Inspection & Quality

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence announced improvements to the operating temperature range of its TIGO SF shop floor coordinate measurement machine. The CMM, which has an operational range of between 15° C (59° F) and 30° C (86° F) as standard, now offers the XT option to extend this range up to 40° C (104° F).

HEIDENHAIN offers the new HEIDENHAIN-SPECTO ST 3087 RC-length gage, optimally designed for measurement applications in harsh environments, e.g., in metalcutting production areas. It has an IP 67 level ingress protection to allow parts to be measured directly at the grinding, cutting or forming location, instead of removing them to quality islands or laboratories.

Radix Inc. announces the release of its advanced vision inspection technology, InspectTracker. Support for Industry 4.0 with digitization of data for manufacturers was the impetus behind the development of InspectTracker. In particular, the requirements for detailed inspection procedures for complex part surfaces, currently hand inspected in fluorescent penetrant inspection booths, or FPI booths, was an opportunity for digitization that InspectTracker addresses.

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence announced the expansion of its high throughput and accuracy HTA Measurement solution offering for aeroengine and powertrain applications. The new HTA technology packages deliver reduced measurement cycles and rich data sets for manufacturers looking to integrate dimensional inspection more effectively into their production processes.

FANUC America has selected HEIDENHAIN's tocuh probes for use and training on its popular ROBODRILLs in its recently expanded CNC machining laboratory in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence announced the launch of the Leica Absolute Tracker AT960-SR, a lower-budget addition to the popular AT960 range of laser trackers. Only available as part of a bundle offer with one of Hexagon's leading laser scanner products, the AT960-SR is designed for applications with smaller measurement volume requirements that still demand the unbeatable speed and accuracy performance of Hexagon's flagship laser tracker line.

Marposs Corp. has introduced an updated version of its Merlin Plus embedded gauge computer, now with six USB and two ethernet ports enabling connectivity to multiple data collection devices and the ability to measure up to 250 characteristics.

Vision Engineering announces the launch of the Swift PRO series, noncontact measurement systems designed to deliver fast and accurate 2- and 3-axis measurements. The Swift PRO series includes Swift PRO Duo, Swift PRO Cam and Swift PRO Elite.

Thinking of purchasing shop floor control software but don't know where to start? You might want to start by brushing up on the relevant jargon.

Many — if not most — shops encourage employees to purchase their own measurement tools. Some even help by "financing" these purchases, allowing machinists to pay them off in small increments. And what machinist doesn't want his or her "own stuff" with which to do the job? But does allowing machinists to use their own measuring tools actually make sense?

Vision Engineering Ltd. announces the loss of founder Rob Freeman, MBE, who passed away on Aug.19, aged 84.

The Hommel-Etamic Toposcan is a system used for measuring the surface of cylinder bores larger then 60mm in diameter. The Toposcan is capable of automatically measuring the size of porosity and blow holes, stroke reversal radius, laser pocket structures, roughness of bore walls, torn and folded metal and cross-hatch angles.