Thatcham-based Xtrac, a manufacturer of transmission and drivetrain technology, has added to nearly 30 years of specifying Mitutoyo equipment by investing in three Crysta S776 CNC CMMs in the past 24 months. These most recent arrivals are all direct replacements for Mitutoyo BHN series CMMs that had been at Xtrac for over 20 years.

“The technology in modern CMMs, and particularly the MCOSMOS software, enables us to import CAD data, program our parts faster, improve both online and offline part-program creation from imported CAD models, and extend our geometry handling of freeform surfaces,” explains inspection manager Neil Warwick. “Added to this, the axis movements and motors in the new CMMs are faster than previous generations, resulting in reduced inspection cycle times.”
All six current CMMs at Xtrac utilise the same Mitutoyo MCOSMOS software, the same workholding jigs and fixtures, and the same Renishaw probing systems.
However, with the ever increasing complexity of parts, a CMM cannot support the measuring of all geometries and features. This was apparent for Xtrac when a particular Formula One component had undercuts on form gears that needed to be machined and measured to tolerances of ±5 µm. Here, Mitutoyo recommended its Formtracer contour measuring machine (pictured).
A precision arc scale built into the Z1-axis detector of the Formtracer SVC-3100W8 allows the arc trajectory of the stylus tip to be read directly. The capability and success of the Formtracer soon brought the arrival of two Contracer CV-3100H8 machines with X- and Z2-axis travel of 200 and 500 mm respectively. This was followed by a smaller CV-3100H4 machine.
For further information www.mitutoyo.co.uk

Faro has introduced the new Quantum M FaroArm. This addition rounds out the next-generation FaroArm portfolio led by the Quantum S, which was announced last month.
The Quantum M includes the same functionality as its portfolio companion with an accuracy specification that makes it a good mid-market alternative for applications that do not require the high-performance specifications of the Quantum S.

The Quantum M is certified to the ISO 10360 -12:2016 international measurement quality standard and tests to the International Electrical Commission (IEC 60068-2) standards for shock, vibration and temperature stress relief. Also included is the FaroBlu laser line probe HD, the next generation of blue line laser technology that enables five times faster scanning than the previous generation, even on complex surfaces comprised of dark or reflective materials.
The Quantum M is easy to manoeuvre as it is 20% lighter in the hand than its predecessors and requires no warm up time. This ensures better productivity in the inspection, design and manufacturing process by enabling operators to work longer and more comfortably.
Quantum M permits continuous operation anywhere on the factory floor with industrial-grade wireless connectivity and dual, hot-swappable batteries.
“We are directing our efforts to assuring that we deliver products that adhere to the most rigorous global quality standards, including ISO 10360 -12:2016 and IEC 60068-2,” states Joseph Arezone chief commercial officer. “As standard practice, arm users going forward should be willing to accept only those products that are subjected to the broadest, most objective and the most challenging quality standards available.”
For further information www.faro.com

At the EMO exhibition in Hanover last week, Alicona presented its new ‘cobot’ system, combining collaborative robots with high-resolution optical 3D measuring sensors. The new Compact-Cobot is a universal solution applicable in all industries to verify surface state and dimensional accuracy.

Alicona cobots combine collaborative robots and optical 3D measuring sensors. A measuring sensor is mounted to a mobile robot platform and can be positioned as needed, even for the measurement of components in the machine. This is made possible by intuitive hand-guided controls for the teaching of measurement routines, automatic measurement evaluation and a no-enclosures safety concept.
Cobots require no prior metrology knowledge and make handling, programming and executing measurement routines easy. Using connected automation software, any series of measurements can be defined by an administrator at several positions, which the operator then starts with the press of a button. Control and measurement are fully automated, and upon completion the worker receives a measurement report with OK or not OK details.
In addition, an optional CADCAM connection allows the definition of measurement points and directions directly in the corresponding CAD file. A simulation provides a preview of the process to be performed, supporting safe and secure measurement planning. Virtual operation of the Alicona measurement system comprises the entire handling, from the positioning of a component through to the determination of the measurement area in 3D.
For further information www.alicona.com

Birmingham-based GB Precision has expanded the benefits obtained from its toolmaker’s microscope by equipping it with a Tucsen TrueChrome Metrics digital image measurement system. The TrueChrome transmits images directly from the microscope, in real time, to an attached PC screen. Last year, Alrad Imaging announced a UK distributorship for Tucsen scientific cameras.

“This has greatly increased the advantages we gain from the microscope, transforming it from solely an inspection tool into a flexible communication device that helps us solve engineering problems,” says GB Precision director Paul Turner. “One of the issues with using a microscope on its own is that, naturally, only one person at a time can view the image. That’s inconvenient when wanting to discuss a specific feature, angle or geometry with members of the team.”
Using the camera attachment, the image is displayed directly on a PC screen, so several people can simultaneously see the component under review and, if the viewing angle, position or magnification needs to be altered, again, all parties see the change immediately. Furthermore, viewing the images on a large PC screen is easier than looking through a microscope eyepiece, making detailed image scrutiny a more comfortable experience.
Another significant benefit is the ability to automatically store data directly to the PC, thus maintaining a detailed record for future use – a growing requirement of customers in sectors such as aerospace, medical and pharmaceutical.
For further information www.alrad.co.uk

The Future Metrology Hub, based at the University of Huddersfield and funded by the EPSRC and industry, was officially launched at an event attended by more than 130 scientists, engineers, academics and industrialists from around the UK. They heard a sequence of talks from key figures, including the hub’s director, Professor Dame Jane Jiang (pictured), who provided an overview of its work. She said that metrology is critical to modern manufacturing and pledged that the technology she and her colleagues develop in the lab – such as sensors and artificial intelligence control systems – would be geared-up for use in the real world of industry.

There are 29 industrial partners, including firms such as Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, GKN Aerospace, BAE Systems, Siemens, Reliance Precision and Carl Zeiss, all of which were represented at the launch. Another key partner is Renishaw, which has collaborated with the University of Huddersfield for a quarter of a century. Renishaw’s group engineering director, Professor Geoff McFarland, gave the keynote address at the launch day.
He described the trajectory of modern manufacturing, with its “intelligent factories with zero waste and optimal efficiency using automated processes”. Metrology was crucial to this, said McFarland, describing the science as “one of our best manufacturing tools”, and it needed to have a presence on the shop floor.
Renishaw has more than 1500 patents and patents pending, said McFarland, “but we don’t have all the answers and there are more and more questions. And that is why we are involved with this wonderful hub.”
For further information https://research.hud.ac.uk/institutes-centres/fmh