Composite Products Worth Seeing

2009 is about to come to a close. As you look forward to the new year, take a look at some of the last composites products of the aught.

Synergy Composites is hoping a new autoclave system will bring some of its own synergy to manufacture advanced composite components. The autoclave can achieve a maximum temperature of 450 degrees Celsius and is capable of very high pressures (300 PSi). The system has been specifically purchased to provide research and development plus production capability. The company has also invested in an aerospace specified class 7 cleanroom and large (3m long x 1.2m wide x 1m high) coordinate measuring machine.

ContiTech Vibration Control collaborates with BASF and BMW to create the first transmission cross beam for the BMW Gran Turismo 550i

Composites are now on their way to cross beams, as ContiTech Vibration Control collaborates with BASF and BMW to create the first transmission cross beam made of plastic polyamide for use in the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo 550i. The transmission cross beam is the direct link to the engine-transmission mount, and contributes to the overall rigidity of the vehicle and supports the forces and torque of the engine-transmission unit. ContiTech produces the component from strong polyamide in an injection molding process, which they say results in a 50 percent weight savings over aluminum.

Homeland security, government and military agencies’ applications need protection too, and PPG Industries is filling that void with Mil-Tough inorganic composite binder panels. These precast, fiber glass-reinforced ICB panels enhance blast and ballistics resistance in thinner, lighter forms with traditional steel-reinforced concrete systems. The panels can be custom manufactured based on the customer-defined threat level, and they can be incorporated into either modular systems for rapid force protection or permanent structures. Modular designs provide an interconnecting infrastructure to support use in multi- and single-level buildings as well as freestanding perimeter wall system.

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Mitutoyo Robotic Metrology Cell Enhances Measurement Integrity, Productivity

(Aurora, IL) Mitutoyo America Corporation announces the development of robotic tending for its CMMs as well as for a full range of its CNC-driven metrology instruments. Rapid and extremely precise automated loading and unloading (repeatability of ± 20ìm) makes the technology ideal for manufacturers seeking to fully automate manufacturing processes, end-to-end. In developing the automated instrument-tending technology, Mitutoyo America exploited recent advances in robotic end-of-arm devices including: highly sensitive collision detection enabling high-dexterity picking of delicate parts and precise fitting to instrument fixturing, force-sensitive grippers that enhance precision and enable intelligent parts placement, and 2D/3D vision systems that enable the robot to detect and pick randomly positioned workpieces therefore eliminating need for special feeders or alignment fixturing. Mitutoyo's robotic instrument loading can provide dramatic improvements in measurement-and-inspection performance and economics.

Automated loading typically increases part cycling speed by at least 20%. Human error is eliminated, simplifying trouble shooting and reducing scrap while extremely accurate parts placement enhances measurement equipment R&R (repeatability & reproducibility) ultimately translating to improved process capability (Cpk). Additionally, staff can be transferred from operating measurement-and-inspection to higher value tasks. Overall, measuring costs can be reduced 335% with total system ROI (payback time) may be as little as one year. These factors together with potential depreciation and capital equipment tax benefits make Mitutoyo's robotically loaded metrology cell economically viable for even relatively small processors. Mitutoyo robotic loading supports the full line of Mitutoyo CNC-driven metrology instruments. Facilitated by Mitutoyo's proprietary Eio (Extended I/O) control, implementation of Mitutoyo CNC equipment is plug-and-play. External PCs recognize hardware components without physical device configuration, resource conflicts are eliminated and user intervention is unnecessary - whether one or a number of measurement instruments are integrated into a cell. The cell employs a Fanuc® robot (model with some details) and instruments capable of integration include: Mitutoyo CNC CMMs running MCOSMOS® Mitutoyo CNC QuickVision® vision systems running QVPak Mitutoyo CNC Roundtest® roundness systems running RoundPak Mitutoyo CNC Contracer® form and Surftest® surface/finish systems running Form TracePak Mitutoyo Laserscan Micrometer

Offline robot programming supports 3D graphic representation of Mitutoyo instruments with animated teaching support and simulated cycle time and verification. Mitutoyo Corporation is the world's largest provider of measurement and inspection solutions offering the most complete selection of machines, sensors, systems and services with a line encompassing CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines), vision, form and finish measuring machines as well as precision tools and instruments, and metrology data management software.

