Tractor maker invests in high-end inspection technology

Published
January 09, 2023 - 07:00am
Trenton measures shafts with the ViciVision measuring system optical measuring machines..

Trenton, a manufacturer of machines and tractors used for agricultural applications, has invested in new inspection technologies to improve quality and its processes.

Giordano Cecchini, a quality control expert at Trenton, explained the benefit of having a ViciVision measuring machine involved in the process of producing parts at their facility.

“A company like Trenton, with its good reputation, is a real landmark in this area,” said Cecchini. “Most of the manufacturing is done in-house [and] we take care of many different client requests.” 

Using ViciVision Measuring Machines enables them to be one step ahead in a competitive market, according to Cecchini, “In terms of production and quality, we always try to have the best equipment available [and] this machine can be used to carry out an inspection on an entire line.”

Trenton uses an M2018 Techno with a Touchprobe to measure the many different parts they make in their manufacturing line. Cecchini said, “We can produce parts up to 1500 mm in length and inspect them on the Vici machine [using] the Touchprobe to measure keyway slots and planes.”

This machine measures parts 2000mm in length and 180mm in width giving Trenton the versatility they need in measuring the mechanical components they create.

Optical and tactile combination on the same device
Investing in a ViciVision machine comes from the company's decision to combine quantity and quality within production, and that’s the focus on this combination that makes Trenton a cutting-edge company, capable of manufacturing many parts, from facing and centering to grinding.

The accuracy and simplicity that the ViciVision Measuring Machine provides, allow Trenton to better prioritize their time to more important tasks for their operational needs. 

A quality control expert, who identified himself as Massimo, added that “It helps to know we are starting production off on the right foot, in such a short setup time.” 

He explained that one can measure a part in 93 seconds, and the results indicate the validity of the part being measured. The tolerances for each measurement are defined by either a green or red line indicating the accuracy of the measurements for the product produced. Catching inaccuracies early can reduce the amount of waste, therefore saving a significant amount of time and money.

ViciVision optical measuring machines to measure mechanical part such as  shafts, threads, and valves.
Top: Trenton measures shafts with the ViciVision measuring system optical measuring machine. Above: The machines measure parts such as shafts, threads, and valves.

Trenton has had a ViciVision Measuring Machine for a year and over time they have created many new programs giving them the ability to increase the number of parts that are inspected. This intuitive machine allows for innovation in the process of the entire production and with new technologies, it means that Trenton is better able to anticipate their customer’s needs.

As Trenton continues to manufacture the many different parts in their production line, they know the decision to have ViciVision Measuring Machine involved in the process is a great investment that ensures efficiency and accuracy in the process of making quality products.

Related Glossary Terms

  • centering

    centering

    1. Process of locating the center of a workpiece to be mounted on centers. 2. Process of mounting the workpiece concentric to the machine spindle. See centers.

  • grinding

    grinding

    Machining operation in which material is removed from the workpiece by a powered abrasive wheel, stone, belt, paste, sheet, compound, slurry, etc. Takes various forms: surface grinding (creates flat and/or squared surfaces); cylindrical grinding (for external cylindrical and tapered shapes, fillets, undercuts, etc.); centerless grinding; chamfering; thread and form grinding; tool and cutter grinding; offhand grinding; lapping and polishing (grinding with extremely fine grits to create ultrasmooth surfaces); honing; and disc grinding.

  • quality assurance ( quality control)

    quality assurance ( quality control)

    Terms denoting a formal program for monitoring product quality. The denotations are the same, but QC typically connotes a more traditional postmachining inspection system, while QA implies a more comprehensive approach, with emphasis on “total quality,” broad quality principles, statistical process control and other statistical methods.

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