Bowers Group’s precision measurement expertise played a crucial role in supporting the University of Wolverhampton Racing Team (UWR) with the manufacture of an adaptor plate. Used by OEMs such as Morgan, Mini and Toyota, adaptor plates convert the standard oil heat exchanger on the BMW B48 variant engine into an external oil cooler system. To ensure the accurate measurements of critical components, Bowers Group supplied an XT3 Holematic thread gauge, aiding UWR in achieving optimal performance.

UWR and the Morgan Motor Company were in an ongoing partnership to help convert two CX platform Plus 4 cars from road production vehicles into racing cars. The UWR team scheduled track test days to gather performance data on the new racing cars, where they discovered high engine and oil temperatures that could impact performance.

After exploring additional venting options that did not provide the desired impact, UWR designed an adaptor plate to replace the standard heat exchanger on the oil filter housing. This plate would enable the installation of an external oil cooler system, which was much better suited to lower both oil and engine temperatures in unison.

The team sought assistance from its partners and sponsors, including Bowers Group, Quickgrind, and Tungaloy UK, for the tooling and manufacturing of the plate. With time critical to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, Bowers Group promptly supplied an XT3 Holematic thread gauge to test the connections of the adaptor plate and ensure the team could build it accurately. Precision measurement was crucial for plate, which acts as a fluid barrier and pathway for both oil and engine coolant.

More information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

All 34 portable measuring arms offered in six-axis touch-probing and seven-axis multi-sensor variants by LK Metrology, are now available as standard with a 4.5-inch diameter mounting ring that allows the unit to sit on a larger base (3.5-inch ring previously). The new Version 3 Freedom arms are subsequently capable of measuring to higher precision. LK can supply a mounting ring adapter if an existing user already owns an LK tripod or stand with a 3.5-inch mount. Mechanical, magnetic and vacuum fixing alternatives are available.

As previously, the latest mobile metrology solutions feature a lightweight carbon-fibre tubular construction. Position feedback arrives courtesy of absolute rather than incremental rotary encoders, with the arms available in three accuracy categories: Classic, Select and Ultimate. Each is now capable of significantly higher accuracy measurement of size, position and form, whether using a tactile probe or laser scanner. Probing accuracy carries certification to ISO 10360-12 with functionality guaranteed up to 40°C.

The work-hardened six-axis arms offer full IP54 protection from water splashes and the ingress of dust and particles, delivering reliable, repeatable 3D inspection and measurement in harsh industrial environments. Also provided is enhanced RDS v6.4 software running on Windows for communicating with the arm via Wi-Fi or USB. The software offers improved monitoring of parameters such as ambient temperature and stress on the articulated joints, as well as base vibration, displacement, tilt and inclination.

The seven-axis Freedom Arm v3 does not offer IP54 protection but is able to deploy a laser scanner and a tactile probe to enable multi-sensor metrology. An OLED touch-screen display provides the operator with convenient fingertip control, raising inspection productivity by avoiding having to go back and forth between the arm and a computer.

More information www.lkmetrology.com