Looking for Mr. Goodpart: CMM Inspection

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END USER: Mitchel & Scott Machine Co., (317) 684-8247, www.mitchelgroup.com. CHALLENGE: Provide 100 percent inspection of internal thread pitch and depth and numerous external dimensions for two high-volume automotive parts. SOLUTION: Automated vision inspection and thread verification systems. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Compass Automation, (847) 426-6696, www.compass-automation.com

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Diversification helps minimize the risk that a downturn at one customer or one industry will negatively impact a parts manufacturer’s business. For more than 78 years, Mitchel & Scott Machine Co. has thrived by machining components for a host of industries, including agriculture, construction, power generation and HVAC/R. It recently expanded its automotive industry operations.

That occurred when the Indianapolis company, which employs 200 people at its 200,000-sq.-ft. facility, won a contract to produce two parts for a Tier 1 auto supplier. The combined annual quantity is about 1.6 million, and the contract is for 5 years. Mitchel & Scott produces the parts on a ZPS 642 6-spindle, 42mm machine and a ZPS 867 8-spindle, 67mm machine.

Courtesy of Compass Automation

One of the two automated vision inspection and thread checker systems from Compass Automation that Mitchel & Scott Machine Co. purchased to provide 100 percent inspection of parts for a Tier 1 auto supplier.

The customer requires 100 percent inspection of internal thread pitch and depth and nine external dimensions on one part and 18 external dimensions on the other. The complexity of the inspection, coupled with short cycle times, made manual inspection impossible. “We knew we would need some sort of automated inspection and material handling equipment to keep up with the customer’s requirements,” said Patrick Mitchel, director of quality and engineering.