August 2024 Metrology News Magazine
Editors Message:
As the IMTS exhibition in Chicago approaches, anticipation is building within the manufacturing community. The event, renowned as one of the largest and most significant showcases of manufacturing technology, presents an opportunity to reflect on the latest trends shaping the industry. This year, the focus is not just on groundbreaking machinery and automation but also on the critical role of integrated metrology in ensuring precision, quality, and efficiency in manufacturing processes.
Manufacturing technology is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the convergence of digitalization, automation, and data analytics. Industry 4.0, smart factories, and the Industrial Internet of Things are no longer just buzzwords but are becoming the backbone of modern manufacturing. At the core of these advancements is metrology, which has evolved from being a quality control checkpoint to becoming an integral part of the manufacturing process. The paradigm is shifting with the growing demand for higher precision, tighter tolerances, and zero defects which has necessitated the integration of metrology directly into the manufacturing process. Today, metrology is not just about measurement but about providing real-time data and feedback that enables manufacturers to optimize processes, reduce downtime, and achieve consistent quality.
One of the most significant trends in this regard is the rise of in-line and on-machine metrology systems. These technologies allow for continuous monitoring and measurement during production, reducing the need for post-process inspection and enabling immediate corrective actions. By integrating metrology into the production line, manufacturers can detect deviations at an early stage, minimizing the risk of defective products and costly rework. This shift towards real-time, in-process measurement is particularly crucial in industries where precision is paramount, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing.
Another trend is the increasing use of advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) in metrology. As manufacturing processes generate vast amounts of data, the challenge lies in effectively analysing and utilizing this data to drive improvements. AI-powered metrology systems can identify patterns, predict potential issues, and recommend adjustments, leading to more efficient and reliable operations.
The integration of metrology with digital twins is also gaining momentum. Digital twins, virtual replicas of physical assets, rely heavily on accurate and real-time data to simulate and predict performance. Integrated metrology ensures that the data fed into these digital twins is precise, enabling more accurate simulations and improved decision-making.
Metrology News is excited to witness the innovations on display at the upcoming IMTS expo and bring the latest insights to our global readership on how metrology is shaping the future of manufacturing.
This month’s featured articles included “Repositioning Quality as a Value Driver in Manufacturing“, “Smart Metrology – Transforming Traditional Quality Control“, “The Evolving Role of Metrology in the Smart Factories of the Future”, “The Role of Smart Sensors In Metrology 4.0“, “The Future of Quality Control – A Look At Upcoming Trends“, “How Robots, Machine Vision, and AI Are Changing Automotive Manufacturing Landscape”.
You can access the full library of August Metrology News articles by clicking here.
As usual, I welcome your comments, news, and views – my inbox is always open.
Keith Mills – Publishing Editor
Repositioning Quality as a Value Driver in Manufacturing
The traditional view of quality as merely a compliance requirement is rapidly becoming obsolete. Leading organizations are beginning to recognize quality as a critical value driver that can enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and improve profitability. Repositioning quality in this way is essential for manufacturers seeking to stay ahead in a market characterized by rapid technological advancements, increasing customer expectations, and increasing regulatory demands … read more
Smart Metrology – Transforming Traditional Quality Control
Quality control has always been a cornerstone of manufacturing, ensuring that products meet stringent standards and customer expectations. Traditionally, quality control has involved manual inspections, sampling, and off-line measurements—methods that, while effective in many cases, are time-consuming, prone to errors, and often reactive rather than proactive. However, with the advent of Smart Metrology, the traditional approach to quality control … read more
Hexagon Solution Builds Highly Accurate Factory Digital Twins
Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has launched its new digitalisation solution, Digital Factory, designed to help manufacturers build highly accurate digital replicas of their factories. It enables manufacturers to optimise their floor plans and quickly pivot production lines today, and prepare for smarter and more sustainable future factories with open interfaces that enable digital twins of shopfloor assets saving global manufacturing millions per year … read more
