January 2024 Metrology News Magazine
Editors Message:
As we step into 2024, Metrology News celebrates its eighth year of publication, committed to delivering the latest updates in the manufacturing metrology sector and the broader manufacturing landscape to our readership. Despite the commonly perceived sluggishness of January, this year commenced with notable momentum, featuring a substantial amount of news. The month witnessed several acquisitions in the calibration sector, the launch of new products, and the announcement of strategic partnerships as companies actively bolstered their product offerings. Our January editorial focus covered a diverse array of stories associated with this dynamic market.
In the evolving landscape of the manufacturing industry, the Metaverse is gaining increasing traction and significance. Within the manufacturing and metrology context, the metaverse signifies the expansion of immersive technologies into industrial processes, embracing immersive, augmented, and virtual reality experiences. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) find applications in metrology, streamlining tasks such as inspecting components or products within a virtual environment, thereby enhancing the speed and precision of quality control processes. The metaverse introduces innovative approaches to visualize and analyze manufacturing data, including the exploration of measurement data in a 3D virtual space, facilitating the easier identification of defect patterns or anomalies by measurement analysts. Furthermore, the industrial metaverse plays a crucial role in enhancing the integration of digital twins, enabling real-time monitoring and analysis of manufacturing processes and metrology data. In this month’s articles, we reported on several metaverse initiatives including “Mixed Reality Reinvents Portable 3D Metrology,” “How Augmented Reality is Revolutionizing Manufacturing,” “RoboTwin Brings Virtual Reality To Factories,” and “Siemens Delivers Innovations in Immersive Engineering and AI To Enable Industrial Metaverse.”
In 2024, Smart Manufacturing, driven by data, is poised to continue its upward trajectory. Utilizing data-driven solutions, it elevates the efficiency, productivity, and flexibility of manufacturing processes through the integration of digital technologies, automation, connectivity, and data analytics, thus creating a more intelligent and responsive manufacturing ecosystem. The domain of advanced data analytics, incorporating machine learning and artificial intelligence, is now employed for analyzing historical and real-time data, enabling the identification of patterns and the formulation of predictions. This month we reported on “The Current Status of Industry 4.0,” “Impact of Edge Computing on Process Control in Smart Manufacturing,” “The Shifting Vision of a Smart Factory,” “Quality Inspection and Big Data,” “Moving Away From Big Data Towards Smart Data,” and “Manufacturing 2050 – Glimpsing the Crucial Role of Metrology.”
You can access the full library of January articles by clicking here.
As usual I welcome your comments, news and views – my inbox is always open.
Keith Mills – Publishing Editor
Impact of Edge Computing on Process Control in Smart Manufacturing
Smart manufacturing, characterized by the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and automation, has ushered in a new era of industrial efficiency. At the heart of this revolution is the deployment of edge computing in process control, a paradigm shift that brings computing capabilities closer to the source of data generation … read more
Updated Smart Metrology Software Enables Closed Loop Manufacturing
Automation Technology (AAT3D) has announced the latest version of its CAPPS metrology software. CAPPS 2024 combines the powerful metrology capabilities of the current version with improved robust graphics and user interface providing improved usability and navigation experience. CAPPSNC software allows the creation of measurement process data directly on CNC machine … read more
Mixed Reality Reinvents Portable 3D Metrology
Mixed reality display technologies are revolutionizing large-scale portable metrology tasks by providing localized visual guidance, measurement feedback, and access to inspection functionalities without burdening the hands of operators. The most recent PolyWorks mixed reality app comes equipped with robust tools for guiding 3D inspection, laser scanning, reviewing inspection results … read more
Augmented Reality is Revolutionizing Manufacturing
The world of manufacturing is evolving rapidly with the introduction of new technologies. Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information in the real world, allowing users to interact with virtual objects in a real environment. This technology can potentially revolutionize how manufacturing companies assemble complex products on the shop floor … read more
The Current Status of Industry 4.0
Interview with Dr. Ingo Herbst from the SmartFactory KL Technology Initiative. The term Industry 4.0 was coined more than 12 years ago. Is the smart factory now a reality everywhere, or are many companies not yet producing “smart”? We are on the way. Industry 4.0 (I40) stands for the 4th Industrial Revolution, This takes time. This is giving rise to new opportunities such as shared production … read more
The Shifting Vision of a Smart Factory
Today, our understanding of the ‘Smart Factory’ is unequivocally linked with deep learning and AI. This is very different to our understanding of the concept fifteen years ago, when the first visions of the Smart Factory of the future emerged. What became of these early visions? And where are we today? We lack a globally accepted definition of ‘Smart Factory’ … read more
Manufacturing 2050 – Glimpsing Crucial Role of Metrology
The landscape of manufacturing is on the brink of a profound transformation, driven by advancements in technology, automation, and the integration of smart systems. As we look ahead to the year 2050, the manufacturing sector is expected to undergo unprecedented changes, ushering in a new era of efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. One critical aspect that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of manufacturing is metrology … read more
Moving Manufacturing Away From Big Data Towards Smart Data
It has been reported that around 90 per cent of data generated in a manufacturing plant typically doesn’t get used to build insights that can really help the business. While this is concerning, it’s not surprising since data is often siloed and unavailable to the people that could benefit from it most. We are already in an era of big data, it is estimated that the volume of data doubles every two years … read more
RoboTwin Brings Virtual Reality To Factories
The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Taiwan’s largest and one of the world’s leading high-tech applied research institutions, has announced the introduction of RoboTwin, a Metaverse Smart Factory Simulation Platform, at the CES 2024 exhibition. RoboTwin creates a realistic VR simulation of a manufacturing factory based on real-world data … read more
