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

To supplement its high-accuracy HC-90 ceramic horizontal-arm CMMs, LK Metrology has introduced three additional models based on an aluminium construction. The new CMMs provide users with multiple affordable alternatives for the dimensional inspection of large components found typically in the automotive, land transport and heavy industries.

LK’s horizontal-arm CMMs are available in three ranges: the LY-90T table version, LY-90R rail version with single or twin arms, and the shop floor ready HD-90 rail version with single or twin arms, which is specifically for the quality control of vehicle bodies and sub-assemblies in car plants.

Of rail design, LK says the HD-90R single-rail and HD-90TR twin-rail models offer superior dynamics and accuracy for use in production areas. The CMMs feature protective covers to ensure thermal insulation against environmental changes, and protect the system from airborne contaminants.

Typically used in line-side metrology applications, the LY-90T table CMM has the horizontal arm installed on guideways side-mounted to a cast-iron surface plate for the measurement of metal and plastic components. The table and special three-point support system eliminate the need for expensive dedicated foundations.

The LY-90R single-rail and LY-90TR twin-rail CMMs offer a similarly advanced, cost-effective, typically in-line metrology solution for the dimensional control of large, heavy components found in vehicle manufacture and heavy engineering. The rails can be installed flush at floor level, with heavy-duty walk-on covers protecting the X-axis slideways. Notably, the open design provides full access for part loading/unloading, including within in-line/line-side automated inspection cells with roll-on/roll-off transfer systems.

For further information
www.lkmetrology.com

Looking for ways to improve the inspection of its critical components, Beatson Clark sought the help of Bowers Group, investing in a Baty Venture XT 3030 CNC to assist in its measurement of critical mould component dimensions.

One of the UK’s largest manufacturers of pharmaceutical glass containers, Beatson Clark has been designing and producing glass bottles and jars for 270 years.
As highly specified tooling is the start of the process at Beatson Clark, an improved inspection system – namely the Baty Venture XT – was the next logical step in the company’s evolution.

Used every day, primarily by quality department inspectors, the Baty Venture measures components that form the neck area of bottles and jars. These components have many critical dimensions and form the bulk of the system’s work, allowing the team to check batch parts thoroughly and ensure the use of only quality parts in production. With its user-friendly design making the machine quick and easy to learn, the XT is also utilised to qualify the work of machinists, allowing the inspection all components that make up a tooling set.

Daryl Fletcher, mould shop manager at Beatson Clark, says: “The vision system is very impressive. It’s fast, accurate and user friendly. Being able to import DXF files gives us the option of comparison, as well as direct measurement. The software is intuitive and easy to use, yet very powerful when it comes to recognising features and alignment.”

For further information
www.bowersgroup.co.uk