Mitutoyo

Mitutoyo's nationwide network of Metrology Centers and support operations provides application, calibration, service, repair and educational programs to ensure that our 6,000+ metrology products will deliver measurement solutions for our customers throughout their lifetime. Contact Mitutoyo America Corporation, 965 Corporate Boulevard, Aurora, IL 60502. Phone: (630) 820-9666 Fax: (630) 978-5394 E-mail: info@mitutoyo.com Or visit our website at http://www.mitutoyo.com/

Laser Scanning Software from 3D Spatial

Pointools View Pro, Pointools for Rhino, Pointools Model for AutoCAD, Pointools Edit

Laser Scanning Technology

3D Spatial is proud to announce that it is now a reseller of the powerful Pointools pointcloud viewing and modelling suite of software. Pointools industry leading point cloud visualisation technology enables rapid navigation of dense point cloud datasets comprising of 100’s millions of points.

Professionals can now inspect complex laser scanned environments from their desktop with the unmatched speed and ease using Pointools powerful range of software.

Pointools View Pro

Pointools View Pro is a high performance pointcloud visualisation package ideal for project visualisation, collaboration, management and presentation of pointclouds typically produced by today’s Laser Scanners.

3D Scanning Technology

Pointools View Pro works directly with Pointclouds from any 3D scanner manufacturer which includes FARO, Leica, Riegl, Optech, Trimbleas well as many other formats.

•View huge pointcloud datasets quickly and easily with Pointools View Pro

•Take point and distance measurements directly in a 3D world

•Generate true orthographic views of buildings from laser scan data

•Produce high quality movie footage for project fly throughs and interactive presentations

3D Laser Scanning

Pointools View Pro provides a high performance, easy to use and cost effective environment for viewing, analysing and producing compelling visual content from a range of 3D data types.

Pointools View Pro gives you the power to examine, distribute, collaborate and present laser scan and 3d model data with speed and ease. Pointools View is also available as a free viewer for end users to view, evaluate and mark up directly from pointcloud data.

Pointools for Rhino

Pointools for Rhino provides an intuitive interface for interpretation and visualisation of point cloud data in the powerful Rhino 3D modelling environment. Using the Rhino/Pointools combination offers a powerful and low cost solution for drawing and modelling directly from laser scan data.

Pointools for Rhino imports point clouds into the Rhino3D environment and displays the points in the viewport with various controls over shading and visibility and offering advanced capabilities such as intelligent pipe and surface fitting in addition to powerful sectioning and segmentation capabilities.

Applications include drawing or modelling from point clouds or viewing a proposal within a point cloud. The plug in can also be used to work with aerial LIDAR or vehicle based mobile laser scanning data for larger scale urban mapping and planning.

Pointools Model - 3D Modelling Systems

Pointools Model delivers the power and flexibility to work with large point cloud datasets within AutoCAD, the ideal solution for drawing and modelling from scan data.

Pointools Model imports point clouds into the AutoCAD environment and displays the points in the viewport with various controls over shading and visibility and offering advanced capabilities such as intelligent pipe and surface fitting in addition to powerful sectioning and segmentation capabilities.

Applications include drawing or modelling from point clouds or viewing a proposal within a point cloud. The plug in can also be used to work with aerial LIDAR or vehicle based mobile laser scanning data for larger scale urban mapping and planning.

Pointools Edit

Pointools Edit is a revolutionary new product allowing the direct editing and manipulation of point clouds in Pointools powerful interface.

Pointools Edit builds on all the features of Pointools View Pro with pointcloud layer based editing and segmentation Erroneous data and obstructions typical of laser scan data can be cleaned easily using the flexible toolkit of Pointools Edit.

Other unique features allow for RGB editing of colour pointclouds with. It’s like using Photoshop for pointclouds.

3D Software

All of Pointools software solutions are low cost solutions and ideal for end users of pointcloud data working in large and small scale infrastructure projects, industrial plant and equipment, mining as well as with aerial and mobile laser scan datasets.

GAGE AND GEAR MANUFACTURER TIFCO GAGE & GEAR ADDS SECOND NEW WENZEL GEAR MEASURING MACHINE TO EXPAND INSPECTION CAPABILITY

Tifco Gage & Gear relies on a “fast turn-around” for gage and gear manufacturing. Fast and accurate inspection is key to maintaining that capability, and Wenzel gear inspection equipment has been a valuable resource.

