FEATURE ON METROLOGY

Boosting manual 2D inspection

If the manual inspection of 2D components on a measuring machine, optical profile projector or measuring microscope is too time consuming or not sufficiently precise, the newly developed Quadra-Chek 2000 from Heidenhain can solve the problem.

Equipped with embedded evaluation software and a high-resolution, 7”, hardened colour touch screen, the unit has a built-in power supply, rugged aluminium housing and fan-less cooling. Heidenhain says these factors make it suitable for applications on the shop floor as well as in the inspection room.
Point acquisition using X and Y hand wheels, and perhaps also stage rotation, is simple using crosshairs or via a connected optical edge detector. The latter enables a high level of repeatability and reduces measurement uncertainty by eliminating subjective error. Predefined geometry tools record the co-ordinates of 2D features such as points, lines, circles, slots and squares, and measure the distances and angles between them. A ‘Measure Magic’ function simplifies inspection further by using the acquired points to recognise, select and fit the geometry automatically.
When dealing with complex contours and repetitive inspection, a user can automatically record the measuring routine and run it at any time. Quadra-Chek 2000 keeps track of the presets, sequence of measurements, tolerances and data output commands. When the recorded program is executed again, the unit displays on-screen user guidance detailing all of the features to be measured.
The menu-driven software is context-sensitive, showing only those functions that are available in the current measuring situation. Results are captured and displayed graphically.
For further information www.heidenhain.com

Lighting factory uses CT for quality control

Heavy-duty industrial lighting manufacturer Nordic Lights is using computed tomography (CT) to avoid the expense of destructive testing and eliminate critical measurement errors caused by powder spraying for part preparation.

To supersede the company’s previous white light system, a new measurement solution was required capable of dealing efficiently with a variety of materials as well as both internal and external feature inspection. The Nordic Lights team consulted various suppliers to determine the best solution. A Nikon CT machine, XT H 225 ST, with dual reflection and transmission targets, has since been installed to inspect and approve components before assembly.
The primary purpose of the CT system is to validate samples from suppliers, as well as new parts and modified components from new moulds. A secondary purpose is troubleshooting. During the test phase, if there are any failures, complete assemblies can be scanned to identify the cause without having to open or destroy the product. The system has, for example, been used to search for air pockets or voids in the silicone glue between the aluminium housing and the lens of a light that has suffered water leakage. This would not have been possible with the white light system.
Test engineer Carl-Anton Manns, who took part in the search for a new inspection system, says: “The instrument needed to be able to analyse smooth reflective surfaces with high precision, which the XT H 225 ST does with repeatable accuracy. Being a non-destructive process was also a big plus point.”
For further information www.nikonmetrology.com

Aberlink – a Helix Precision decision

Hull-based subcontractor Helix Precision Machining has recently invested in a Zenith 3 CMM from Aberlink, as company director Lee Sansam explains: “To help prevent non-conformance situations and rework, we apply a company-wide, ‘right-first-time’, total quality approach to all of our processes, and make regular strategic investments in the best-available inspection aids.”

Taking the opportunity to compare the merits of various machines, Helix Precision agreed that, due to its large capacity, speed of operation and accuracy requirements, the Zenith 3 from Aberlink was the CMM of choice for the company’s future needs.
“It particularly helped that Aberlink’s intuitive software made the Zenith 3 the easiest to use of the CMMs we considered,” says Lee Sansam. “Furthermore, unlike other brands, Aberlink provide unlimited free software updates, while it was also the least expensive of the machines we looked at.”
Following the CMM’s installation and an Aberlink training course, quality staff at Helix Precision quickly mastered the new CMM’s operating system. To further exploit the Zenith 3’s automatic CNC inspection routines, quality personnel will soon begin writing part programs for repeat work.
“We will then be able to instantly recall the relevant program, load a single large component or multiple smaller parts on to the Zenith 3, then start a fully automatic CNC measuring routine,” says Sansam. “On completion, when required, our new CMM will also generate detailed inspection reports.
“Our Aberlink’s Zenith 3 has already proven to be a great success. Not only has it enabled the rapid, precise measurement of complex components, but has improved our accuracy capability and significantly speeded-up the throughput of work in our busy quality department.”
For further information www.aberlink.com

New flagship range of measuring arms

Eight years after the launch of the first Romer Absolute Arm, Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has unveiled the latest Absolute Arm range, complete with a ground-up redesign.

A standout feature of the new Absolute Arm is its modular wrist design that allows both the RS5 laser scanner and pistol grip to be completely removed, facilitating easy probing in tight spaces. When reattached for laser scanning applications, a variety of grip sizes are available to ensure the best fit for every user. The newly developed wrist also features a display screen that allows for measurement result oversight, profile switching and calibration right at the point of measurement, reducing time spent switching attention between the arm and its control computer.
“Over the past eight years we’ve received a lot of positive and constructive customer feedback, and hopefully people will see how this has informed our design,” says Anthony Vianna, product manager for the Absolute Arm range. “Many customers told us they needed to measure in smaller and smaller spaces, like cavities or inside complex fixtures, and it was that sort of direct-from-the-user intelligence that drove us to create the most compact scanning configuration on the market today.”
The new Absolute Arm models are also available in a six-axis version designed for dedicated probing applications. Within this category is the new Absolute Arm Compact, with accuracy now to within just 6 µm. The full Absolute Arm range is available across seven sizes, with measurement radii from 1.2 to 4.5 m, and three levels of accuracy, resulting in 36 unique arm configurations.
For further information www.hexagonmi.com

30th anniversary for metrology specialist

Midland Metrology says it is marking the company’s 30th anniversary this year with continued growth and expansion.

Trading locally, nationally and internationally, the company is a supplier of both new and used precision measuring equipment. A Midlands-based showroom hosts a wide variety of machines, including profile projectors, video machines, hardness testers and granite products, all available to view and demonstrate.
Having recently taken on three new members of staff, Midland Metrology is announcing the launch of its new, purpose-built inspection room, which is in addition to the company’s existing inspection and calibration facility. The latest addition to the team, Andy Holt, formerly of AC Inspection, will be heading up the new inspection department. He has a total of 25 years’ experience in quality and inspection, and with his knowledge and expertise in this field, is well equipped to run the new department.
All types of subcontract inspection and measurement work is undertaken by Midland Metrology, including machined parts, pressings and fabrications. The service includes fully detailed spreadsheet reporting. The company says it happy to discuss any specific requests and solve any measurement issues.
Midland Metrology’s showroom in Coventry is within easy reach of the M6, M1 and M40 motorways. Visitors can come along and meet team members, who will be pleased to demonstrate the company’s capabilities and discuss any inspection and measurement requirements. All quotations are provided without obligation.
For further information www.midland-metrology.co.uk