April 2021 Metrology News Magazine
Editors Message:
Metrology News – Published by Metrologists for Metrologists
As we enter the second year of restrictions imposed on our lives due to the COVID pandemic, preventing international travel, seeing family and friends, and driving us to digital only communication, we are reminded about the complete current lack of our traditional networking – networking that was so integral in our lives, whether it be at trade events, the local bar or at gatherings to honour a celebration.
The annual Control Exhibition in Stuttgart should have been on the horizon in coming weeks. This industry showcase for new metrology products, emerging technologies and a personal networking platform had become integral in our annual calendar. It’s an event I personally have been attending since the late 1980’s, when it was located in Zurich, and under the Microtechnic banner. Sadly this year’s event, like most other physical events, has been cancelled and again attempting to deliver a purely digital experience. With some events beginning to schedule physical presence let us hope we can start shaking hands again in coming months and commence to network in person once more.
April has seen a dearth of new product introductions. Hand-held and optical scanning devices continue to be launched offering ever more compact and capable solutions. The ongoing trend to non-contact data collection continues with all new products showcased this month falling into the non-contact category and generating point cloud data allowing a full analysis of inspected part geometries. We also saw new software products and enhancements to current products released in the month providing even more efficient and effective handling of generated point clouds into actionable data to control manufacturing processes.
In the past days we reported on the financial results of publicly traded metrology company’s providing a glimpse at how they are weathering the pandemic at a global business level. It appears that while revenues are flat, or slightly down, on prior years their ‘belt-tightening’ exercises has resulted in improved financial performances and thus the reporting companies are in good shape to get to ‘the other side’ of the world’s current stagnation.
We also reported on several acquisitions in the month, alongside the announcement of various strategic partnerships, many associated with the developing Additive Manufacturing sector, and clearly demonstrating that despite the lack of physical events and networking the business of strategic positioning and extending product offerings by corporations continues unabated.
This month we featured an article based upon the report ‘Technology and Measurement Foresighting’ from the UK’s NPL in which they looked in depth at the critical and seamlessly integrated role of metrology in smart manufacturing of the future. Another report from Frost and Sullivan named ‘Advanced Metrology Becomes Competitive Differentiator in Modern Manufacturing‘ was also featured. Both full reports are available for your free download at Metrology News. Over 90 articles were published in April and we highlight below in this month’s magazine selected articles published over the month. The complete library of April articles can be accessed by clicking here.
As usual I welcome your comments, news and views along with suggested guest articles for publication – my inbox is always open.
Keith Mills – Publishing Editor
GOM Scan 1: The Next Small Thing
The new GOM Scan 1 sensor is a compact and mobile 3D scanner to digitally capture objects and achieve precise 3D meshes for applications such as 3D printing, reverse engineering and dimensional inspection. The system comes with the latest GOM software, walking users through the entire workflow. GOM Scan 1 … read more
Compact 3D Multi-Laser Line Scanner Launched
SCANTECH from Hangzhou, China has announced the global launch of its all new SIMSCAN hand-held, hand sized, multi-line laser scanner. Weighing only 570g the compact SIMSCAN is just 203 mm x 80 m x 44 mm in size. “SIMSCAN is the first ‘hand-sized’ 3D scanner in the market, a revolutionary … read more
Fast Dual Sensor Optical Shaft Inspector Launched
Mitutoyo has introduced a new product, the Roundtracer Flash. This non-contact measuring unit is expected to deliver even more speed and versatility to the Mitutoyo form measurement line. The Roundtracer Flash optical measuring unit is based on side-by-side two-dimensional image architecture. Due to this, the images are acquired by different sensors … read more
Triple Scan Enables Nanometer, Micrometer, and Millimeter Measurements
Keyence has announced that it has added white light interferometry to its 3D Surface Profiler VK-X3000 Series providing capabilities to measure from nanometers to millimeters. Highly accurate measurement of any target is now possible through the use of three different measurement principles namely laser confocal, white light interferometry, and focus variation … read more
InnovMetric Releases PolyWorks Metrology Suite 2021
InnovMetric has announced the launch of PolyWorks MS 2021, the latest release of its 3D dimensional analysis and quality control solution. PolyWorks MS 2021 delivers powerful curved surface analysis tools, transforms the measurement operator experience, and facilitates the deployment of PolyWorks|Inspector™ as a standard offline CNC CMM sequencing solution. PolyWorks MS … read more
