Summit Engineering (Birmingham) Ltd has invested in a Crysta-Apex CNC CMM from Mitutoyo. The CMM was installed in a newly-built, environmentally controlled inspection facility at the company’s Solihull production facility.

Director Kevin McCormick says: “Although the advanced Crysta-Apex CNC CMM was marginally more expensive than the other machine that made our shortlist, given the importance we place on quality, we were happy to place an order. As it had the ideal capacity for inspecting the vast majority of our components, we specified a Mitutoyo Crysta-Apex CNC CMM with an XYZ capacity of 705 x 1005 x 605 mm.”

Summit Engineering quality engineer Stephen Smolak adds: “Following its trouble-free installation, the new Mitutoyo Crysta-Apex CMM soon began making a significant contribution to ensuring the premium quality of our output. Due to its simple operation, soon after their initial training sessions, our operators quickly became confident its use. It helped that, while they were still learning, support was always available via Mitutoyo’s online service.

“In addition to inspecting large, one-off components, we are also able to load multiple smaller parts on to the CMM’s bed, recall the relevant program, then perform a rapid, fully automated CNC mass inspection routine,” continues Smolak. “Dependant on the customer’s requirements, we now archive the generated inspection results or print-off in-depth reports.

“Due to the specifications of our new Mitutoyo Crysta-Apex CMM it is able to inspect our most complex components, as well as those with extremely challenging accuracy requirements. In addition, our new CMM’s speed and ease of use, means that, not only is it capable of inspecting our current levels of output, it will also handle any future anticipated rises in production.”

For further information www.mitutoyo.co.uk