Inspection & Quality

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence announced the release of the new Leica Absolute Scanner LAS-20-8, a portable laser scanner for large-volume inspection applications, such as automotive sheet metal, aerospace mold tools and large industrial castings. Design-focused on improved usability, the handheld 3D scanner allows shop floor operators, regardless of experience, to easily and quickly capture complex point-cloud data.

Able Machine Tool Sales Inc., Agawam, Mass., is the New England distributor for Dayton, Ohio-based Advanced Industrial Measurement Systems' (AIMS) Revolution Series coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), according to a recent Able news release. Designed and engineered with Renishaw 5-axis measurement technology, AIMS introduced its new CMM product line in 2015.

Trotec Laser Inc., Canton, Mich., discusses the "Advantages of lasers versus other methods of cutting, marking and engraving" in a white paper available through the company's website. The target audience for the white paper: companies that use traditional methods of cutting, marking and engraving, such as inkjet systems, embossing, mechanical stamping, etching, printing, mechanical engraving, knife cutter or CNC routing.

Networking option: Could the introduction of a small electrical cabinet turn out to be a big step toward more widespread implementation of the Industrial Internet of Things? This special electrical cabinet, called the SmartBox, was developed by machine tool builder Mazak Corp., working in collaboration with networking equipment provider Cisco Systems Inc. The SmartBox is designed to overcome concerns about complexity and security that have led to resistance to connecting machine tools to a plantwide network.

How often should a metalworking fluid be tested? It depends. Metalworking fluid is used in most machine shops, because it aids in evacuating chips and cooling and lubricating the tool/workpiece interface. To optimize fluid performance, it must be maintained, which is done by testing a fluid for performance and chemistry.

Careful consideration when implementing inspection processes yields efficiencies. Manufacturers continually search for ways to increase profits and reduce costs. Trying to find cost savings where chips are made makes sense and is usually where the most-significant improvements are found. However, efficiency gains can also be made in nonvalue-adding areas, like inspection.

Do you know why your last part run had a high defect rate, why parts from an outside supplier were nonconforming, and what you are going to do with those parts? If your company has a material review board, it can probably answer those questions.

Fowler High Precision Inc., Newton, Mass., now offers a custom-designed base with four locations to accept "Loc-N-Load" quick-swap fixture plates for its portable direct-computer-control coordinate measuring machine (CMM)—the zCAT. The Inspection Arsenal quick-swap fixture system has been designed to enhance zCAT's functionality, according to a recent news release from both companies.

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence announced new functionality has been added to its SENMATION universal sensor interface for Leitz PMM-C coordinate measuring machines. SENMATION deploys the right sensor at the right time on a single CMM to address complex measurement challenges found in industries such as automotive, oil and gas, and energy, according to the company.

Titan Tool Supply Inc. announces the introduction of its new line of TVT series videoscopes to provide high-quality remote visual inspections for quality control. The new TVT line includes five different models with working lengths from 1m (40") to 3m (118") and three diameters (2.8mm, 4.5mm and 6mm).

Mitutoyo America Corp. announces the renewal of its 500 series IP67 ABSOLUTE Digimatic coolant-proof calipers.

New and improved, the Multimar 844 T Universal Measurement Gage from Mahr Federal is for large ID and OD gaging. Built on a finely ground, hard chrome-plated column, and available in a range of sizes, the Multimar 844 T can measure ODs and IDs up to 2,500mm with extreme sensitivity and accuracy. New Multimar 844 T gages now include a number of improved features that make them more precise, more stable and more flexible.