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

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