May 2023 Metrology News Magazine
Editors Message:
This month Metrology News travelled to Stuttgart and Detroit, two significant automotive manufacturing hubs, to attend the CONTROL and AUTOMATE exhibitions. These events showcased the latest advancements in manufacturing technologies, with a focus on quality assurance and automation. The exhibitors put great effort into presenting their products in engaging ways, leaving a strong impression on attendees. However, it’s unfortunate that the exhibitions only last for a few days before the carpets are rolled-up with the ‘circus’ moving on to another city in another country, leaving those who missed the events without an opportunity to participate.
With total investment in these shows by exhibitors reaching ‘eye watering’ numbers, probably in the order of tens of million of dollars, it works out at a total investment of many thousands of dollars per individual attendee!! It begs the question whether it’s time for a virtual 365-day event to emerge, providing outreach to a much larger global audience and offering a more favorable return on investment. Let me clarify that I genuinely enjoy attending these shows, as they provide valuable opportunities to discover new companies, products, and technologies, as well as for networking and socializing. However, we must consider the affordability of such events and whether it’s time to explore alternative approaches utilizing the very latest technologies.
At both events, exhibitors from various sectors, be it hardware, software, or turnkey solutions, emphasized the importance of data generation, its analysis, and closed-loop feedback into manufacturing processes. Regardless of their specific offerings, the exhibitors recognize the growing significance of data in driving decision-making within next-generation manufacturing organizations. Achieving seamless integration of data generators with manufacturing processes now requires automation and integration – and all with minimal latency.
As someone who has experience in both the automation and metrology industries, it is truly captivating to observe the convergence of these two once-separate entities. The boundaries between automation and metrology are gradually dissolving, showcasing the fascinating evolution of these industries.
This month we featured many new product introductions, most of which advanced further the current trend of automated metrology.; many of these are featured in this month’s newsletter.
Editorial focussed articles this month included “Robots Position Automated Metrology Systems For Growth”; “The Growing Role of Big Data Usage in Smart Manufacturing”; “Future of Manufacturing Powered by Data and Analytics”; “Automated Metrology – Moving from Bottleneck to Productivity” and “Quality 4.0: Embracing Digital Transformation for Enhanced Quality”. The complete library of May articles can be accessed by clicking here.
As usual I welcome your comments, news and views – my inbox is always open.
Keith Mills – Publishing Editor
Renishaw Launches Product Line For Robotic Automation
Renishaw has unveiled a newly developed product line at the Automate Expo in Detroit specifically designed for the industrial automation market. Building on its existing expertise and technologies for industrial metrology applications, the new RCS product line aims to transform the process of commissioning and servicing industrial automation … read more
Robotic Automated Fixture System Eliminates Part Clamping
At the Recent CONTROL 2023 exhibition Metrology News was introduced to the Poly Robot Automated Fixture System (PRAFS) from PROTOS-3D, a fully flexible part fixturing system used in conjunction with virtual clamping software. The desire to replace mechanical clamping devices becomes reality with PRAFS + Virtual Clamping … read more
Robots Position Automated Metrology Systems For Growth
The recent 2023 CONTROL exhibition in Stuttgart, drew approximately 21,210 visitors, marking a 20% decrease compared to the pre-pandemic event in 2019. The exhibition comprised four halls where 589 exhibitors showcased their presentations. This exhibitor count reflected a 32% decline from 2019 when seven halls were filled with exhibits … read more
Robotic Paint Inspection System Uses Terahertz Technology
The Volkswagen Group has elected to use das-Nano technology to measure the layer thickness of its car body coatings. The competitiveness in the automotive sector is very high and therefore it requires the most exigent in-line quality control processes. However, the current worldwide used quality control methods for car body coating thickness measurement … read more
New IIOT Vision Inspection Software Platform For Gocator 3D Smart Sensors
LMI Technologies (LMI) has announce the official release of its new GoPxL IIoT Vision Inspection Software. GoPxL is an embedded software application for creating end-to-end, web-based, inline measurement and inspection solutions deployed on Gocator 3D Smart Sensors. Vision engineers can use GoPxL to solve a wide range of industrial inspection tasks … read more
Wireless Laser Scanning Sensors Seamlessly Integrate With Production Machinery
With Industry 4.0 and the interconnection of machines, controls and software on the shop floor constantly gathering pace, there is an increasing requirement for inspection devices that can communicate wirelessly. Absence of cabling facilitates integration closer to the point of manufacturing, shortening the closed-loop feedback path … read more
The Growing Role of Big Data Usage in Smart Manufacturing
Smart Manufacturing is a generic term being frequently used to describe the use of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and automation to optimize manufacturing processes. This advanced manufacturing approach aims to enhance productivity, efficiency, and flexibility, leading to higher quality products … read more
Upgraded Laser Scanner Delivers Improved Performance
For more than a decade, the LC15Dx laser scanner manufactured by the Industrial Metrology Business Unit of Nikon Corporation has been a global benchmark for efficient measurement and inspection of manufactured components, especially those having complex freeform geometry such as turbine blades, orthopaedic implants and … read more
Versatile Large-Volume X-ray CT Inspection System Introduced
