FEATURE ON METROLOGY

PCE to launch new inspection camera

For many years, PCE Instruments has been dealing with a wide variety of inspection cameras for all sorts of applications. The product range is continuously expanding with new models that are more compact and easy to use. When it comes to thermal imagers, ever-improving infrared image resolution and camera resolution are among market trends, as evidenced by this latest product release.

The new thermal imaging inspection camera PCE-TC 34, which complements PCE Instruments’ existing range of cameras, is about to be launched. This thermal imager stands out with its high IR resolution of 640 × 480 pixels, and its camera resolution of 5 megapixels, which is a relatively rare feature in the market.
PCE explains that the device works with an uncooled microbolometer FPA detector and can display temperatures between -20 and +350°C. Accuracy is ±2°C or ±2% of the reading.
The PCE-TC 34 recognises the coldest as well as the hottest spot, namely the hotspot, while the infrared camera has a thermal sensitivity of 0.05°C at 30°C. Further parameter specifications include a 24 × 18° field of view and a spectral resolution of 0.65 mrad. The spectral range is between 7.5 and 14 μm, while emissivity is adjustable between 0.01 and 1.0.
Image frequency on the PCE-TC 34 is 50Hz and the electronic zoom function allows 1 to 8 x zooming. Importantly, images and videos recorded via infrared can be saved to an SD card.
The 3.5” display allows easy viewing of the images and videos directly on the meter, although these can also be transferred to the computer via the USB 2.0 interface and then analysed further by means of software.
For further information www.pce-instruments.com

Greater vision with Venture XT

The Bowers Group has made available the latest Baty Venture XT vision system, which is said to include major advances in capability and software for both contact and non-contact measurement. Features include an extended 200 mm measuring range in the Z axis and a new FEA-optimised column design with integral counterbalance. The Z axis and lens/touch probe assembly have also been revised, while faster XY-axis drives, touch-screen compatible software, touch-screen joystick, greater field of view, and magnification up to 12 x zoom are among further enhancements.

Of particular note is a major redesign of the software, providing users with a self-calibrating zoom lens featuring field-of-view error correction and improved auto-focus that can now find and measure from a distance in one move. Furthermore, image-stitching capability allows a large XY area to be scanned and displayed as a single image, while a ‘layers feature’ allows other geographical information such as DXF files, dimensions and measured features to be overlaid on the camera image and reported.
Geoff Jackson, business and product development director at Baty says: “We are delighted to announce the release of the new Venture XT; a sophisticated vision system that paves the way for high-accuracy contact and non-contact measurement. We have received excellent feedback on the Venture XT since unveiling the system at the Control Exhibition in Stuttgart earlier this year, particularly regarding the new field-of-view tools, which have reduced program execution times. We are very excited to launch the product here in the UK.”
For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

Mitutoyo aids Cox Powertrain’s quality function

Shoreham-on-sea based Cox Powertrain has recently developed the world’s first 300 hp marine diesel outboard engine – the CXO300. Due to launch in 2018, the inspiration behind the engine was the defence industry’s drive to adopt diesel as a preferred fuel and thus reduce, or indeed end, its use of petrol.

In addition to dimensional checks, given the potential for the generation of friction and wear in moving parts, particular attention is paid to the components’ critical surface roughness parameters. Duncan Green, head of procurement, explains more: “As the surface finish characteristics of the CXO300’s parts have a massive influence on their performance, we recently searched for a surface roughness tester that was able to deliver precise results in the many surface roughness parameters that we use. After considering several alternatives, we found the answer to our needs in the Surftest SJ-500 from Mitutoyo. The instrument has proven invaluable in upholding the quality of our manufactured components throughout our engine development period and will also be kept busy coping with anticipated production volumes.”
Ken Edwards, chief inspector, adds: “As its menu-driven system is so easy to use, I was able to use all of the SJ-500 facilities immediately after its installation. It also helps that the unit has a high-resolution colour display with touch-screen operation, while the instrument’s automatic calibration function gives me confidence in the precision of the reading that I achieve. In addition to working in all of the surface roughness parameters that we use, it’s great that the unit’s detector system can be mounted laterally for transverse measurements.”
For further information www.mitutoyo.co.uk

Hexagon revs up QC at Royal Enfield

Prestige motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield has boosted productivity and improved quality control checks thanks to a Romer portable measuring arm from Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. Engineers are using the equipment for a range of scanning and inspection tasks at its new research and design facility in Leicestershire.
The 3 m arm’s capabilities have impressed the chassis development team as it allows the inspection and scanning of some motorcycles in a single exercise without the need to move and reposition the kit. For other motorcycles, leapfrogging using the arm and Polyworks software is said to be quick and easy.

Inspection data is not only used to verify prototype motorcycles in relation to their CAD intent, but also to check production tolerances offline and build quality, as Chris Hunt, chassis development project engineer, explains: “The Romer arm has helped us to improve accuracy, reduce user error and save time. It’s both quick and user-friendly. Also, Hexagon’s training and technical support services are very good and staff are always on hand to guide us through any problems and new challenges.”
Dave King, Royal Enfield’s motorcycle accessories quality assurance manager, favoured the Romer arm over competitor models mainly because of its calibration feature: “We required a portable measuring arm for scanning prototype parts to confirm accuracy and benchmark our products for design development, so the calibration feature was a key point for me.
“The Romer arm’s calibration bar and process are particularly beneficial to our operations as a lot of uncertainty on the measuring system is removed,” he adds.
For further information www.hexagonmi.com

Measuring up to 3D-printed parts

Quality assurance is vital in the production of accurate, patient-specific implants, endoprostheses and surgical guides. Consequently, Baltic Orthoservice in Kaunas, Lithuania is now using a multi-sensor CMM with laser scanner in conjunction with a micro-CT (computed tomography) system, all supplied by Nikon Metrology.

The Altera CMM with LC15Dx laser scanner supports the fast inspection of 3D printed implant surfaces and screw holes, while the XT H 225 CT guarantees internal structure quality and accurate geometrical correlation between CAD implant model and manufactured product.
Paulius Lukševičius, mechanical engineer, says: “3D printing is a complicated technology and there is a big variation in processing parameters, so predicting the quality and geometry of printed objects is quite a challenge. Patient-specific implants mean that the surgery must be ‘pre-planned’, virtually, so the implant can simply be put in place. To be able to execute the virtual plan, it is vital to be 100% sure that the implant geometry is exactly the same as the CAD model, and that the holes are machined to high accuracy.
“To fulfil these goals, we use a variety of metrology equipment,” he continues. “The CMM with laser scanner is irreplaceable when we need to perform fast checks after each manufacturing and post-processing stage, especially to check spherical surfaces, bearing surfaces and hole angles.”
Using this non-destructive, accurate metrology solution in its new quality control laboratory, together with a Nikon XT H 225 micro-CT system, helps
Baltic Orthoservice gain a deeper understanding of its products. In turn, this allows the company to “confidently produce bespoke implants and improve the quality of treatment for patients”.
For further information www.nikonmetrology.com