Based on its recent analysis of the global industrial computed tomography (CT) market, Frost & Sullivan has presented Wenzel with its 2020 Global New Product Innovation Award for the exaCT L, one of the most compact, high-value and cost-effective offerings in the 225 kV, 1600 W performance class. The solution’s three independent axes enable accelerated measuring and a simple and effective workflow across the entire CT process.

“Compared with many tactile or optical measuring machines that carry out measurements at the component, the exaCT L can measure inside and outside objects with high precision,” says Mariano Kimbara, senior industry analyst at Frost & Sullivan. “The exaCT L has superior X-ray performance combined with a fast detector, allowing it to measure objects and defects rapidly. Wenzel has made significant inroads into the market with intuitive user guidance that employs intelligent software to automate all measuring parameters, delivering robust customer value.”

Wenzel’s exaCT series, including the exaCT L, can support several metrology and non-destructive testing applications, including aluminium castings and combustion engines. The company equips the exaCT L 150 kV version with a high-resolution micro-focus X-ray source featuring a 6000-pixel detector. By establishing a new benchmark with one of the highest-powered X-ray sources available in the 225 kV segment, exaCT L offers up to 1600 W with high flexibility in applications for larger measuring volumes. Another benefit is Wenzel’s configurable and modular system for individual requirements.

The Wenzel exaCT L is configurable with existing CT system power sources and detectors, depending on application requirements. Providing 225 kV output, scanning high-density materials such as plastics, metal and multi-materials, only takes minutes.

For further information
www.wenzel-group.com

Faro Technologies has hired two industry veterans to manage the global hardware and software R&D teams.

Avi Ray-Chaudhuri, who serves as vice president of hardware R&D, and Wesley Tilley, who serves as vice president of software R&D, joined the company at the end of last month.

“We’re adding critical talent to the executive team to lead both our software and hardware R&D organisations, a move that will accelerate our product development efforts,” says Michael Burger, president and CEO of Faro.

Ray-Chaudhuri has over 20 years of leadership success in diverse industries including semiconductor, advanced lithography and laser development. Most recently, he served as VP engineering – commercial lasers for Lumentum, where he reduced the product development cycle time and implemented best-in-class programme management, engineering and operations practices. Ray-Chaudhuri earned a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin and a degree in electrical engineering from Princeton University.

Tilley brings has more than 30 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, primarily in the areas of product management and R&D leadership. He most recently served as VP communications SaaS at Oracle, where he led a strategic shift in global business unit strategy to cloud-native, SaaS offerings in the telecommunications space. Tilley has an MBA from Duke University and a degree in computer science from North Carolina State University.

For further information www.faro.com

High demands on products, as well as high time and cost pressure, are decisive competitive factors across all industries. Quality, safety and speed are today – more than ever before – factors that determine the success of a company, whatever the sector.

Zero-defect production is the goal. But how can it be guaranteed that only flawless products leave the production line? In order to make quality inspection as efficient, simple, reliable and cost-effective as possible, the German company sentin GmbH develops solutions that use deep learning and industrial cameras from IDS to enable fast and robust error detection. A sentin Vision system uses AI-based recognition software and can be trained using a few sample images. Together with a GigE Vision CMOS industrial camera from IDS and an evaluation unit, it can be easily embedded in existing processes.

Sentin’s intelligent Vision system uses AI-based recognition software and can be easily trained using a selection of test images. The system is capable of segmenting objects, patterns and defects. Even surfaces that are difficult to detect cannot stop the system. Applications can be found, for example, in the automotive industry, such as defect detection on metallic surfaces.

Depending on the application, the AI is trained to detect errors or anomalies. With the latter, the system learns to distinguish good parts from bad. If, for example, a surface structure is inspected, errors are detected by AI deviations from a comparison with reference images. By using anomaly detection and pre-trained models, the system can detect defects based on just a few images of good parts.

For further information https://en.ids-imaging.com

One of the UK’s leading specialists in tooling, intelligent fixturing and components is launching a new range of ‘digital’ solutions that will connect manufacturing processes and enable easier, faster automation.

MetLase, a joint venture between Unipart and Roll-Royce, commissioned a dedicated team to develop ‘smart’ products, including the Digital Gauge (conducts a digital dimensional inspection process), Smart Bench (ensures no-fault forward in the assembly process) and Smart Cell.

These digital products are already having an impact on industry, with one of the most striking examples being a project with Kautex Unipart Ltd and a leading supercar manufacturer to support in-line composite preform measurement.

Digital gauges are being used to support the inspection of blow-moulded plastic fuel tanks in just four seconds, replacing an inspection system that would usually take 45 minutes, during which time the line would churn out parts. If a fault was found at this stage, all of the components made in that period would be destined for the scrap heap. In addition, digital gauges allow data to be collected that is ‘actionable’ for process improvement and machine learning.

Richard Gould, business development manager, says: “This is just the start. More and more customers are switching on to the benefits of digital manufacturing in the overall process. And we’re not just talking about impact on shop floor. One project we’re currently exploring is the introduction of a Smart Bench to support a maritime application, where a global business has won a contract that includes an element of regenerating a region’s manufacturing sector.”

For further information www.metlase.com

Nikon Metrology’s new MCAx S articulated arm augments the company’s ModelMaker H120 with improved precision, user confidence and connectivity.

The device is suitable for use in the metrology lab, on the shop floor or in the field.

The combination of the ModelMaker H120 laser scanner with the new MCAx S articulated arm gives users even greater insight to improve quality, accelerate time-to-market and streamline manufacturing processes. Precision and user confidence is confirmed by system scanning and arm-probing accuracy certifications to ISO 10360-8 Annex D and ISO 10360-12 standards. The MCAx S arm further enhances the user experience by adding the ability to scan truly cable-free, through high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity and battery power, with absolutely no reduction in productivity.

Seamless integration with leading metrology software suites gives users the security of working within their chosen platform, enhancing existing workflows with shorter measurement times and greater understanding of critical quality issues.
The new MCAx S ranges in size from 2.0 to 4.5 m, and comprises three performance levels for user choice of optimal configuration. Compatibility with tripods and magnetic bases allows freedom to select the right mounting for the task in hand. Infinite rotation and seven-axis freedom of movement give unrestricted reach in and around parts, while thermal stability and advanced encoder technology eliminates warm up, reducing set-up and inspection time.

True multi-probing is offered. Alongside the scanner, tactile probes can be used in parallel to measure geometric features or hard to reach areas. Advances such as automatic intelligent pre-selection of scanner or probe, depending on type of measurement, enhances ease-of-use for full remote operation.

For further information www.nikonmetrology.com