HDR Scanning Sensor Delivers 45K Profiles per Second
Teledyne Imaging, a Teledyne Technologies company and leader in machine vision technology, recently launched its Z-Trak2 family of 3D profile sensors. Built on Teledyne Imaging’s 3D image sensor technology, Z-Trak2 ushers in a new era of 5GigE 3D profile sensors for high-speed, in-line 3D applications … read more
ZEISS Introduces First Crystallographic CT System
ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions has introduces the Xradia CrystalCT micro-computed tomography (microCT) system to enable 3D crystallographic imaging of polycrystalline materials for a wide range of metal and alloy, additive manufacturing, ceramic, and pharmaceutical samples in industrial and academic laboratories. A world-first commercial implementation, ZEISS Xradia CrystalCT is purpose-built to deliver … read more
Photogrammetry Increasingly Used for Automated Production Measurements
Over the past two decades, the industrial design and manufacturing technology infrastructure has changed significantly. 2D component drawings have been replaced by complex 3D CAD models. Tooling, molds, and production equipment are today designed with the aid of 3D simulations, and produced using associated CAM systems. Design and free-form surfaces … read more
How 3D Laser Scanning Is Speeding Up Reverse Engineering
Fictiv Reverse engineering once was a complicated process that required hours of disassembly, detailed measurements, and the painstaking process of examining each part and piece of a product. Today, the reverse engineering process is moving into the fast lane thanks … read more
Kreon Introduces Portable Arm Point Cloud Software
Portable Arm CMM manufacturer Kreon has introduced Zenith metrology software for use on its scanning and touch probe devices. Zenith focuses on the essential functions used in most applications for the acquisition and 3D measurement of manufactured parts. Described as simple to learn, Zenith is able to manage dense point clouds … read more
Industrial Sound Analysis Delivers Automated Quality Control
Many companies do not have the confidence to try out artificial intelligence models. As a result, they have a wealth of untapped potential for quality control. The new IDMT-ISAAC software now makes it possible for users without any expert knowledge of AI to also benefit from artificial intelligence applications … read more
Optical CMM Adds 360-Degree Multi-Surface Measurement Capability
Measurement specialist Keyence has further enhanced its market-leading dimension measurement system range which delivers all the benefits of the acclaimed IM-7000 series but with even greater speed, accuracy and ease of use. Boasting a rotary unit allowing 360-degree multi-surface measurement capability for both turned and machined parts … read more
5 Axis CMM Technology Halves Inspection Times at Transmission Manufacturing Plant
At the US transmission plant of a global automotive manufacturing group, component inspection times have been reduced by half or more following the decision to partner with LK Metrology which has upgraded all of the CNC coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) on site to use 5-axis scanning technology … read more
Mitutoyo Launch AI Inspect Visual Defect Detection Software
Mitutoyo has announced the release of its new AI Inspect Software to its overall lineup of software solutions. Intended for use in determining defects in multiple applications, Mitutoyo’s AI INSPECT is a standalone software product designed to assist customers with next generation visual defect analysis. Visual defect detection has traditionally been … read more
A Vision of the 2030’s Shaped by Metrology
The UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has run a Foresighting project to explore the implications of new technologies and trends which may change why and how we perform measurements in the future. Using a well-established set of tools to gather information on emerging trends, detailed input was collected from industry … read more
Advanced Metrology To Become Competitive Differentiator in Modern Manufacturing
In the technology-forward modern manufacturing industry, data is considered a strategic asset, and market leaders are evolving their processes and business models to harness its benefits. Savvy manufacturers turn to technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), collaborative robots (cobots), and advanced metrology to improve production efficiency and … read more
Metrology-Grade Inspection Accuracy Through Real-Time Calibration
Aluminium Die-Cast Shock Tower Inspection As a global Tier-1 auto part supplier began mass producing single-piece die-cast aluminium shock towers for a popular SUV, they required an 100% inline inspection solution with metrology-grade accuracy to ensure the casted parts conformed to GD&T and design specifications. Aluminum high-pressure die-cast shock tower … read more
Compact Smart Camera Has Power of Vision System
Datalogic, a leader in the automatic data capture and factory automation markets, has announced its P2X series, the ultimate smart camera with the unparalleled performance and flexibility of the most innovative vision system. Although very technically capable, the P2X is easily setup and operated. The heavyweight specifications packed into the industrial-grade … read more