Several years ago Tifco Gage & Gear, a division of Delta Research Corporation was an exhibitor at the Gear Expo in Detroit. Like many exhibitors at trade shows, Tifco was looking for some new equipment as well. In this case, it was new gear inspection capability. Because all of the major gear inspection equipment manufacturers were exhibiting too, Bob Sakuta, president of Tifco selected a sample precision gear and took it to each of the manufacturer’s booths and asked them how fast could they program the gear and inspect it. Wenzel was the winner, and the winner by a fairly large margin. At that point, Mr. Sakuta ordered a new Wenzel WGT350.

Mr. Sakuta explains, “The Wenzel WGT350 is a dedicated 4-axis gear tester. All axes are made from natural Impala black granite, which we believe insures excellent thermal behavior, and no-wear air bearings on all linear axes and the rotary table to provide the ultimate in high-accuracy performance compared to the mechanical bearings used in all competitor’s machines. The hydrostatic rotary table with disengageable dirve allows a manual rotation of the table during part set-up which minimizes set-up time. The machine has a fully counterbalanced tailstock that can support longer gears, tools and shafts, typical of the types of products Tifco produces. Workpiece diameter capability is from 5 to 400mm with a measurable gear face width of 500mm. Gears up to 400-lbs can be inspected.”

Scott Sakuta, manager of the quality control department, adds, “The ease of programming of the WGT350 is really what sold me. Its database is based on Windows® technology and is extremely user-friendly. The old DOS based systems used by other gear inspection machine manufacturers are really ‘old school’ and not what today’s computer-savvy technicians like to use. The fact that the software allows workpiece data records to be linked to digital photos facilitates selection and positionally-accurate clamping, providing the user with quick and precise measuring results. Actually, we have been able to program and inspect gears in half the time of our older inspection equipment.”

Scott Sakuta also adds, “We initially discovered that the appearance, form and interpretation of the Wenzel gear inspection reports were a bit disconcerting to our customer base which for years has been used to seeing only M&M gear inspection reports. As a result, we worked very diligently with Xspect Solutions and Wenzel software people to develop a report look that was very similar to what the industry was accustomed to.”

Just recently, Tifco added new capability in their quality Control Department with the addition of a new Wenzel LH GMM (Gear Measuring Machine). “We began to see our aerospace, automotive, marine and agricultural customer’s needs expanding as their supplier bases began to constrict,” Bob Sakuta notes. “We wanted to be in position to provide additional value-added services which could include different types of shafts, housings and larger gears that previously we had not provided. We had all the manufacturing capability that would be required; we just needed more flexible inspection capability for these types of parts. For that reason we purchased the Wenzel bridge-type Model 6.7.5 GMM. This GMM uses the same gear controller, imbedded rotary table, and software that are used on the Wenzel WGT range. Now, not only can we measure larger gears up to 600 mm diameter, but we also can measure other rotation-symmetrical parts as well as a broad range of prismatic parts. This type of inspection machine allows us to perform production monitoring, prototype development or reverse engineering. The vertical GMM machine design, compared to traditional gear checkers, is more convenient for measuring internal gears.”

Bob Sakuta concludes, “We continue to have a very good experience working with Xspect Solutions on our CMM issues over the years. We have developed the same type of long-term customer/supplier relationship with them that we like to have with our own customers. We’re confident that if there is something new and beneficial to our companies with respect to measuring, Xspect Solutions with their high quality line of Wenzel equipment will bring it to our attention. We now have three Wenzel machines, a CMM, a WGT350 Gear Inspection Machine and an LH GMM at our two plants as well as an OpenDMIS upgrade for our older Federal CMM. We are extremely pleased with their operation and performance.”

Xspect Solutions, Inc. headquartered in Wixom, Michigan, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wenzel GmbH of Germany. Xspect Solutions is the Number 3 supplier of CMMs in the North American metrology market including; new Wenzel CMMs, and is the world’s largest supplier of pre-owned CMM equipment. Xspect Solutions also supplies new Wenzel CMMs, new LH GMMs as well as OpenDMIS® software to the North American markets.

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A Primer on 3D Scanning in Forensics, Part 1

By Eugene Liscio, P.Eng

As 3D scanners become more common for capturing and preserving evidence, police, forensic technicians, attorneys, and others involved in the legal industry need to be aware of the applications, benefits, and limitations of how this technology is applied in recording data and subsequently how it can be used to aid in the analysis of evidence and crime scenes. The following article provides an introduction into the ever growing application of 3D scanners in the forensics industry.

