One of the UK’s leading specialists in tooling, intelligent fixturing and components is launching a new range of ‘digital’ solutions that will connect manufacturing processes and enable easier, faster automation.

MetLase, a joint venture between Unipart and Roll-Royce, commissioned a dedicated team to develop ‘smart’ products, including the Digital Gauge (conducts a digital dimensional inspection process), Smart Bench (ensures no-fault forward in the assembly process) and Smart Cell.

These digital products are already having an impact on industry, with one of the most striking examples being a project with Kautex Unipart Ltd and a leading supercar manufacturer to support in-line composite preform measurement.

Digital gauges are being used to support the inspection of blow-moulded plastic fuel tanks in just four seconds, replacing an inspection system that would usually take 45 minutes, during which time the line would churn out parts. If a fault was found at this stage, all of the components made in that period would be destined for the scrap heap. In addition, digital gauges allow data to be collected that is ‘actionable’ for process improvement and machine learning.

Richard Gould, business development manager, says: “This is just the start. More and more customers are switching on to the benefits of digital manufacturing in the overall process. And we’re not just talking about impact on shop floor. One project we’re currently exploring is the introduction of a Smart Bench to support a maritime application, where a global business has won a contract that includes an element of regenerating a region’s manufacturing sector.”

For further information www.metlase.com