Manufactured in the UK by LK Metrology, the latest Altera range of CMMs has been coupled with Renishaw’s REVO-2 scanning system and multi-sensor technology to offer manufacturers a five-axis solution for inspecting the dimensional accuracy and surface finish of components.

A notable design feature of the newly developed SCANtek 5 package is the ceramic construction of the CMM beam and spindle, which combines optimal stiffness-to-weight ratio for responsiveness with mechanical and thermal stability.
The SCANtek 5 multi-sensor package includes Renishaw’s MODUS software for importing data, controlling the CMM, acquiring results and reporting – including GD&T labelling. High scanning speeds boost measurement throughput, shorten production lead-times, provide awareness of product conformance, and prevent the metrology department from becoming a bottleneck.
LK’s SCANtek 5 is available in a variety of standard measuring volumes from 800 x 700 x 600 mm (8.7.6) to 6000 x 2000 x 1000 mm (60.20.10), with larger options. The Alteram models with repeatability from 1.5 µm are being marketed alongside an Altera SL range offering repeatability from 0.7 µm. LK says it is so sure of the long-term performance of these premium machines that it is the only CMM manufacturer to offer a 10-year accuracy guarantee.
Ready for operation immediately it arrives in the inspection room or on the shop floor, the five-axis CMM gives users a competitive advantage, making it easier to win new work and speed product development. A three-axis measuring solution, by contrast, is often unable to measure some complex features.
Scanning at up to 500 mm/s, without the stylus leaving the surface of the component, allows the co-ordinates of up to 4000 points to be captured ‘on-the-fly’ every second, a rate of data acquisition far higher than is possible using conventional probing techniques.
For further information www.lkmetrology.com

The positive news continues to come out of Hertfordshire-based Plastic Turned Parts, with the company making further investment in its processes to ensure smooth workflow as demand increases for its expertise as one of the UK’s foremost exponents of machining plastic workpieces.

As sales continue to increase for Plastic Turned Parts, the need to drive efficiency becomes ever more important. While recent investment in machine tool technology has boosted machining capacity, focus then turned to quality and improving throughput in the inspection department. The result was the decision to purchase a Keyence IM 7020 image dimension measuring system, which will help to improve workflow through the quality control department with its ability to accurately measure width, radius and height dimensions on a range of components quickly, and with minimal manual intervention. The system also automatically records and stores all measurement data as soon as the part is measured. Traceability and efficiency is maintained as inspection reports can be created with a simple push of a button on the system’s interface.
This optical comparator system allows up to 99 dimensions to be measured on up to 99 parts, all within a matter of seconds, and to sub-micron accuracy.
“The system is incredibly easy to use; it’s almost plug and play,” says Jonathan Newis, managing director at Plastic Turned Parts. “We can program it for volume components that are likely to repeat or, it is just as straightforward and versatile when measuring individual parts.”
For further information www.plasticturnedparts.co.uk

Martin Haynes, quality and technical director at Wednesbury-based AluCast, an aluminium foundry, recently began a search for an accurate yet speedy metrology solution that would keep pace with increased production volumes.

Recently tasked with casting a range of urgently required prototype parts for an important customer, AluCast completed all of the relevant casting processes in record time. Having been told that the parts were now ready except for the required dimensional inspection process, which would take another day, the customer suggested it would visit AluCast’s facility and perform on-site inspection with its own Faro ScanArm.
Impressed by the speed of set-up and the Faro ScanArm’s ability to quickly scan each of the components and gather all of the required data, Haynes was convinced that it was the answer to AluCast’s dimensional inspection needs.
“As well as being impressed by the dimensional accuracy achieved and the clear presentation of the captured data, we were astonished at the equipment’s speed of operation,” he says. “In fact, we estimated that the inspection results our customer achieved in just one hour, would have taken us over eight hours with our existing equipment. In addition to the performance of the ScanArm, we received excellent reports from our customer related to the levels of support and service they receive from Faro UK.
Following a demonstration, AluCast duly invested in a Faro ScanArm HD.
“Our ScanArm HD has delivered on all of the promises made by the staff at Faro UK in terms of simplicity, accuracy and speed of use,” says Haynes. “As well as the inspection processes for which we purchased the Faro ScanArm, each day we are finding new uses for it.”
For further information www.faro.com

Loanhead-based Artemis Intelligent Power, a specialist in digitally controlled hydraulic pumps, recently searched for an advanced CMM that could deliver the company’s required levels of precision and feedback. After considering several CMMs from alternative manufacturers, a Mitutoyo Strato-Apex 7106 was purchased and installed.

Fergus McIntyre of Artemis Intelligent Power says: “Not only did the Strato-Apex 7106 have the XYZ capacity [700 x 1000 x 600 mm] that would accommodate the range of components we manufacture, it provided the high-accuracy capabilities that would enable the inspection of our parts, many of which have challenging dimensional specifications.
“It helped our decision that the Strato-Apex CMM was easy to operate and that Mitutoyo UK have an excellent reputation for customer service,” he adds. “Soon after the machine’s installation and operator training, our staff quickly mastered the CMM’s controls and software.
“Given our projected increase in production and the large volumes of parts that will need accurate inspection, not only will the Mitutoyo CMM help take care of current R&D and goods-inward inspection needs, but its operating speed should help it remain ‘future-proof’ and able to handle increased output from our new production unit.
“To ensure that we fully exploit our Strat-Apex CMM’s CNC capabilities and fast operating speed, we will continuously add to our already written library of component inspection programs. This will enable us to load from a single part, up to a large batch of components, on to the CMM’s bed, recall the relevant program and instigate a rapid, fully automated inspection routine.”
For further information www.mitutoyo.co.uk