Renishaw’s FixtureBuilder 3D fixture-modelling software is now available via a new subscription service. Customers can therefore take advantage of a complimentary 12-month subscription to this accessible fixture-planning software when they purchase qualifying metrology fixturing products or bundles.

FixtureBuilder software allows the quick and easy creation and documentation of advanced CAD-based metrology fixturing set-ups for repeatable and productive part inspection. Users have access to the full catalogue of Renishaw metrology fixturing components when designing and documenting their modular fixturing set-ups.

Renishaw’s FixtureBuilder software boasts an intuitive interface, complete with clear and organised component libraries, intelligent drag and drop functionality, and an easy-to-use constraint mechanism. Its full CAD compatibility and custom libraries further enhance the user experience.

The FixtureBuilder software’s standout feature is its ‘Build it’ function, which automates the generation of work instructions and bill of materials for each fixture set-up. This simplifies the purchase of fixturing components and helps users to meet their quality standards.

“Our fast and flexible FixtureBuilder software is a powerful addition to any manufacturer’s inspection workflow,” says Will Paul, product marketing manager. “The weakest link in an inspection process is often the ability to design and document comprehensive fixturing set-ups with ease and speed. FixtureBuilder gives our customers confidence in the positioning of their parts.”

FixtureBuilder 8.1 is the latest version of the software. It enables users to design fixturing set-ups in seconds and then export them to an inspection programming software of choice using popular file formats like IGES, SAT, and STEP. This ensures seamless functionality and compatibility with industry-standard inspection programs and applications.
For further information www.renishaw.com/fixtures

At one of two factory units in Devizes operated by sealing specialist Cross Manufacturing, two CMMs built by LK Metrology in 1997 and 2007 have been given a new lease of life following an upgrade. The project involved the future-proofing of both machines by retrofitting multi-wired NMC300 controllers with updated firmware and software. Among the many advantages is the ability to deploy different types of sensor in addition to touch-trigger probes. Within the scope of the project, LK also fitted two new Renishaw PH10MQ motorised probe heads.

As a result of the improvements, Cross Manufacturinghas the ability to use its Renishaw SP25M tactile scanning probe, which the companyhopes will cut metrology cycle times by at least one-third when implemented in early 2024. It is possible to add further types of contact and non-contact sensor in the future should Cross Manufacturing choose to extend the CMMs’ capability and consolidate other automatic measuring functions into a single metrology routine.

Located on the shop floor in one of two adjacent sites, the CMMs are an LK G90C 10.10.8 and an LK Evo 15.15.10 having nominal inspection volumes of 1000 x 1000 x 800 mm and 1500 x 1500 x 1000 mm respectively. They fulfil a critical role serving the turning section, where the company products brush seals ranging in size from 1.83 m down to 102 mm in diameter for high-temperature gas turbine applications in aerospace and power generation.

“The vast majority of our parts are 100% inspected,” states senior project manager Mark Bolwell.“Upgrading our CMMs means we’ll be able to increase throughput by introducing tactile scanning, allowing us to support ever increasing demand without having to invest in another CMM at this time.”
For further information www.lkmetrology.com

Based in Burnley, Fort Vale Engineering is a specialist in the design and manufacture of stainless steel valves and fittings for the container tank industry that enable the safe transportation of liquids, powders and gases. Due to the nature of the global industries Fort Vale serves and the need to transport gases and liquids safely by road, rail and sea, the quality of the company’s products is of paramount importance.

Given the company’s rigorous quality standards and precision requirements, when looking to purchase a new CMM, Fort Vale compiled a demanding list of system requirements. In addition to a high-accuracy specification, the large volumes of parts constantly passing through the company’s busy inspection department meant that speed and ease of use were also major considerations. Furthermore, as the CMM had to inspect a diverse range of components, from small complex parts to large castings, the capacity and flexibility of the planned machine were additional important factors.

After researching the available brands and models, the high-specification CMM that best matched the company’s demanding criteria was a Mitutoyo Crysta-Apex EX 1200R equipped with a Renishaw Revofive-axis scanning probe head. Offering anXYZ capacity of 1200 x 2000 x 1000mm, the Mitutoyo CMM was able to accommodate even the largest of Fort Vale’s components.

Fort Vale director Andy Bryce says: “Since its installation, our Mitutoyo CMM has become the main workhorse of our quality department. As well as its impressive accuracy specification that allows the inspection of our highest-precision, tightest-tolerance parts, the CMM’s impressive speed of action and automated CNC operation, means that it is able to process impressive volumes of inspection work each day.”
For further information www.mitutoyo.co.uk