RPI UK, a specialist developer and manufacturer of precision positioning devices for rotary and angular inspection systems, has supplied Wenzel’s Bulgarian distributer with a QuadSlimLine rotary table. Integrated into a Wenzel CMM, the rotary table will enable a European aerospace giant to measure blisks, saving up to 40% in inspection time.

RPI UK, the world’s leading specialist developer and manufacturer of precision positioning devices for high accuracy rotary and angular inspection systems, has supplied Wenzel’s Bulgarian distributer with a QuadSlimLine rotary table. This will be integrated into a Wenzel CMM machine to enable a European aerospace giant to measure aero engine disks, saving up to 40% in inspection time

Specifically designed as a fourth axis, RPI’s rotary tables are accurate to ±0.5 arcs seconds. This precision is equivalent to hitting a golf ball at a hole more than 22 km away and scoring a hole in one every time. Rotary tables also increase a CMM’s available measuring volume, thereby providing greater flexibility in what can be measured.

The installation of the QuadSlimLine on to the Wenzel CMM was carried out by 2M Trading, the Bulgarian distributor for both RPI and Wenzel.

Timothy Matyushin, 2M’s general manager, says: “We installed RPI’s Quad Slimline on to Wenzel’s LH108 NG CMM, incorporating a Renishaw UCC S5 controller and Renishaw MODUS software. The result was a CMM that worked smarter with increased flexibility, capacity and throughput, which resulted in a 40% reduction in inspection time for one of Europe’s major aerospace manufacturers. They’re so impressed that they’ve ordered another two QuadSlimLines to be installed on to their CMM machines later this year.”
For further information www.rpiuk.com

A presentation on seam validation measurement at this year’s Co-ordinate Metrology Society Conference (CMSC) in Nevada, USA showcased how Lockheed Martin incorporates GapGun – Third Dimension’s best-selling hand-held laser measurement system – into the company’s quality inspection processes deployed on its F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

Lockheed Martin explained how seam validation – the process of measuring the gap and mismatch between body panels – has become a networked process whereby seam types can be measured at a faster rate, repeatedly delivering significant improvements in time saving and reducing the risk of human error.

Quick and easy to use, GapGun takes measurements throughout Lockheed’s production line, so problems can be headed off before they arise, thereby accelerating and streamlining the production process.

Using LINK SDK – Lockheed’s customised seam validation management system (SVMS) – check plans can be sent straight to GapGun via the network rather than being manually downloaded. The results are then passed straight back to the SVMS.

Dennis De Roos, chief sales and marketing officer at Third Dimension, says: “We are delighted that Lockheed Martin has chosen GapGun to improve quality control for the F-35 aircraft. GapGun is simple to use and saves manufacturers time and money, while increasing efficiency.”

GapGun is used by manufacturers in the aerospace, automotive and energy industries. The device is sold in 25 countries and has made its developer, UK-based Third Dimension, a two-time winner of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.
For further information www.third.com

Once it was a technique that helped protect knights in armour from the crashing blows of their rivals. Now, Ford is applying a cutting-edge version of the same technology to help make its cars safer than ever. The first fully automated hot-forming process shapes and cuts parts of the all-new Ford Focus – which are integral to protecting drivers and passengers – using large furnaces, robots and 3000°C lasers.

The hot-forming line – fully integrated within the company’s Saarlouis vehicle assembly plant in Germany – was built as part of a recent €600m investment in the facility. Hot-formed steel pieces are subjected to temperatures of up to 930°C, unloaded by robots into a hydraulic press that has a closing force up to 1150 tonnes, and then shaped and cooled in just three seconds. The boron steel is so strong by this point that a laser beam hotter than lava is used to precision-cut each piece into its final shape.
For further information www.ford.com

The ASEAN region’s largest international machine tool and metalworking technology trade exhibition and conference, METALEX, is set to take place on 21-24 November at the BITEC venue in Bangkok, Thailand. Described as Southeast Asia’s ‘metalworking metropolis’, over 100,000 visitors are expected to come and see the latest machine tools and metalworking solutions from 3300 brands. Among the major themes is Industry 4.0 and the benefits that are presented by connectivity.

Over 64,000 sq m of exhibition space will be taken up by some 4800 machinery and technology exhibits. Also at the event will be 15 international pavilions, the ASEAN Industrial Investment Forum, ASEAN Metalworking Summit and METALEX Congress. MTI will of course be taking its regular place at METALEX, where the friendly team will be busy handing out copies of the show issue from the company’s stand (AP26) and engaging with visitors keen on discovering the market’s easiest way of buying and selling machine tools and associated equipment.
For further information www.metalex.co.th