Inspection & Quality

END USER: Neenah Foundry Co., (920) 725-7000, www.nfco.com. CHALLENGE: Increase productivity and worker safety when measuring castings on a coordinate measuring machine. SOLUTION: A system that enables a CMM operator to load and unload castings in fixtures with minimal lifting, bending or twisting and easily move parts into the CMM's measurement zone on plates supported by air. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Mod Tech Industries Inc., (715) 524-4510, www.modtechindustries.com

END USER: Flint Tool & Die, General Motors Co., (313) 556-5000, www.gm.com. CHALLENGE: Verify machine tool accuracy when producing large automotive dies. SOLUTION: A PC-based verification system. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Inora Technologies Inc., (734) 302-7488, www.inora.com

Advancements in marking technology can lead to lower integration costs and more benefits for the end user.

The requirements for quality assurance have increased with 3D technologies. Previously all major dimensions could be taken from a 2D drawing for tactile measurement which is no longer the case today. Modern 3D drawings include little in the way of explicit dimensions. The curves of the free-form surfaces are almost impossible to verify, using traditional tactile measurement techniques. Wenzel/Xspect Solutions Inc. is providing new advanced 3D measuring technology to solve these measuring issues and their new Shapetracer laser line scanner is quickly becoming a preferred solution.

Nikon Metrology Inc. announces the release of its ShuttlePix P-400R Digital Microscope, made for inspection, observation, simple measurement and recording of high-resolution images.

Shop math remains essential because feeds, speeds, angles, and setups still have to make sense on the floor. This guide explains why stronger math skills improve machining decisions.

Pinpoint Laser Systems offers a laser-based Microgage 2D system for measuring the flatness of machinery and production equipment.

Behringer Saws has introduced a laser-based measuring system for use on the company's full range of sawing and turnkey pre- and post-cut material handling productivity-enhancing products.

END USER: Delta TechOps, (866) 676-3358, www.deltatechops.com. CHALLENGE: Maximize accuracy and efficiency in inspecting complex turbine engine blades and vanes. SOLUTION: Measurement system utilizing concentrated light. SOLUTION PROVIDER: NVision Inc., (972) 393-8000, www.nvision3d.com

George Products Company recently announced the addition of thread measurement to its OASIS Inspection Systems.

Laser Marking Technologies LLC's new COBALT DOMINATOR laser marking system features a European pulsed fiber laser source with increased depth of focus for fast, but very precise and clean permanent part marking.

Designed with production personnel in mind, the new Digimar 816 CL Height Gage from Mahr Federal Inc. provides accurate measurements without complicated procedures.