Inspection & Quality

Marposs has announced the availability of its Aeroel MecLab.X laser micrometer systems, providing ultrahigh accuracy diameter measurements for components such as electric motor shafts, gage or piston pins, hydraulic components or any number of ground or turned parts. The benchtop Meclab.X systems require no PC, making them highly suitable for the workshop environment and for most common applications.

Materialise Group spin-off RapidFit has deployed a horizontal-arm coordinate measuring machine manufactured by LK Metrology in Derbyshire, U.K., to check the accuracy of bespoke gaging and holding fixtures produced for the automotive industry.

Mitutoyo America Corp. announces the release of the new M2 2D processor as part of a new package with the PH-3515 Profile Projector. The M2 2D processor updates the PH-3515 Profile Projector with a new touch screen tablet and easier 2D processing for measuring dimensions.

Of unique importance today is the role of post-process metrology to validate the integrity of AM builds. One specific reason for this importance is that many parts produced by AM end up in safety critical applications where end-use functionality is of vital importance. The nature and relative roughness of AM surfaces, whether analyzing individual layers within a build, or the surface of a finished part render conventional metrology solutions somewhat impotent. In this article, I review developments from Zygo including work alongside Richard Leach that allow for hitherto unattainable metrology results, which are being used to enhance the use of AM as a production technology by making validation protocols more efficient.

Heidenhain introduces a new mid-range high accuracy ring encoder that is suitable for position measurement applications that require high tolerance to contamination but do not demand the accuracy level of an optical encoder. This unique ERM 2203 is optimized to meet those needs and is a welcome alternative to the market.

Marposs has announced its new Artis GEMDS system, which uses data from a noncontact eddy current sensor to provide real-time monitoring of spindle elongation on machine tools due to temperature changes or other causes of displacement. By detecting spindle anomalies in real-time, shops can prevent damage to the machine and avoid out of tolerance components, thereby reducing scrap and improving productivity.

Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division launched the RS-Squared Area Scanner for the Absolute Arm – pairing for the first time an area scanner with a portable measurement arm. Designed for high-speed scanning of simple shapes and surfaces, the RS-Squared can measure parts faster than conventional laser scanners and even other structured light scanners.n

The ability to "see through" a solid object was once thought to be a tool of the future, or a power belonging to Superman–but the technology is here today, and more widespread and accessible than you may have though

The L.S. Starrett Co. has expanded the horizontal X-axis travel on its HB400 benchtop optical comparator from 12" to 16" (300mm to 400mm), providing users the versatility to measure larger parts on its workstage. Available with optical edge detection, the HB400 model is a workhorse of the broad line of Starrett comparators, providing performance levels previously only available with floor standing machines.

MC Machinery Systems Inc. announces that Mark Kauffman has joined the team as a regional sales representative for Southern California, Nevada and New Mexico. Kauffman will utilize his industry expertise to increase product sales and customer satisfaction.

Rocklin Manufacturing has launched the all new FlyMarker mini Station tabletop marking unit. The electromagnetic, 120-volt Station is the newest addition to the FlyMarker mini series, which includes five generations of portable, battery-operated marking units.