Bowers Group Enhances Bore Gauge Production with Automated Vision Metrology
Renowned for its precision metrology solutions, Bowers Group continues to push the boundaries of innovation to uphold exceptional standards of accuracy – particularly in its acclaimed range of British-manufactured bore gauges.
To streamline internal inspection processes and boost repeatability, Bowers Group has integrated the Baty Venture FV 2020, a fully automated, non-contact vision measurement system. This strategic move addresses the growing need for speed and consistency in metrology without compromising precision.
“The Baty Venture FV 2020 has taken the guesswork out of the process,” explained Declan Hargreaves, CNC Grinding Technician at Bowers Group. “Once programmed, anyone on the shop floor can operate it and achieve identical, accurate results every time. It’s a perfect example of modern metrology enhancing the production of a time-honoured product.”
At the company’s Bradford, UK, manufacturing facility, Bowers produces the XT3 range of digital internal micrometers – high-precision tools designed to measure internal features such as threads, splines, grooves, and dovetails. A key component in these instruments is the anvil, which demands extreme accuracy during production. To maintain and improve this precision, Bowers identified an opportunity to modernize its inspection methods and eliminate variability.
Previously, anvil inspection involved manual assembly and fit testing using calibrated rings, relying heavily on technician expertise to check key characteristics such as dip and collapse. While reliable, this traditional process was time-intensive and susceptible to inconsistencies, often requiring multiple iterations to achieve the correct fit.
The implementation of the Venture FV 2020 has revolutionized this process. Leveraging high-resolution vision technology, the system enables rapid, batch inspection of multiple anvils—cutting inspection times from 90 minutes to just 20. By placing components on the system’s precision stage, operators can instantly classify them into tolerance bands, ensuring a consistent, precise fit with minimal manual intervention.
Now an integral part of daily operations, the Venture FV 2020 is not only increasing throughput but also enhancing quality control across production. Its user-friendly interface and automated functionality allow any operator, regardless of specialist training, to achieve repeatable, accurate results.
By marrying traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge metrology, Bowers Group is strengthening its position as a leader in bore gauging. The integration of advanced vision systems ensures that each product leaving its Bradford facility embodies the company’s unwavering commitment to quality, performance, and British engineering excellence.
As the metrology industry continues to evolve, Bowers Group stands at the forefront delivering robust, high-precision solutions that meet the demands of modern manufacturing.
For more information: www.bowersgroup.co.uk