ROBOTAG Focuses on Robotic Aerospace Inspection
Strict requirements from the aerospace industry necessitated the development of a robot mounted optical inspection system by Mitutoyo, capable of imaging defects in critical components Mitutoyo’s Technology Solutions Group has developed the non-contact quality assurance device. Labeled as ROBOTAG, the solution combines Mitutoyo’s Tunable Acoustic Gradient Index of Refraction Lens … read more
Using White-Light Interferometry as a Flexible and Robust Measuring Method
Tools used in machining are expensive, and therefore need to be optimally utilized to achieve a high degree of profitability and all that without endangering the workpiece. It is also critical to monitor the tool wear, especially when machining workpieces made of gray cast iron or highly heat-resistant cast steel … read more
Automatic Inspection Smart Sensor Offers True 3D Image Evaluation
An new 3D vision system now makes inspecting parts in 3D as easy as using a 2D smart camera claims sensor manufacturer Cognex. “While optical inspection in 3D previously required a great deal of programming but offered few benefits, Cognex’s new technology brings better image quality, simplified application development … read more
Deep Learning Software Recognizes Component Discrepancies From Target Dimensions
Quality control is key to the manufacturing industry. Does a physical component fail to meet the requirements specified in the CAD data? Until now, employees have carried out visual inspections to find out. Researchers at Fraunhofer IGD are now developing a much more precise alternative using developed MARQUIS software … read more
Holographic 3D Collaboration System Launches
Campfire has emerged from stealth after years of research and development with a new integrated system for 3D/CAD/CAM workflows that enables holographic collaboration, combining both augmented and virtual reality into a new methodology for product design. Campfire has currently raised more than $8M in seed funding and expects to ship … read more
Remote Control Software Enables Video CMM Integration
Nikon Corporation have announced the release of a ‘Remote Control SDK’ compatible with its CNC NEXIV Video Measuring Systems allowing automatic measurement system integration. In the recent trend of automation on the production floor, there is a demand for remote control solutions for video measurement systems which measure electric components. … read more
InnovMetric Launches PolyWorks|DataLoop PLM Connectors for Data Management and Digital Connectivity
InnovMetric has announced the release of new PolyWorks|DataLoop PLM Connectors to interconnect Product Lifecycle Management systems and the PolyWorks smart 3D metrology digital ecosystem. PLM Connectors enable product engineering, manufacturing, and 3D measurement teams to leverage shared product definition and 3D measurement data. Having quick access to the latest information … read more
Cooperation to Transform Manufacturing by Enabling Scaled Deployment of AI
Google Cloud and Siemens have announced a new cooperation to optimize factory processes and improve productivity on the shop floor. Siemens intends to integrate Google Cloud’s leading data cloud and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) technologies with its factory automation solutions to help manufacturers innovate for the future. Data drives today’s industrial … read more
A World of Data in Tablet Form
Where production experts used to inspect machines and check parts, tablets have now become the everyday tool to track processes and intervene if necessary. This is the world of the fourth industrial revolution: Industry 4.0. By connecting its operations with the latest in IT, and by digitalizing all its processes … read more
Digital Manufacturing Centre to Pioneer ‘Renishaw Central’ Data Platform for Additive Manufacturing
The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC) will be the first business to officially adopt Renishaw’s revolutionary new manufacturing connectivity and data platform, Renishaw Central, across its complete additive and subtractive manufacturing operations. The ongoing close collaboration between the two companies has evolved from Renishaw initially supplying the DMC with state-of-the-art additive … read more
Partnership to Deliver First Open End-to-End AM Software Solution
Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division and Authentise have partnered to extend the Additive Manufacturing (AM) control loop from the machine level to connect the end-to-end value chain from design, manufacturing operations and quality assurance to make additive manufacturing more predictable, repeatable and traceable. Data from shopfloor manufacturing operations, engineering data from the … read more
Edge AI Machine Vision Platform Announced
Basler has announced a new AI machine vision platform for industrial applications based on Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) services. The new machine vision platform allows customers to seamlessly deploy AI-based applications at the edge for use cases such as quality inspection … read more
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