NORTEC show realignment

Messe Stuttgart and the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association)are now assuming jointresponsibility for the established NORTEC production engineering exhibition in Hamburg after concluding discussions with the previous organiser, Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH. Moving forward, the joint objective of Messe Stuttgart and the VDW is to extend the focus areas of NORTEC and enhance its profile. The VDW is therefore bringing METAV (International Exhibition for Metal Working Technologies) into NORTEC, the next edition of which will take place at the Hamburg Trade Fair Centreon 23-36 January 2024.
For further information www.messe-stuttgart.de/nortec

Metal AM collaboration

3D Systems and Oerlikon AM are entering a collaboration agreement to help further scale metal additive manufacturing (AM). Combining 3D Systems’ Direct Metal Printing platform and Oerlikon AM’s surface engineering capabilities will enable a faster path to market for applications in high-criticality industries such as aerospace. As part of the agreement, Oerlikon AM is acquiring its fourth 3D Systems DMP Factory 500 system, the first Oerlikon AM is adding in the US, as part of the manufacturing workflow at its North Carolina facility. The move will help expand Oerlikon’s end-to-end supply chain solution for high-precision, complex aluminium components for the US market.
For further information www.3dsystems.com

OGP unveils new multi-sensor metrology system

OGP, a manufacturer of optical and precision multi-sensor metrology systems for industrial quality control, is releasing its SmartScope E45, a floor model addition to the all-new SmartScope E-Series family of automatic digital-zoom metrology systems.

With the launch of the benchtop SmartScope E7 model in September 2022, OGP says it reimagined its trusted SmartScope line-up, making it accessible to all skill levels and budgets. Along with E7, E45 features the brand-new fixed lens IntelliCentric optical system, a fully telecentric optical system providing super high-resolution imagesin video edge detection metrology. The digital zoom allows for instantaneous magnification changes, while the standard all-LED lighting system illuminates parts from every angle. As a point of note, the E45 features a generous stage to handle large parts or a variety of smaller components.

The E45 offers sturdy, stable construction whereby parts move on a precision DC motor-driven Y-axis stage, while the optics travel in the X axis mounted on a rigid bridge support structure for metrological integrity.

Jim Stern, director of OGP applications engineering, says: “SmartScope E45 combines innovative optical design, advanced camera technology and OGP’s class-leading image processing algorithms. E45 has the same feature size range as mechanical zoom optical systems, but without moving parts, increasing throughput and system longevity. The IntelliCentric optical system produces outstanding optical performance at low zoom, with fantastic image quality, telecentricity and distortion-free imaging.”

OGP is accepting orders for SmartScope E45 systems now.
For further information www.ogpnet.com/e45

Phantom high-speed cameras adopt EMVA 1288

Vision Research, manufacturer of Phantom high-speed cameras, has made a major update to its published product specifications. By incorporating EMVA 1288 testing standards to measure sensor characteristics, a scientific overview of image performance is now available. This further enables users to choose the best camera for their challenging applications.

EMVA 1288 has long seen use in measuring the performance of machine vision cameras, but Vision Research is the first manufacturer to apply it to RAM-based high-speed cameras.
As a result of providing EMVA 1288 report summaries, Vision Research will no longer be including ISO 12232 measurements for its products moving forward. ISO 12232 has been used by high-speed camera manufacturers to indicate sensitivity; however, it has limited usefulness in practice. Significant indicators of image quality are not included, particularly when it comes to capturing images with high contrast and in low-light situations.

Kevin Gann, VP of R&D at Vision Research, explains: “We’ve always had a strong focus on image quality and EMVA 1288 provides a deep understanding about how a camera will perform in a particular application. It also provides consistency when comparing cameras and includes data about the imaging trade-offs inherent in the sensor design. As the leaders in high-speed imaging, we felt incumbent to implement these measurements across our primary product lines so that our customers can truly understand their camera’s image performance.”

Quantum efficiency, temporal dark noise, dynamic range and absolute sensitivity threshold are among the parameters specified in an EMVA 1288 report. Referencing these in addition to pixel size, resolution and throughput provides the information necessary to compare cameras in terms of image response.
For further information www.phantomhighspeed.com

CMZ increases lathe production capacity

CNC lathe manufacturer CMZ has taken a step forward in its growth strategy: setting up its new ‘Precitor’ plant. With the target of manufacturing 850 machines a year, the company has invested around €8m in extending its current machining plant in Elorrio, Spain.The new Precitor plant will be working at 100% capacity by the second half of 2023. Notably, the extension of the plant will help the group to increase the manufacture of cylindrical parts by 55% compared with the existing plant. At the same time, closure of the current plant at Elorrio is planned for mid-2023.
For further information www.cmz.co.uk