UK NEWS

Vision system delivers reliable automation testing

ALPHR Technology, a Letchworth-based specialist inhigh-end automation solutions fortest andmeasurement applications, advanced robotics and modular automation solutions, is using a Keyence CV-X series intuitive vision system. Consisting of a controller, camera and lighting solution, the vision system makes use of a wide range of high-resolution cameras designed to satisfy any application need. It delivers up to 64 megapixels and features a multi-spectrum image capture system that uses eight wavelengths of coloured light.

A key feature of the Keyence CV-X is the CA-DQP12X Pattern Projection Lighting (PPL) system, which offers simultaneous 2D and 3D inspection. The PPL light works by flashing multiple projections onto a part using its eight-directional projectors, and calculating the height of the part based off the distortion in the projections. As a result, there is no compromise to inspections by surface conditions or contrast between the part and the background. By adding height data to conventional 2D inspection, PPL provides dramatically improved stability during inline inspection.

Says Iqbal Kazi, general manager at ALPHR: “When implementing a vision system, having the correct lighting is paramount in determining if the installation will be a success or otherwise. Keyence was able to demonstrate why a specific light source should be used and proved that the CA-DQP12X PPL system was the right lighting for the applications in which we operate.”

For more conventional imaging applications, the CV-X Series makes use of 2D inspection lighting such as the LumiTrax capture mode as well as the auto-teach inspection function, providing stable inspection for a wide range of different products.
For further information www.keyence.co.uk

Delivering the latest in subcontract measurement

To help manufacturers reduce bottlenecks from production to quality, industrial metrology specialist The Sempre Group provides subcontract measurement, as evidenced by the company’s stand at Subcon 2023 last month. Sempre used the exhibition to showcase the subcontract measurement process, including some of its capabilities and technology, and the data customers receive as a result. Visitors were able to meet some of the team and see the company’s measurement systems in action.

At Subcon, the Sempre team showed visitors how it can become an extension of their quality and inspection department by offering subcontract measurement support. Sempre’s team can help by introducing robust measurement routines that demonstrate compliance, carrying out measurements and providing full reporting on behalf of these customers.

The stand featured an array of metrology systems that demonstrated the scope of Sempre’s subcontract offer, including the Micro-Vu multi-sensing CMM range, the Sensofar 3D optical profiler and Jenoptik Opticline optical shaft measurement system.

As well as measurement, Sempre provides insight using quality management software, including High QA Inspection Manager, an auto-ballooning software that engineers can use to scan entire drawings and automatically extract the GD&T data and full compliance reporting such as FAI and PPAP.

“At Subcon, we showed the latest in our measurement capabilities, and how we can bridge gaps in manufacturers’ quality processes,” explained Mike John, technical director at The Sempre Group.“For those manufacturers that may not be able to buy equipment outright, have sufficient skilledresource available or are taking on projects for the first time, it was a great opportunity to demonstrate how our specialist team can act as an extension to their team.”
For further information www.thesempregroup.com

UK aerospace receives £80m boost

The UK is to benefit from an£50m boost to composites R&D for aero-structure manufacturing, with a new research facility set for construction in South Yorkshire that has aerospace giant Boeing as its first major research partner.The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) has secured the investment to establish the Compass (Composites at Speed and Scale) facility in Sheffield. The news was announced on 13 July by UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, as part of the South Yorkshire Investment Zone.

“Our first Investment Zone is a shining example of how we will drive growth across the country,” he said. “It’s already secured more than £80m of private investment, including backing from Boeing, and will help support more than 8000 jobs by 2030.”On the back of the research, Boeing has committed to procuring in excess of £2bn of UK-manufactured goods per year to support the production of the company’s next civil passenger aircraft.
For further information www.amrc.co.uk

Laser cutting expert moves to Ficep UK

Well-respected laser cutting system specialist, Lisa Cooper, has joined Ficep UK as business development engineer in a move that will see her switch from aftercare to sales.Cooper gained 30 years of experience working in machine aftersales at Bystronic, primarily supporting customers with laser cutting, press brakes, tube laser cutting and plate storage systems. Her appointment coincides with Ficep UK’s recent introduction of the Cutlite Penta Plus 30kW laser system, an asset which Cooper will further support the growth of in the UK.

“Becoming business development engineer is a new challenge for me, yet I’m looking forward to drawing on my knowledge of systems and the market to add value to the process,” she says.“It’s an exciting time to be joining Ficep UK as the company continues to innovate and explore new systems such as the new Cutlite Penta Plus laser.”
For further information www.ficep.co.uk

Vision Engineering Group names new MD

Microscope, 3D inspection and metrology specialist Vision Engineering is appointing Sam Crossley as the company’s newmanaging director, a role that will draw upon his extensive global leadership and financial experience.Previously a member of the senior leadership team at Rotork, which employs over 3700 employees in 39 countries, Crossley has comprehensive market knowledge in the oil and gas, petrochemical, mining and automation markets. Current managing director Mark Curtis will continue to head the board as CEO, focusing on strategic development and wider group growth opportunities.
For further information www.visioneng.com