside of using previous-generation profile projectors, I was happy to discover that the use of LED illumination delivered extended service life and reduced running costs.”

Now in regular use, Qualiturn’s two new PJ-Plus models are proving very popular with the company’s quality personnel.

“LED lighting not only reduces eye fatigue, but improved screen images enable easier and more precise component inspection,” says Groom. “In addition to helping ensure the continuing quality of our output, the ease and speed of use of our new Mitutoyo profile projectors has further improved our levels of inspection efficiency. So impressed have we been with the performance of the two profile projectors that I’ve placed an order with Mitutoyo UK for an additional three PJ-Plus models.”

With a resolution of 0.001 mm, Mitutoyo says that PJ-Plus profile projectors are heavy-duty, bench-top units that provide accurate, reliable measurements within manufacturing environments and other areas where conventional profile projectors struggle to cope. Suitable for use by experienced quality personnel or by production staff, PJ-Plus projectors feature an intuitive operation system that facilitates precise dimensional and angular measurements.

For further information
www.mitutoyo.co.uk