The start of any forensic investigation must begin with the collection, review, and analysis of evidence. As a general rule of thumb, the better the quality of evidence, the better the analysis and likelihood of solving the crime. This is why there is a regular stream of new products, equipment, and software to aid the forensic technician in the collection, organization, and analysis of evidence. Many products or technologies are specialized in the collection of evidence while others' sole purpose is to keep evidence organized. However, even fewer technologies can collect, organize, and provide the analysis tools all in one package. This is the main reason why 3D scanning for forensics is an ever growing and useful application of laser based measurement technologies in fighting crimes and reconstructing events.

Often referred to as High Definition Surveying (HDS), 3D scanning became popular in the late 1990s for surveying buildings, terrain, and other architectural features in a very rapid and detailed manner. However, it wasn't long before many in the industry realized that the quick capture of vast amounts of point data was invaluable over the more traditional total stations. 3D Scanners can obtain tens of thousands of point measurements per second, while most total stations capture one measurement every few seconds (at best). Therefore, the time savings and possibilities available with a 3D scanner would be practically impossible with more traditional methods. The end result is that accident and crime scenes can be released in a fraction of the time with more measurements than were ever possible before.

The term "3D Scanners" makes up a broad range of devices and technologies all aimed at taking a large quantity of measurements of an object's surface or environment. The choice and application of 3D scanning often depends on the size of the object (or environment) being scanned along with an understanding of what will be done with the data once it is captured. These two factors often drive the type of technology that can be used to obtain measurements and in some cases, what type of software will be used to edit the data.

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Hexagon acquires assets and technical intellectual property of MYCRONA

Hexagon AB, a Sweden-based manufacturer and supplier of measuring machines and engineering products, has acquired all the outstanding assets and technical intellectual property of MYCRONA Gesellschaft fur innovative Messtechnik mbH, a Germany-based manufacturer of state-of-the-art 3D multi-sensor coordinate measuring machines.

Following the transaction, the businesses will be integrated into Hexagon's metrology vision business. It will be operated with research and development (R&D) and manufacturing facilities in Germany and China.

Deal Type Acquisition

Sub-Category Asset Purchase

Deal Status Completed: 2009-12-10

Deal Participants

Target (Company) MYCRONA Gesellschaft fur innovative Messtechnik mbH - Assets and Technical Intellectual Property

Acquirer (Company) Hexagon AB

Vendor (Company) MYCRONA Gesellschaft fur innovative Messtechnik mbH

Deal Rationale

The acquisition will further enhance Hexagon Metrology's product offering in multisensor vision technology.

Hexagon expands its offering in the Vision Metrology business

Hexagon has recently acquired all outstanding assets and intellectual property of two German companies within the vision metrology industry. The acquisitions will further enhance Hexagon’s worldwide product offering in multisensor vision technology.

The background to the acquisitions is the growing demand for 3D feature recognition using optical, white light and non-contact scanning probes in the metrology industry. Customers need flexible equipment with multiple sensors for measuring a variety of features in one set up. This is a high growth area within Metrology and the targeted customer groups are found in a number of different industries such as High-tech, Medical, Electronics and Micro-machining.

The acquired assets and IPs from Mahr Multisensor GmbH gives Hexagon a complete range of optical coordinate measuring systems used for measuring in industrial applications, as well as in science and research.

Hexagon has also acquired all assets and IPs from Mycrona GmbH which is a manufacturer of state-of-the-art 3D multi-sensor coordinate measuring machines. Mycrona’s product portfolio consists of a complete range of machines for the vision industry. Each product offering is available with camera, laser or white light scanning sensors as well as contact probe systems. In addition the machines already offer Hexagon’s PCDMIS Vision Software, on all their products.

The acquired businesses will be integrated into Hexagon’s Metrology Vision business. It will be operated with R&D and manufacturing facilities in Germany and China.

”With these acquisitions Hexagon covers all aspects of the multisensor market from fairly simple low-end systems already established via Hexagon’s subsidiary Tesa to the advanced automated systems that Mahr and Mycrona represents. It also opens up the door to the nano segment of the measurement technology industry", says Ola Rollén, CEO and President of Hexagon AB.