Benefits of Quality Inspection and Big Data
The main benefit of deploying AI for quality inspection is significant improvements in defect detection. However, the data generated and stored by inspection systems has the potential to deliver additional benefits, including major improvements in yield. In this article Miron Shtiglitz, director of product management at quality inspection software specialist QualiSense … read more
Quality Assurance Boosted With Automated µCMM
The German-Italian dental product manufacturer Zfx is responding to the Medical Device Regulation with greater precision and automation in quality management. Zfx is a global dental company based in Dachau (Germany) and Gargazon (Italy). On the one hand, Zfx develops and produces prosthetic components for dentists and dental technicians … read more
A Future Where Humans and Robots Collaborate
During the recent CES 2024 exhibition at the Factory Section of the Nikon booth, a glimpse into the future of manufacturing was showcased through Nikon’s in-development Robot Vision. This cutting-edge technology, mounted on a robotic arm, exhibited the capability to identify and process parts with unparalleled speed and precision, surpassing the visual acuity of the human eye … read more
New CMM Sales Platform Announced By Verisurf Software
Verisurf Software, Inc has introduced a new sales platform where customers can source new and pre-owned CMMs powered by Verisurf software. All machines are calibrated and certified and include Verisurf CMM Programming and Inspection Suite software. “Verisurf is committed to selling measurement and inspection solutions based on customer requirements … read more
Fast Inline X-ray System Launched For Gigacasting Inspection
VCxray by VisiConsult is expanding its PRO line x-ray system portfolio with two fast in-line inspection solutions, the PRO FI. and PRO FI. GIGA. Both machines are specifically tailored for the industrial casting market and manufacturing sectors including automotive and aerospace. The concept significantly enhances the inspection process by reducing the time required per view … read more
CT Measuring System Offers Greater Measurement Volume and Accuracy
Werth has extended the application range of its TomoScope S computed tomography series. The new TomoScope measurement systems S Plus have more than doubled the measuring volume of their predecessor, while retaining the same size. With unique specifications for the MPE E length deviation of (4 + L/75) µm and the MPE SD distance deviation of (2.5 + L/100) µm … read more
DURA Automotive System Increase Measuring Capacity By 75%
DURA Automotive Systems is a global automotive supplier specializing in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of solutions that drive the evolution of mobility. Fond of state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge manufacturing processes, the company is known for its support of a well-known luxury automotive brand in joining the EV revolution … read more
Stellantis Group Optimizes CMM Measurement With Laser Scanner
The Mulhouse plant, affiliated with the Stellantis automotive group and employing 178 people, specializes in the manufacturing of tooling, mainly molds for the injection of aluminum under pressure. Equipment designed for forging and stamping is also developed on-site. All tooling undergoes rigorous quality controls to be used with confidence on production lines … read more
Sandvik Acquisition To Strengthen Position In Sensorised Tools Market
Sandvik has signed an agreement to acquire pro-micron GmbH, a German-based supplier of sensorised tools and automation software. Sensorised tools is a high-growth market, with strong underlying drivers such as the accelerated shift to automated production, increasing demand of production data from customers and closed loop manufacturing driving the need for digitalization … read more
Quality Control of Turbine Blades in Automated Production Cell
Optical measuring machines offer advantages in the quality inspection of turbine blades. The Wenzel CORE High Speed Scanning Systems are being used in an automated production cell for the final quality control of turbine blades by Swiss company Starrag AG . The core requirements for the measuring machines are: high accuracy, minimum measuring time and high temperature stability … read more
MetroFactory Offers 3D Quality Control Directly in Production
Opus Solutions Techniques (Opus ST), a French company specializing in metrology solutions development, has unveiled MetroFactory, an independent, robotizable solution designed for 3D production quality control. This solution integrates the Renishaw Equator Gauge with the Metrologic Metrolog X4 metrology software, representing a substantial advancement in quality control efficiency … read more
HOMMEL ETAMIC Calibrates With Improved Accuracy To New Metrology Standard
HOMMEL ETAMIC, Jenoptik’s industrial metrology business, is the first calibration laboratory to be DAkkS-certified for the new series of roughness measurement standards ISO 21920. It has also revised the measurement algorithms of its software and significantly increased its calibration accuracy: the roughness technology standards calibrated are up to four times more accurate … read more
Inline Weld Inspection System Adds Rework Guidance Button Box To Boosts Productivity
SmartRay, a world leader in weld inspection technology, has released a new solution drawing on its industry-leading JOSY system to improve the rework process for welders. JOSY is SmartRay’s cutting-edge inline weld inspection system. It combines first-class sensors with highly flexible, scalable software in a complete turnkey solution. Developed primarily for the automotive industry … read more
In the automotive industry, where precision and perfection are not just goals but necessities, ensuring the highest quality in exterior parts is paramount. This is where the innovative collaboration between Landing AI and Micro-Epsilon comes into play, revolutionizing the way automotive exterior parts with reflective surfaces are inspected … read more
Siemens Delivers Innovations in Immersive Engineering and AI To Enable Industrial Metaverse
Siemens has unveiled innovations that are combining the real world and the digital worlds to redefine reality at the CES 2024 exhibition, the world’s leading technology gathering. Siemens has announced new partnerships and breakthroughs in AI and immersive engineering to enable the industrial metaverse, and highlighted how these technologies are empowering the world’s innovators … read more
Receive the #1 online digital metrology magazine directly into your inbox featuring the very latest news from the manufacturing metrology and smart manufacturing sectors
Unsubscribe at any time. Metrology News will protect your personal information as stated in our privacy policy. Your email will not be shared, bartered, or sold to any third party organization.
HOME PAGE LINK