Accretech has announced the launch of the Surfcom NEX. An evolution of the Accretech Surfcom range, the new measuring system allows both surface and contour measurements to be made flexibly and accurately using a single machine. Furthermore, the instrument delivers up to 60% faster measurement processes.

In addition to use within cleanrooms, due its ability to function across a range of temperatures, the robust instrument can also be used within production environments.

Surfcom NEX innovations include the use of a hybrid detector for simultaneous contour and surface measurement, an electromagnetic drive that allows the detector to move without wear and tear or vibration, and a linear drive system which ensures quick, low-oscillation measurements with no disruptive noises or vibrations.

Marcus Czabon, head of the metrology business unit at Accretech, says: “The new Surfcom NEX is the result of many years of intense dialogue with our customers. It offers versatility, precision and, most importantly, reliability. In terms of equipment and features, it sets a benchmark in contour and surface measurement, not least when considering procurement and operating costs over the product lifecycle.

“We want to accommodate the changing demands in production and tool inspection,” he adds. “In simple terms, more parts need to be checked in a shorter time. So, diverse application options are a driving factor. Our customers want to use just one machine for surface texture and contours. It must be possible, therefore, to combine detectors freely or to carry out hybrid measurements.

“However, reliability should not in any way be compromised by faster and more complex measurement processes. That is why the Surfcom NEX has a newly developed hybrid detector, which has over twice the coverage of traditional machines.”

For further information
www.accretech.eu

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has launched its latest solution for automated inspection integration projects based on 6DoF laser tracker technology. The WRTL solves common configuration problems faced by customers setting up large, automated inspection systems by removing the need for a cable connecting the laser tracker and the scanner controller, opening up the possibility for the tracker and/or the scanner to be mobile through mounting on an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) or automated guided vehicle (AGV). The system is particularly relevant for the large-scale inspection tasks increasingly seen in the aerospace and wind energy sectors.

Compatibility with the Absolute Scanner AS1, a 3D laser scanner launched in 2021, allows for the collection of high-density data at impressive levels of accuracy, reports Hexagon. This means a WRTL-based scanning system can deliver accuracy to within 50 µm across a volume measuring 60 m in diameter, independent of robot accuracy. Thanks to the enhanced level of freedom that the WRTL delivers to users when defining new system configurations, factories can now even run lights-out, with large-volume inspection tasks carried out autonomously overnight. When the operators arrive the following day, a measurement report will be ready for analysis, with the manufacturing process ready to proceed to the next production step.

“Before WRTL, automated inspection used to be limited to stationary cells completing repetitive and specified tasks,” explains Rodrigo Alfaia, product manager for laser trackers at Hexagon. “We’re now making automated inspection truly mobile, which was the case only for handheld applications before. Inspection can be carried out today here, tomorrow there, without drilling holes on the floor to install robot sliders or rotary tables.”

For further information
www.hexagonmi.com

According to a report from Seagate Technology, about 68% of data available to enterprises goes unleveraged. Data can be a valuable resource, particularly in manufacturing, so by considering how they collect, store and interpret data, manufacturers can use this resource to its full potential.

Unlike manual methods, automated data collection enables anyone in the business to quickly access real-time data in the same format across all systems, saving time and allowing internal and stakeholder communications to run smoothly.

By using a fully traceable, automated data collection system, manufacturers have a centralised data collection point that they can use to streamline traditionally time-consuming reporting processes. For example, by using software such as Sempre Group’s High QA Inspection Manager, engineers can complete a ballooned drawing and populate a first article inspection (FAI) report in one click. Automated reporting and data collection allows manufacturers to get the most out of their workforce by moving them away from repetitive work and into more skilled processes that require human intervention.

As well as proving QA, manufacturers can use data to gain real insight into their manufacturing and quality processes, reviewing productivity and identifying areas for improvement. For example, if operators notice that a few parts are faulty, they can use the report to discover when the fault occurred and resolve the issue proactively, making changes that will prevent further faults. Over time, this will decrease the number of defective products, reduce material waste and improve productivity so that customers can receive parts sooner.

Manufacturers can also use software and data to make proactive changes on the shop floor during production. Reaction Plan Manager, for example, is an automated instruction-based software that analyses measurement data, calculates offset and provides tool correction instructions. For example, if a part does not meet specification, the software will instruct the operator about how to adjust the machine and correct the issue.

For further information
www.thesempregroup.com

Walter Ewag UK has announced a step change in the fully automatic measurement and digitisation of cutting tools with the launch of the Walter 3D laser sensor. The new laser sensor enables the Walter Helicheck Pro and Plus tool measurement machines to scan with four times the resolution than previously possible and to process that data four times faster. Suitable for inspecting high-performance cutters as used in industries including automotive, aerospace and medical, where cutting edge geometry, pitch and spiral pitch vary widely, the 3D sensor could replace two separate machines traditionally used for measuring such tools – perhaps a combination of conventional and laser checking.

Available as an option on the Helicheck Pro and Plus machines and their corresponding ‘Long’ versions – which can accommodate tools up to 80 mm diameter and 605 mm long – the 3D sensor has swivel angle ranges from -55° to 90°, thus also enabling the complete scan of indexable inserts.

Easily and quickly programmed using wizard routines, with resulting short set-up times, the 3D sensor effectively ‘visualises’ the workpiece as a point cloud (in differing formats) and enables various measurements to be undertaken on the 3D image. When the resulting image is ‘placed’ on the tool’s 3D design drawings, or a master part, any deviations are clearly visible (via the integrated 3D viewer) as 3D comparisons of point cloud and target model, including surface reconstruction.

The result, says Walter Ewag, is tool measurement that has never been more accurate or faster.

For further information
www.walter-machines.com

Creaform and QFP, an Italian metrology company, have announced a strategic partnership to further deploy automated quality control solutions for the European manufacturing industry. QFP carries out its operations from facilities in Padua and Spoleto, and is able to offer its expertise to customers all over Europe.

The agreement signed between Creaform and QFP defines the latter as Creaform’s “strategic partner” for automation activities in Europe. This brings added value to the customers of both companies as it increases the offer of automated QFP systems, and makes this technology available to even more Creaform users in Europe.

Starting from Creaform solutions for automated quality control applications, the R-Series 3D scanning solution, QFP will be able to adapt this standard product to customised applications. The QBox Evolution meets specific customer requirements. Modification of the layout and integration with production lines, as well as the introduction of additional axes, contour elements, control cameras, and automatic loading/unloading systems, complete the proposal.

“The satisfaction of those who successfully use our systems is the most powerful engine that pushes us to invest energy and resources to perfect our skills,” says Roberto Mazzetto director of sales and marketing at QFP. “Our expertise as an integrator and solution provider is what most distinguishes us from other companies in the sector, and sharing these pluses with a company that focuses on the same values is what we were looking for to help our customers and partners grow in a healthy and structured way.”

Stefan Hoheisel, director of global business development at Creaform, adds: “The collaboration with QFP brings the already strong proposition of Creaform’s 3D metrology tools, skills and experience to the next level.”

For further information
www.creaform3d.com