Excluding inter-company transactions, the acquisitions will add approximately 50-70 MSEK to Hexagon's sales in 2010. The acquisitions will be fully consolidated as of 1 January 2010, and will immediately contribute to Hexagon's earnings.

Hexagon AB is a global measurement technologies company with strong market positions. Hexagon's mission is to develop and market leading technologies and services to measure in one, two or three dimensions, to position and update objects and to time processes. The group has about 8 000 employees in 35 countries and net sales of about 13 000 MSEK. Read more at www.hexagon.se.

Quality Assurance in Dental Technology

AmannGirrbach AG uses coordinate measuring technology from Carl Zeiss

Skilled craftsmanship is vital in a dental lab. High-quality materials and precision down to the last detail contribute to health and quality of life. The latest manufacturing techniques guarantee high quality. To ensure this quality, AmannGirrbach offers 500 articles for dental technology ranging from an articulator to a chewing motion simulator to consumables.

A highly precise dental prosthetic, for which finishing and reworking can be clearly reduced, is more important than ever in dentistry. Highly precise production of the equipment used to make models is vital to ensuring that dental prosthetics fit properly. Therefore, very exact measurements are required to check the quality of the finished parts. In addition to a CONTURA® G2 coordinate measuring machine, AmannGirrbach utilizes an O-INSPECT multisensor measuring machine for optical and contact measurements to provide its customers with high-quality products.

Optimizing quality assurance

Changes to the portfolio, increasingly narrowing tolerances and a rising number of freeform surfaces required new approaches in quality assurance. AmannGirrbach quickly recognized that quality assurance is more than something they had to do. The implementation of a CAQ system (computer-aided quality) also demanded the implementation of reproducible processes. Here, in-depth quality assurance of the finished parts is vital. Mario Fröhle, Head of Quality Assurance at AmannGirrbach, emphasizes that “quality assurance shortens and optimizes the manufacturing process, but should not be solely the task of the QA employee. The ease of use of ZEISS coordinate measuring machines is a key element. Inspection has thus become part of everyday work.”

Coordinate measuring machines in quality assurance have considerably shortened the inspection process and lowered the number of rejects. Workpieces which required 10 minutes to inspect in the past can now be checked in around three minutes in a CNC run. However, not only measuring time reduction, but also the increasing number of form and position tolerances demanded flexible methods in quality assurance. This is where the benefits of scanning technology from Carl Zeiss become evident. They enable the evaluation of linear tolerances, and form and position tolerances in a single measurement. Low quantities and different parts demand frequent changes to the setup of the machines. Here, it is particularly important to have a measuring system comprising a coordinate measuring machine and measuring software that quickly and reliably provides the machine operator with correction values.

CALYPSO for contact and optical measuring

With CALYPSO®, the quality of the parts can be checked on both the CONTURA G2 contact coordinate measuring machine and the O-INSPECT optical-contact coordinate measuring machine. Operators always use the same interface regardless of the measuring machine or workpiece.

The Coordinate Measuring Machines Role In Precision Machining

There is no doubt that the current economy has impacted the health of machining industry throughout the world. The smaller demand for machining products is taking its toll on some machine shops that are not able to find clever ways to operate effectively and efficiently. Some shops are continuing to perform at high levels, and are not experiencing the situation as other have been required to.

There is no secret why some machine shops are adapting to this change and are able to maintain profit even during these difficult times. The best machine shops are finding ways to be more precise. Sure. Precision craft is what most machine shops have prided themselves on for a long time, but the shops that are doing well today are expanding the meaning of this precision into the ways they are running the business. More often than not, this precision in business management means the addition of some type of technology.

The growth in machining is in the field of precision machining. With the automotive industry not performing as it once did, the old machine ships that once were able to press and machine parts within reasonable specifications are now understanding that they need to switch operations in order to stay competitive. Precision machining, that is machining that operates within a tiny fraction of an inch, and has fine minuscule tolerances, is now in high demand. This is due to the fact that many industries such as the alternative energy field need very small tolerances.