The first of an innovative range of high-performance X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) systems offering enhanced levels of precision, resolution and scan speed has been introduced by the Industrial Metrology Business Unit of Nikon Corporation. The large-volume VOXLS 40 C 450 is able to inspect items of diverse size and density … read more
Waygate Technologies Announces New Flagship CT Scanner
Waygate Technologies, a Baker Hughes business and world leader in nondestructive testing (NDT) solutions for industrial inspection, has announced a new flagship computed tomography (CT) solution called Phoenix V|tome|x M Omni. Designed to replace the company’s most popular CT system, it builds on the success … read more
Precise Results Specifically For The Customers’ Needs
Requirements regarding measuring technology are constantly increasing in many areas. Precise and fast results are the basis for high-performing quality assurance, process optimization and production development. ZEISS CALYPSO is the universal software for applications in dimensional metrology. Geometric elements can be measured in an easy … read more
Verisurf Software Announces Adaptive Scanning Solution
Verisurf Software has announced adaptive scanning using Renishaw equipped CNC CMMs, including the Equator™ flexible gauging system. Components are scanned to capture profiles of undefined shapes. Verisurf software processes the captured data to create an accurate digital twin for engineering and manufacturing. The adaptive scanning … read more
Future of Manufacturing Powered by Data and Analytics
Manufacturing industry is on the verge of a data‑driven revolution. Companies are collaborating in hyperconnected value networks, using data‑and‑analytics applications to drive productivity, develop new customer experiences and improve the societal and environmental impact of companies. This technological advance has come … read more
Automated Metrology – Moving from Bottleneck to Productivity
As the demand for precision manufacturing continues to rise, automated metrology systems are emerging as a game-changer in the industry. With the ability to streamline inspection processes and reduce bottlenecks, these systems are quickly transitioning from a luxury to a necessity for manufacturers looking to improve productivity and efficiency … read more
AI-Controlled Robots Process Individual Vehicle Paint Quality Standards
BMW Group Plant Regensburg has become the automotive industry’s first plant worldwide to use an end-to-end digitalised and automated process for inspection, processing and marking of painted vehicle surfaces in standard production. In an innovative new approach, AI-controlled robots process vehicles individually to meet objective quality standards … read more
Quality 4.0: Embracing Digital Transformation for Enhanced Quality
In the era of Industry 4.0, where automation, data analytics, and connectivity are revolutionizing traditional manufacturing and business processes, quality control is also undergoing a profound transformation. Quality 4.0, an integral part of the Industry 4.0 refers to the strategic integration of digital technologies to improve and optimize … read more
Machine Tool Measurement Assures Quality On Custom Milling Machine
Zimmermann GmbH’s aerospace industry customer tasked them to develop a bespoke portal milling machine to manufacture complex titanium suspensions for aeroplane control surfaces. The new system needs to handle the programming of production paths, all milling operations and on-machine component inspections. In taking on the challenge … read more
Partnership to Deliver PLM-Integrated Advanced Visualization Solutions for Manufacturers
Canvas GFX, a leading provider of interactive digital work instructions solutions, and Razorleaf, a global systems integrator and consulting services provider specializing in PLM, have announced a partnership to bring advanced, PLM-integrated digital work instructions and 3D visualization to manufacturing organizations … read more
Highest Resolution Mobile Surface Characterization Tool Launched
GelSight, a pioneer in tactile intelligence technology, has announced the launch of its new premium digital mobile metrology device, the GelSight Max. GelSight Max allows users to capture high-resolution 2D images and 3D digital surface maps in milliseconds. These surface maps enable analysis functions such as submicron profile and surface … read more
Overcoming Challenges When Inspecting Highly Reflective Moving Parts
Quality Assurance (QA) is an essential step of every manufacturing process – by ensuring parts are made to specifications, manufacturers can avoid the notorious costs associated with defective products. However, inspecting highly reflective moving parts has historically been challenging for traditional machine vision solutions, meaning automated QA … read more
Cylinder Coordinate Measuring Machines Designed For Production
The cylinder coordinate measuring machines of the Mar4D PLQ 4200 product line ensure a wide range of applications thanks to workpiece flexibility and multisensor technology. They operate at high speed and precision for fast and reliable measurement results. The Mar4D PLQ 4200 from Mahr offers customers a powerful measuring solution for … read more
Vuforia Step Check Brings AI-Enhanced Visual Inspection to Manufacturing
Vuforia has introduced PTC’s new, AI-enhanced Step Check visual inspection solution. Step Check focuses on one of the most important stages of the manufacturing process: visual inspection for quality control. In other words, the part of the process where frontline workers determine if a part, component, or full product is manufactured … read more
Advanced Industry 4.0 Solutions Are Proliferating Smart Factories
Today’s manufacturing Chief Information Officers’ (CIOs) are responsible for a wide variety of issues on the shop floor, ranging from IoT security to supporting business operations and modernizing the smart factory. A key focus for the majority of manufacturing CIOs is to adapt to the changing roles that operation technologies and information … read more
Smart Factory Boosts Product Quality Using AI-Based Automated Inspection
The ongoing miniaturization of electronic components enables manufacturers like Schneider Electric to build smaller, lighter, faster, and more efficient electrical distribution and protection products. Throughout its Smart Factory in Bulgaria, the smallest components often play a large role in determining the effectiveness and quality … read more
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