The speed with which someone can inspect a component using a portable, multi-axis measuring arm is increased by up to 40% if, instead of the part being static, it is placed on a new Freedomindex table from LK Metrology. The CMM manufacturer says that not only is inspection more efficient, but in some cases it is possible to use a smaller, less expensive arm to access all areas of a component. In other words, the effective measuring volume of any arm is increased.

Rotation may even avoid the need for arm relocation to enable sufficient access to the back of the part, which lengthens the measuring cycle and can introduce inaccuracy. Additionally, there is no operator fatigue from repeatedly having to stretch around the component, which can weigh up to 100 kg.

Requiring no cables, the portable, manually operated, metrology-grade index table is compatible with any make of portable measuring arm, not just LK’s six- and seven-axis Freedom arm range, which comprises 34 models. The 300 mm (optionally 500 mm) diameter table is quick to set up on a work surface, after which the operator secures the part onto the surface with the aid of pre-drilled, threaded fixing holes or integral clamping magnets.

Similarly rapid is initial calibration of the start position by telling the co-ordinate system in InnovMetric’s PolyWorks Inspector software the location of the table. The speed of this procedure is down to clever positioning of randomly placed, alphanumerically labelled, fiducial dimples machined into the top of the table and around its periphery. By probing three or more of them using the arm, the software recognises the irregular pattern and automatically knows the orientation.
For further information www.lkmetrology.com

The recent installation of an AccretechSurfcom NEX240 DX-13 surface and contour measuring machine at the Staffordshire facility of Hill Helicopters illustrates the advantages that aerospace manufacturers gain when they are able to achieve rapid, high-precision inspection results.

Mark Webb, lead production engineer at Hill Helicopters, says: “Our literature describes our new HX50 helicopter as delivering a whole new experience in safety, performance, adventure, comfort and elegance. It isn’t a coincident that ‘safety’ comes first on this list of attributes. To ensure the highest safety standards we oversee a rigorous company-wide quality regime. In addition to employing skilled quality personnel, we invest in the best available inspection equipment.

“After searching for a high-precision, rapid-acting surface and contour measuring instrument, we concluded that the Accretech machine best met our demanding accuracy and efficiency standards,” continues Webb.“During the development and testing of our components,the new Accretech machine will be used by our skilled machinists and our production and quality engineers. Then, when we move into full production, we plan to purchase further Surfcom NEX machines for use on our shopfloor. Given the Surfcom NEX’s ability to provide high-precision surface and contour measuring results within production environments, it will be ideal for inspecting components throughout our production runs and for generating and archiving FAIRs [first article inspection reports].”

As each HX50helicopter has 38 different high-precision bearings, the Surfcom NEX machines will inspect the critical surface and contour specifications.

“The impressive operational speed and ease-of-use of our first Surfcom NEX and that of our planned additional models means that we’ll be able to keep pace with our high-precision surface and contour inspection needs as our production volumes continue to grow,” says Webb.
For further information www.accretech.eu

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