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Machine tools are not CMMs

By Dr. Scott Smith, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

To improve productivity, it seems logical to measure parts using the same machine tool that makes them. After all, the machine tool usually has the required axes, sufficient work volume and typically a touch-trigger probe. Yet, full on-machine measurement is often not good enough. Why are the most accurate measurements still made on special-purpose coordinate measuring machines? CMMs, like metalcutting machine tools, are constructed to be as accurate as economically feasible. CMMs however, unlike machine tools, are made more accurate through computer-based error compensation throughout the work space—volumetric error compensation. After a CMM is built, its error map is carefully measured using laser interferometry, for example. The error functions for straightness, squareness, linear positioning accuracy and angular errors are measured and tabulated. Because the geometry of CMM components can be taken as constant, these errors can be combined and corrected using software. While volumetric error compensation is almost universal in CMMs, it is rare for machine tools to have correction for more than ballscrew errors. So why is volumetric error compensation more difficult for machine tools? The geometry of machine tool components is not constant, making machine tools different than CMMs in at least four significant ways. CMMs are usually housed in well-controlled thermal environments. Metrology laboratories are routinely maintained at 20° C, the temperature at which dimensional measurements are specified. These rooms have large airflows, temperature-lock doors and special thermal control systems to hold the temperature within a narrow range, routinely to a small fraction of 1° C. Before part measurements are made, the parts are required to “soak out”—that is, to come completely to the temperature of the metrology room. On the other hand, machine tools are often operated in poorly controlled thermal environments. Windows may allow sunlight into the room, and doors to the outside may be open. While machine shops are routinely heated, only a minority are air-conditioned. The changing thermal environment changes the geometry of the machine tool. The machine tool has thermal modes in the same way that it has vibrational modes, but the time constants of the thermal modes are long—on the order of hours or days. CMMs do not have significant on-board heat sources. While there are servomotors to drive the CMM axes, the required power is low. The axes of CMMs have low friction, often riding on a cushion of air. Machine tools have drive motors, preloaded axes and spindles, and receive heat from the cutting process and the sprays of lower-temperature coolant. These heat sources turn on and off unpredictably, depending on the part. The heat sources on machine tools excite the thermal modes, and, as a result, the machine is always moving. The machine never gets warmed up. As an example, consider a machine tool with a spindle mounted on the front of a vertical column. When the spindle is first turned on, the heat is largely contained in the spindle, which grows out, away from the column. The spindle position moves in +Y. Later in the day, even with the spindle still running at the same speed and under the same load, the heat from the spindle begins to migrate into the column, but on the front side more than on the back side of the column. The column deforms and begins to lean back, moving the spindle in –Y. If, as is more common, the spindle starts and stops and speeds up and slows down, then thermally induced errors become difficult to predict. CMMs do not have to “be” anywhere. Rather, they have to know accurately where they are when the probe “clicks.” As a result, the drives and guideways can be rather flexible. Machine tools have to be in particular locations and they have to hold those positions against high forces. The drives and guideways must be very stiff. Machine tool axes have to be preloaded to avoid backlash, and they exhibit friction. Reversal errors are a significant problem for machine tools, but far less so for CMMs. Unlike CMMs, machine tools must move axes at prescribed (and often high) speeds to coordinate with the cutting actions of the tool. CMMs do not usually experience significant process loads. The contact force between the probe and the target may be millinewtons. As a result, the deformation of a CMM during measurement operations is usually small and generally limited to the effects of the weight of the part (which does not change on a CMM), and the changing center of mass of the moving components. Machine tools experience significant process loads. The cutting force can easily be hundreds of pounds. Cutting produces large spindle torques, and the rapidly moving heavy axes produce inertial loads. For these reasons, machine tools are resistant to volumetric error compensation. It does not mean that machine tools cannot be used for measurement. Rather, it means that CMM-base measurements are, at least for now, significantly more accurate. CTE About the Author: Dr. Scott Smith is a professor at the William States Lee College of Engineering, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, specializing in machine tool structural dynamics. Contact him via e-mail at kssmith@uncc.edu.

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Hexagon Metrology announces PC-DMIS 2009 MR1

Incremental release of market leading metrology software

North Kingstown, RI – November 24, 2009 – Hexagon Metrology announces the release of PC-DMIS 2009 Minor Release 1 (MR1), an incremental update to PC-DMIS 2009, which was newly released in July 2009.

“The model of doing frequent minor releases represents the continuation of our new agile programming model, which provides incremental value in terms of enhancing core stability plus faster release of important features that our customers have been asking for,” said Ken Woodbine, president of PC-DMIS developer Wilcox Associates, Inc., a Hexagon Metrology company. “With this release we continue what we started with PC-DMIS 2009, offering value-added enhancements that are geared toward delivering the greatest benefit to a large cross-section of our customers.”