The Evolving Role of Metrology in the Smart Factories of the Future
As manufacturing transitions towards the era of smart factories, driven by Industry 4.0 technologies, the role of metrology is set to undergo a significant transformation. Smart factories, characterized by their interconnected systems, advanced automation, and data-driven decision-making, demand a new approach to measurement. Measurements will become more integral, dynamic, and intelligent, reshaping its traditional functions and its influence … read more
The Role of Smart Sensors In Metrology 4.0
In the field of metrology, technological advancements have continually enhanced precision, accuracy, and efficiency. As we move into the era of Industry 4.0, a new paradigm in metrology has emerged: Metrology 4.0. At the heart of this evolution are smart sensors, which are revolutionizing traditional measurement systems by creating intelligent, interconnected networks capable of real-time data collection, analysis, and decision-making … read more
Fully Autonomous ‘Dark’ Smart Factory Runs 24/7
In the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing, innovation is the key to staying ahead of the curve. Xiaomi, a global leader in electronics and smart manufacturing, has once again set a new benchmark with its next-generation smart factory in Changping, China. This cutting-edge facility represents a significant leap forward, incorporating advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and big data analytics to create a fully automated, ‘dark’ factory … read more
Humanoid Robots Come Alive At BMW Group Plant
The BMW Group is exploring the use of humanoid robots in production for the first time. During a trial run lasting several weeks at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, the latest humanoid robot Figure 02 from California company Figure successfully inserted sheet metal parts into specific fixtures, which were then assembled as part of the chassis. The robot must be particularly dexterous to complete this production step … read more
LG Accelerates Smart Factory Solutions Business
LG Electronics is advancing its smart factory solutions business by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation (DX) with its extensive 66-year history of manufacturing and production expertise. The Ultimate Fusion of AI and Manufacturing Capabilities Earlier this year, LG officially entered the smart factory solutions market. The Production engineering Research Institute which has been enhancing production and manufacturing competitiveness … read more
Automated Inspection Platform Boosts Production Efficiency
The automated inspection platform Twyn from Visometry is revolutionizing quality control: Utilizing augmented reality (AR), deviations in welded and other complex assemblies can be quickly identified right on the production line. The Visometry solution is setting new standards in manufacturing. Since 2022, the engineering firm Chropynska Slovakia has been utilizing Twyn to streamline processes, reduce errors, and cut down on costly rework … read more
The Future of Quality Control – A Look At Upcoming Trends
The landscape of quality control is undergoing significant changes driven by advancements in automation, Industry 4.0, AI, and other emerging technologies. These innovations are essential for maintaining product quality and efficiency in the face of rising regulatory standards and customer expectations. Automation technologies are set to revolutionize quality control processes by increasing repeatability and reducing human error … read more
How Robots, Machine Vision, and AI Are Changing Automotive Manufacturing Landscape
A technological and cultural shift is occurring in the automotive manufacturing environment caused by the advent of robotics and machine vision, coupled with the development of AI vision systems. This article delves into the drivers of change and how augmented reality will shape the future of manufacturing technology for automotive production. Robots in manufacturing have been used for over sixty years, with the first commercial robots used in mass production … read more
China Transitions From ‘Manufacturing’ to ‘Intelligent Manufacturing’ Ushering In a New Era
One battery cell per second! Entering the production workshop of the CATL Guizhou, China Factory, blue battery cells continuously roll off the production line. This showcases the speed and capability of extreme intelligent manufacturing at the World Lighthouse Factory. However, the World Lighthouse Factory is not just about fast production; it is a comprehensive facility capable of high-end, intelligent, and green manufacturing, hence the title ‘World Lighthouse’ … read more
Foxconn Building Digital Twin Robotic Factories To Drive Industrial Efficiencies
