Alicona has unveiled its latest optical 3D focus-variation measuring instrument, the µCMM.

The µCMM has been designed to be the most accurate, purely optical micro-coordinate measuring system in its class. Users combine advantages from tactile co-ordinate measuring technology and optical surface measurement to measure the dimensions, position, shape and roughness of components with just one sensor. The µCMM is said to offer high geometric accuracy of several optical 3D measurements in relation to each other, enabling the measurement of small surface details, including precise determination of position, in a short time.
Users measure both surface roughness and GD&T features with tolerances in the single-digit µm range. The spectrum of measurable surfaces includes all common industrial materials and composites, including matt and polished reflective components. Simple operation is implemented by single-button functionality, automated measuring sequences and ergonomic operating panels. Air-bearing axles with linear drives enable wear-free use and high-precision, fast measurement.
The Alicona µCMM is designed for easy, flexible and expandable use by multiple operators.
This ambition is implemented by a series of options that extend the application range of the optical CMM and maximise fields of use in production measurement technology.
The motorised ‘Real3D Rotation Unit’, for example, turns the three-axis system into a five-axis system and enables
users to measure components from several, arbitrary perspectives. This capability allows contactless measurement of surface features such as flank angle, chamfer angle, thread pitch or undercuts.
For further information www.alicona.com

Czech company Lukov Plast, a producer of injection moulded plastic parts, electronic components and electrical sub-assemblies for the automotive industry, reports considerably faster inspection cycles and feature measurements following the purchase of a Nikon Metrology LC15Dx laser scanner.

Miroslav Pavlu, measuring technician at Lukov Plast, explains: “To manufacture assemblies and components that will withstand regular daily use, parts are subjected to various life cycle and climatic tests, as well as quality assurance (QA) procedures and analysis to assess performance. Previously, QA involved using various manual gauges and taking touch-probe measurements on a co-ordinate measuring machine. Larger plastic parts, in particular, were problematic to inspect using tactile techniques as they were difficult to clamp without distortion.”
To control the production of injection mould tools so that manufacturing processes could be steered correctly from the outset, as well as to measure the plastic parts produced, it was decided that inspection needed to be faster, more efficient and more accurate. The ability to check a part against the CAD model and highlight areas of concern using colour mapping was another reason to consider investing in newer technology.
An upgrade from Nikon Metrology proved to be best solution due to its cost effectiveness and the supplier’s experience of retrofitting to third-party systems. Additionally, Nikon’s LC15Dx laser scanning technology with Focus point cloud software was considered best-in-class.
Pavlu says: “The laser scanner has accelerated measurement by about 50%, while and the creation of programs for new parts is about 40% quicker. Costs are also lower due to the use of less dedicated fixtures than are needed for traditional tactile inspection.”
For further information www.nikonmetrology.com

A new release of HxGN Smart Quality online quality data and measurement resource management software, an enterprise IT solution designed to help manufacturers utilise aggregated quality data to gain actionable intelligence and insight for process optimisation, has been announced by Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence.

Providing a single platform for managing product quality and measurement resources, HxGN Smart Quality homogenises data from disparate systems across multiple locations to offer a company-wide view of quality.
The latest release features OEE-like functionality for all machines connected to HxGN Smart Quality so that manufacturers can assess and compare OEE using a standard metric. Offering insight into both availability and performance, the software supports root-cause analysis for investigating anomalies on an individual piece of equipment in line with TPM principles.
Improvements to the software’s document and work-flow management tool set enable manufacturers to build robust processes for measurement and minimise the risk of common operational errors. The user interface has also been enhanced with an individually configurable dashboard, while user-friendly functionality such as the ability to display part-mounting instructions within Hexagon’s Inspect software, helps to simplify shop-floor operations.
HxGN Smart Quality’s statistical process control capabilities are boosted with the addition of Q-DAS monitoring, which enables near real-time visualisation of measurement and process data. The software’s connectivity credentials are enhanced by the ability to interface with Heidenhain CNC controllers, offering new potential for data exchange with production equipment.
For further information www.hexagonmi.com

Faro Technologies has released its CAM2 2018 software platform for the company’s portable co-ordinate measuring machine products. Along with new reporting dashboards, the software offers improved quality control through Repeat Part Management (RPM) smart tool functionality.

RPM enables a specific inspection process to be created once and then repeated and executed by anyone on the factory floor. Accordingly, this ensures resource-efficient quality control of inspection routines without the need for highly skilled metrology professionals to drive and manage the process.
CAM2 2018 also features integrated web-based dashboard reporting that delivers real-time inspection results and insightful trend analysis in a user-friendly set of adaptable visual reports. As a result, RPM control
centre information can be shared across the organisation in real time, accelerating the ability to take immediate corrective action as required.
“As a full service, high accuracy, portable co-ordinate measuring solution provider, we can provide great value for our customers,” states Pete Edmonds, vice president of factory metrology. “Subsequently, we are focusing our platform development to ensure that our software enables customers to realise the full operational potential of their Faro hardware, ranging from small to large volume measurement. CAM2 2018 is a further evolution of our strategic direction to deliver the tight alignment of our hardware and software portfolios.”
For further information www.faro.com