PC-DMIS 2009 MR1 includes new features in all modules of the product including CMM, Vision, Portable (for Arms and Trackers), and NC probing. Many of the improved features focus on productivity gains; in the CMM version, automatic probe path creation and path editing, with graphical manipulation of path lines is included. A new setting called ‘smart moves’ allows “on the fly” insertion of probe moves during programming, without interruption to programming workflow. Programming enhancements that improve the speed of creating programs allow the implementation of new measurement routines quickly, which improves overall efficiency in the inspection department.

The PC-DMIS 2009 MR1 update is available for licenses with current software maintenance agreements via download from http://www.wilcoxassoc.com/, or from local Hexagon Metrology offices worldwide.

About Hexagon Metrology

Hexagon Metrology is part of the Hexagon AB Group and includes leading metrology brands such as Brown & Sharpe, CimCore, CogniTens, DEA, Leica Geosystems (Metrology Division), Leitz, m&h, PC-DMIS, QUINDOS, ROMER, Sheffield and TESA. Hexagon Metrology brands represent an unrivaled global installed base of millions of CMMs, portable measuring systems and handheld instruments, and tens of thousands of metrology software licenses. Hexagon Metrology empowers its customers to fully control manufacturing processes that rely on dimensional precision, ensuring that products manufactured precisely conform to the original product design. The company offering of machines, systems and software is complemented by a wide range of product support, aftermarket and value-added services. More information can be found at http://www.hexagonmetrology.us/

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Hexagon Metrology and Morris Group Announce Strategic Partnership

Morris Group Divisions will become Authorized Distributors of Hexagon Metrology Products

North Kingstown, RI – November 20, 2009 – Hexagon Metrology, Inc. of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, the world’s largest supplier of metrology equipment and software, and Morris Group, Inc. of Windsor, Connecticut, one of the largest fully integrated suppliers of Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machine tools and related engineering and support services in North America, have signed an agreement to form a strategic partnership.

Under the terms of the agreement, six key distributor divisions of Morris Group, Inc. encompassing ten regional offices and covering 24 states will become authorized to sell Hexagon Metrology’s dimensional measurement products. Hexagon Metrology products are used in quality control applications for manufacturing and include programmable coordinate measuring machines, portable articulated arms and software under the Brown & Sharpe, Sheffield, ROMER and PC-DMIS brand names.

"We are very excited to have engaged with Hexagon Metrology across our corporation. Our expertise lies in developing unique engineered solutions for our customers using the most advanced technology available. Hexagon’s broad- based, superior quality multi-dimensional measuring equipment is a perfect fit with what we do best!” said Bradley R. Morris, president of Morris Group, Inc.

“We are extremely pleased to add Morris Group to our North American distribution network,” said Angus Taylor, president and CEO of Hexagon Metrology, Inc. “Their competence in the industrial market and geographic coverage are an ideal complement to our existing network. As our range of products and services has broadened significantly in recent years, we recognized the need to expand our distribution to ensure that we have more local coverage in key markets. Morris Group is the ideal fit for us in this key territory.”

This strategic partnership enhances the abilities of both companies to meet the technologically sophisticated needs of manufacturers competing in the world economy for production of complex, precision parts.

About Hexagon Metrology

Hexagon Metrology is part of the Hexagon AB Group and includes leading metrology brands such as Brown & Sharpe, CimCore, CogniTens, DEA, Leica Geosystems (Metrology Division), Leitz, m&h, PC-DMIS, QUINDOS, ROMER, Sheffield and TESA. Hexagon Metrology brands represent an unrivaled global installed base of millions of CMMs, portable measuring systems and handheld instruments, and tens of thousands of metrology software licenses. Hexagon Metrology empowers its customers to fully control manufacturing processes that rely on dimensional precision, ensuring that products manufactured precisely conform to the original product design. The company offering of machines, systems and software is complemented by a wide range of product support, aftermarket and value-added services. More information can be found at www.HexagonMetrology.us

About Morris Group, Inc.