Foxconn operates more than 170 factories around the world — the latest one a virtual plant pushing the state of the art in industrial automation. It’s the digital twin of a new factory in Guadalajara, hub of Mexico’s electronics industry. Foxconn’s engineers are defining processes and training robots in this virtual environment, so the physical plant can produce at high efficiency the next engine of accelerated computing, NVIDIA Blackwell HGX systems … read more
LMI Enhances 3D Vision Solutions Portfolio With Liberty Robotics Acquisition
LMI Technologies (LMI), a global leader in 3D scanning and inspection solutions, has announced the acquisition of Liberty Robotics (LR), a pioneering provider of 3D machine vision solutions for robotic guidance in the automotive and material handling/packaging and logistics industries. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Michigan, USA, Liberty Robotics has established itself as a key player in automation for the automotive sector renowned for its innovative systems … read more
New Coherix Sensor Monitors and Adjusts Adhesive Application Process
Engineers at Coherix have developed an industry first technology to monitor and adjust the application of adhesives and sealants used to manufacture essential automotive, medical and consumer-electronics products. The company’s 3D laser-based, computer-vision systems are capable of tracking the application of adhesive beads on extremely small, but critically important assemblies found in cell phones, computers, medical devices, automotive electronic-control modules … read more
FastGAGE To Transform Automated Manufacturing Measurement Processes
Facing shop problems such as time-consuming manual inspections, inconsistent quality, or the high cost of errors? FastGAGE brings a new dimension of reliability and performance to the production line. It not only enhances precision but also streamlines operations, ensuring that quality control is no longer a bottleneck but a driving force for excellence. The newly unveiled FastGAGE system from Acieta is designed to transform manufacturing measurement processes … read more
API Adds Two Groundbreaking 3D Laser Scanners To Its Scanning Portfolio
Automated Precision Inc. (API), a leader in advanced metrology solutions, has announced the launch of two new innovative products: the iScanMagic Composite 3D Scanner and the iScanLite 3D Blue Laser Line Scanner. These state-of-the-art scanners, along with API’s iScan3D, represent one of the most complete scanning portfolios available in today’s market, providing customers with cutting-edge solutions for every level of need … read more
The Invaluable Role of Traceable Data in Documenting Aircraft Dents
Poorly documented dents can lead to more significant problems, potentially compromising the aircraft’s structural integrity or performance. They can trap moisture and lead to corrosion. The stress they generate can initiate fatigue cracks. Their impact on the structure can also affect the aircraft’s aerodynamic performance. Failing to repair a dent in time regularly results in non-compliance with aviation regulations, leading to fines and grounding of the aircraft … read more
Verisurf 2025 Adds New Features and Expands CMM Sensor Support
Verisurf Software has announced the release of Verisurf 2025. As the only CAD/CAM-based metrology software on the market, Verisurf continues to build on its heritage of intelligent Model-Based Definition (MBD) with new features, enhancements, and optimized workflows for inspection, reporting, reverse engineering, tool building, and guided assembly. The software is configured in application modules delivered through powerful solution suites … read more
Finding The Balance When Automating Additive Manufacturing
Since the 19th century, the power loom has enabled significant improvements in textile and fabric production. Novel technologies like non-stop shuttle changing devices and thread replenishment systems made quality cloth available to a mass market. Developing automation in AM can have similar benefits and one way to reduce cost per part is to optimise in-machine processes … read more
Advantages of Area-Based Surface Measurement
Roughness has been measured in manufacturing industries for decades, mostly on the profile. In the meantime, however, there is already an international standard that provides specifications for surface roughness measurement. ISO 25178 specifies three-dimensional texture parameters, operators, applicable technology and calibration requirements for the non-contact measurement method. Even with tactile systems, parameters such as Ra or Rz can be obtained quickly … read more
Efficiency and Gains of 3D Point Cloud Inspection
Point cloud technology refers to the use of a set of data points in a 3D coordinate system, which is commonly defined by X, Y and Z axes. From a metrological standpoint, the actual points in a point cloud represent those X, Y and Z geometric coordinates for each single point. All together, these point clouds can be used as they are (raw) or filtered to create shapes and surfaces that can be compared with a nominal CAD reference … read more
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