New in-machine measurement technologies released by Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division increase the variety of probing and tool-setting options for manufacturers seeking efficiency gains in a various production environments. Hexagon’s multi-sensor machine tool measurement capabilities now include compact tactile radio probes and a flexible tool-setter that can be used interchangeably to identify and correct production problems early in the manufacturing process.

Hexagon’s new m&h R-400 multi-sensor radio probe system can be used to fulfil both in-machine workpiece measurement and tool-setting requirements. Operators can deploy the system for a variety of purposes in a range of environments, including machining set-ups, measurement of complex free-form geometries with tight tolerances, and the checking of machine kinematics.

The company says that the dual-purpose m&h R-400 probe system is the first tactile probe on the market to include a built-in display. The display provides status data at a glance, enables users to save or load settings, and makes it easy to switch between tactile-sensor and tool-setting functions.

Designed for shop-floor flexibility, the system can serve as a radio probe by equipping it with a probe shank, or as a radio tool setter by mounting it on a tool-setter base. In addition to offering flexible in-machine measurement functions, the probe can help cut costs by eliminating storage of replacement sensors, as only one device needs to be stored.

The system also features an illuminated ring that completely surrounds the probe body and lights up to indicate current performance conditions and activities, so that operators can easily see the status of the system. Providing notifications such as ‘system ready’, ‘battery low’, and ‘probing’, the indicator ring makes shop-floor activity more efficient by offering immediate access to information that benefits work flow.

For further information
www.HexagonMI.com/MTM

The quality team at DKW Engineering is using Bowers’ pistol grip bore gauges to ensure the quality of its machined components. As a subcontractor, DKW Engineering receives a constant influx of new jobs in addition to its more regular work. This demand means that the team faces new inspection challenges daily, depending on the type of work and the diversity of components that it manufactures.

Instead of buying new plug gauges to suit the demands of individual jobs, DKW Engineering decided to invest in a more flexible and cost-effective measurement solution in the bore gauges from Bowers Group. Used several times a day, the bore gauges are an integral part of the inspection process. Operatives on the shop floor also use the bore gauges to measure parts with particularly tight tolerances during the production process.

Vitalij Cernomorec, quality inspector at DKW Engineering, says: “We find the Bowers bore gauges much better than standard plug gauges; they’re far more versatile. As a subcontractor, the type and size of components vary, so it helps that we’re able to use the bore gauge to check a range of measurements, including series of step bores, all in one go. They’re quick and easy to use on the shop floor for in-process checks and we always trust the bore gauges; the accuracy is excellent.”

The digital pistol grip bore gauges offer an ergonomic design with a large, clear LCD display, IP67 electronics protection and proximity output featuring built-in Bluetooth, allowing bi-directional communication for flexible data acquisition and storage.

For further information
www.bowersgroup.co.uk

To ensure the consistent supply of first-class steel strip, the Port Talbot facility of Tata Steel performs regular quality control checks. In accordance with the plant’s quality policy and its pursuit of further efficiencies, a search was recently made for an automated surface finish testing system. The answer arrived in the form of a bespoke machine designed and installed by Mitutoyo Gauging Technology.

Tata Steel Port Talbot section manager metallurgical testing, John Lovegrove, says: “Although our previously used manual surface-finish testing method delivered accurate results, it was extremely laborious and, at times, we struggled to keep pace with the amount of tests required.

“Having decided that we needed to source a highly efficient, automated testing system, we approached three companies with a list of requirements,” he continues. “Not only did the staff of Mitutoyo Gauging Technology quickly understand our needs, they also suggested several other improvements to our wish list that would bring additional benefits. Furthermore, as the project evolved and we realised the potential of the new custom-built tester, we asked for a couple of extra design tweaks that the Mitutoyo staff incorporated.

“Now installed and fully operational, our bespoke Mitutoyo machine performs rapid, very accurate surface finish tests on both sides of our strip samples in a single-pass, slashing our inspection times.”

As surface finish testing is now a fully automated process, after loading a large batch of samples into the machine, the operator concerned is able to perform other duties while the new tester operates unattended.

“In addition to drastically reducing our surface finish testing times, as all relevant inspection data is now downloaded automatically, our new Mitutoyo system has removed the potential for errors when inputting inspection data,” says Lovegrove.

For further information
www.mitutoyo.co.uk

Nikon Metrology’s industrial microfocus X-ray CT inspection solutions are now enhanced with a new offset CT reconstruction algorithm to deliver high scan speed and image resolution.

When using X-ray CT (computed tomography) for the non-destructive quality control of larger components like aluminium castings or battery modules for electrical vehicles, the challenge is to shorten inspection cycle times without compromising resolution. One prerequisite for meeting this goal is high X-ray intensity, or flux.

In Nikon Metrology’s range of X-ray CT systems, a rotating target can already triple the flux for a given focal spot size and the flux can be further increased by motorised FID (focal spot to imager distance), which brings the detector closer to the source at the push of a button.

With the release of a new offset CT reconstruction algorithm in the latest version of the manufacturer’s Inspect-X software, not only is it possible to scan larger components, but it can also be performed at higher geometric magnification. The Offset.CT module is available on all Nikon Metrology X-ray CT systems from 180 through to 450 kV.

With this combination of the latest Rotating.Target 2.0, adjustable FID and Offset.CT, which Nikon says cannot be found in any competitive industrial CT system, cycle times are reduced and better resolution is achieved, even when processing large and complex components.

Bigger parts with complex geometry, such as castings and additively manufactured components, benefit in particular from industrial X-ray CT solutions from Nikon Metrology. The inspection of battery modules for electric vehicles, in which individual battery cells requiring high-resolution imaging are encapsulated in a larger protective unit, is a an especially good fit for this inspection technique.

For further information
www.nikonmetrology.com

Blum-Novotest will present its new TC55 touch probe on Stand B28/C33 in Hall 5 at EMO 2021 (4-9 October, Milan). The company is thus expanding its CNC machine tool product range by adding a compact system featuring the shark360 measuring mechanism and fast infrared transmission.

Winfried Weiland, head of marketing at Blum-Novotest GmbH, explains: “The TC55 is Blum’s smallest wireless probe to date. With a length of 46 mm and a diameter of 32 mm, it is suitable for use in highly compact milling centres, turning centres and turn-mill machines in micro-machining and medical technology applications, and for measuring components on additive manufacturing machines. Thanks to its face-geared measuring mechanism, the TC55 is also suitable for the tactile measurement of turning tools.”

The TC55 is equipped with the proven shark360 measuring mechanism that is present on other measuring systems from the same manufacturer. This technology supplements the multi-directional measuring mechanism with a face gear that features 72 teeth, which facilitates both pulling and torsional measurements in the C axis. The torsion forces that occur are absorbed by the face gear and therefore have no influence on the measurement result. Moreover, the trigger signal for the measurement process is not issued by means of a mechanical contact. Instead, the trigger is opto-electronic, by shading a miniature light barrier inside the system. As a result, there is no wear and tear, guaranteeing maximum reliability for many years, even under the most adverse working conditions.

For very small and delicate workpieces, Blum also offers the measuring system in a TC55 LF (Low Force) variant.

For further information
www.blum-novotest.com