FEATURE ON METROLOGY

Smart mini force sensors offer IO-Link

With the advancement of Industry 4.0 and its focus on automation, the IoT and smart factories, manufacturers and system integrators are under continuous pressure to improve efficiency, optimise production processes and increase productivity.With a standardised interface to any PLC, HBK’s newly released, digital, compact, robust and ready-to-go force sensors are suited to industrial environments and for measuring fast processes.

Although digitisation is high on everyone’s agenda, it not only has challenges but also takes time and investment to implement. It is therefore fitting that the U9C and C9C with IO-Link have identical mechanical dimensions and threads to that of their analogue counterparts, making it easy to upgrade existing set-ups to the new technology when the time is right.

By opting for HBK miniature force sensors with IO-Link, users can expect all the benefits of digital signal processing. The sensors have the capability to detect and identify instances of exceeding technical limits, such as maximum usage forces or peak-to-peak values, and subsequently issue appropriate warnings. In addition, predictive maintenance helps to streamline and optimise machine maintenance schedules, reducing costs and decreasing disruption.

Further cost savings are possible due to ease of installation and the use of standard cables, eliminating the need for the special cables required by analogue sensors. More resistant to EMC interference than their analogue predecessors, HBK says that U9C and C9C with IO-Link provide accurate and consistently reliable data, only delivering the data requested, thereby increasing data efficiency and reducing data processing volumes.

Product manager Thomas Kleckers says: “Built with the high-quality technology and expertise of HBK, these intelligent miniature sensors not only enable successful digital transformation but also herald the start of a new chapter in force measurement technology.”
For further information www.hbm.com/en

Portable measuring arms for rigorous inspection

A new range of portable six-axis and seven-axis measuring arms is now available from LK Metrology, replacing the 34 original versions it introduced in 2021. Unlike their predecessors, six-axis Freedom Arm v2 products offer full IP54 protection from water splashes and the ingress of dust and particles, delivering reliable, repeatable, 3D tactile inspection and measurement in harsh industrial environments.

Available also is a new range of 21 stainless steel-tipped probes with a stainless steel or carbon fibre body, as well as updated RDS software v6.2 running on Windows for communicating with the arm via Wi-Fi or USB. For full IP54 protection of an arm, the probes have a rubber seal around the mounting interface while protective caps cover the arm ODU connectors. Additionally, a CP-W control pack features Wi-Fi connectivity and uses batteriesrather than mains power. An operator alert is among additions to the RDS software, warning the user if an arm does not have full IP54 protection.

The new seven-axis Freedom Arm v2 is not IP54 rated but is able to deploy a laser scanner and a tactile probe, thus makingit capable of multi-sensor data capture. A new OLED touchscreen display provides the operator with convenient fingertip control, enabling users to change settings, view messages and check results. It raises inspection productivity by avoiding the need to go back and forth between the arm and computer. Also new is a CP-B battery pack with Ethernet connection for probe and laser scanner use in environments where Wi-Fi is not permissible. The CP-B comes with two rechargeable batteries featuring hot-swap capability for unlimited continuous use on battery power.
For further information www.lkmetrology.com

Creaform launches latest VXintegrity version

Creaform, a business unit of Ametek Inc and a specialist in portable 3D measurement, is releasing a new version of VXintegrity, its solution for surface damage assessments that is accessible to all non-destructive testing (NDT) service companies across multiple sectors.

VXintegrity is a powerful NDT software platform, launched by Creaform last year, which integrates all analytical functions and tools into an intuitive, user-friendly interface for inspection teams and service companies. Composed of four software modules, VXintegrity solves the challenges of asset owners in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, oil and gas, power generation, and mining.

According to Creaform, the most significant change is VXintegrity’s game-changing algorithm, which eliminates the need for human interaction to analyse any surface and ensures highly repeatable results. It also removes all the limitations of simpler algorithms, paving the way to inspection applications on complex components, such as very aggressive double-curvature geometries, elbow pipes, T-joints, valves, advanced nozzles and boiler tubes. Creaform says that the algorithm is revolutionary for 3D surface assessments as it does not require a CAD model reference or any manual interventions with the data to identify the area of interest.

‘’By developing a dedicated NDT software platform, Creaform is showing the world its commitment to the NDT market and willingness to invest in developing the most innovative 3D scanning solution for surface damage assessment,” says François Lachance, product manager at Creaform.“Version 1.1 is in alignment with this commitment. Our newly reconstructed algorithm beats all other approaches on the market.”
For further information www.creaform3d.com

Bowers shows quality control and connective metrology

Bowers Group showcased a range of connective metrology solutions at the Control 2023 exhibition in Stuttgart earlier this month. Visitors saw live product demonstrations to illustrate how effective data transfer between measurement equipment and applications can boost manufacturing productivity.

On display was a range of Bluetooth-enabled hand tools and height gauges working in conjunction with Sylvac’s Sylcom software, showing how connectivity can improve efficiencies and reduce errors. Visitors had the chance to see Bowers’ Made in Britain registered, digital external micrometer, DigiMic, which features advanced, built-in Bluetooth connectivity. Offering quick, simple and highly accurate measurements, the DigiMic can easily integrate into any Industry 4.0/SPC system.

The new Baty Venture Plus XT 80100 was also on display. Complete with the company’s standard zoom optics and programmable, segmented LED surface lighting, the new Venture Plus XT 80100 CNC boasts a 640 x 600 x 250mm measuring range. The use of a touch probe is optimised on a CNC system, meaning that measurements from data points taken using the probe can be combined with those taken using video edge detection for optimal inspection times.

The Baty SM350-FT2-E vertical light path 350mm/14-inch diameter screen bench profile projector wasamong other solutions on display, featuring a large, heavy-duty, high-precision work stage with 250 x 125mm measuring range.

Bowers Group also exhibited its oldest brand, Moore & Wright, presenting a range of handheld metrology instruments such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges and general workshop measurement tools.
For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

Rotary table raises efficiency of portable arms

The speed with which someone can inspect a component using a portable, multi-axis measuring arm is increased by up to 40% if, instead of the part being static, it is placed on a new Freedomindex table from LK Metrology. The CMM manufacturer says that not only is inspection more efficient, but in some cases it is possible to use a smaller, less expensive arm to access all areas of a component. In other words, the effective measuring volume of any arm is increased.

Rotation may even avoid the need for arm relocation to enable sufficient access to the back of the part, which lengthens the measuring cycle and can introduce inaccuracy. Additionally, there is no operator fatigue from repeatedly having to stretch around the component, which can weigh up to 100 kg.

Requiring no cables, the portable, manually operated, metrology-grade index table is compatible with any make of portable measuring arm, not just LK’s six- and seven-axis Freedom arm range, which comprises 34 models. The 300 mm (optionally 500 mm) diameter table is quick to set up on a work surface, after which the operator secures the part onto the surface with the aid of pre-drilled, threaded fixing holes or integral clamping magnets.

Similarly rapid is initial calibration of the start position by telling the co-ordinate system in InnovMetric’s PolyWorks Inspector software the location of the table. The speed of this procedure is down to clever positioning of randomly placed, alphanumerically labelled, fiducial dimples machined into the top of the table and around its periphery. By probing three or more of them using the arm, the software recognises the irregular pattern and automatically knows the orientation.
For further information www.lkmetrology.com