Morris Group, Inc. of Windsor, Connecticut is a privately held company. It owns and operates fourteen divisions which supply CNC manufacturing technology and related engineering and support services to manufacturers throughout the U.S. Its import, distribution, tooling and finance companies comprise one of the largest fully integrated networks of manufacturing resources in North America. Morris Group, Inc.’s distribution territories are concentrated in the eastern half of the U.S., a region accounting for 65% of all CNC machine tools sales in the country. .For more information, visit www.morrisgroupinc.com.

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Hexagon Metrology and Hartwig, Inc. Announce Strategic Partnership

Hartwig will become Authorized Distributor of Hexagon Metrology Products

North Kingstown, RI – November 19, 2009 – Hexagon Metrology, Inc. of North Kingstown, RI, the world’s largest supplier of metrology equipment and software, and Hartwig, Inc. of St. Louis, MO, the largest distributor of Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machine tools and metal cutting solutions in the central and mountain United States, today signed an agreement to form a strategic partnership.

The eight regional offices of Hartwig, Inc. will become authorized distributors of Hexagon Metrology’s dimensional measurement products across a 14 state territory. Hexagon Metrology products are used in quality control applications for manufacturing and include programmable coordinate measuring machines, portable articulated arms and software under the Brown & Sharpe, ROMER and PC-DMIS brand names.

“Hartwig is extremely excited to join the Hexagon Metrology distribution network.” said Gary Hartwig, president of Hartwig, Inc. “Not only are the products an ideal complement to the existing machine tool lines that we already sell, they represent the broadest portfolio of products in the dimensional metrology market and give us a wealth of new solutions to offer our customers.”

“Hartwig is a prime example of the modern industrial distributor,” said Angus Taylor, president and CEO of Hexagon Metrology, Inc. “By offering comprehensive solutions to the industrial market that cover all stages from design through manufacture, they truly can offer complete solutions to their customers. Hartwig’s existing experience in the metrology market means that they will be able to quickly and seamlessly integrate our product portfolio into their extensive offering of solutions for manufacturing.”

The partnership allows both companies to more effectively serve the increasingly sophisticated requirements of the manufacturing community throughout the central and mountain United States, particularly in the aerospace, defense, automotive, energy, windpower, and heavy machinery markets.

About Hexagon Metrology

Hexagon Metrology is part of the Hexagon AB Group and includes leading metrology brands such as Brown & Sharpe, CimCore, CogniTens, DEA, Leica Geosystems (Metrology Division), Leitz, m&h, PC-DMIS, QUINDOS, ROMER, Sheffield and TESA. Hexagon Metrology brands represent an unrivaled global installed base of millions of CMMs, portable measuring systems and handheld instruments, and tens of thousands of metrology software licenses. Hexagon Metrology empowers its customers to fully control manufacturing processes that rely on dimensional precision, ensuring that products manufactured precisely conform to the original product design. The company offering of machines, systems and software is complemented by a wide range of product support, aftermarket and value-added services. More information can be found at http://www.hexagonmetrology.us/

About Hartwig Inc.

For half a century, Hartwig has been focused on helping its customers control their manufacturing destiny and keeping manufacturing in the United States. One of the largest machine tool and metal cutting distributors in North America, Hartwig owns and operates eight office locations covering 14 states in the Mountain and Central U.S. With a dedicated staff and heavy focus on after sale support and engineering, Hartwig continues to be an organization its customers turn to for their success. Hartwig is not just a machine tool distributor, but a company that makes sense doing business with. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at http://www.hartwiginc.com/.

Laser Design Installs Portable FARO Arm Laser Scanning System at Schneider Electric in Cedar Rapids

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN; November 18, 2009) – Laser Design Inc., the leading supplier of 3D laser scanners for over 20 years, announced that Schneider Electric recently installed a Laser Design-FARO arm laser scanning system in its Cedar Rapids, Iowa facility. The system will be used for verifying plastic injection mold tooling prior to production runs.

A repeat customer for Laser Design’s high-precision laser scanning systems, Schneider Electric has realized increased productivity and better quality products as a result. “Our relationship with Schneider is ongoing in many of its international facilities,” explained C. Martin Schuster, President and CEO of Laser Design. “Our portable FARO arm system will provide the Schneider Plants in the USA with the versatility of high-speed and high-accuracy portable scanning. It can be moved around to any of the production facilities to provide quick inspection and verification of whatever part is about to be manufactured.” The Laser Design FARO arm laser scanning system reduces Schneider’s inspection time and raises accuracies to improve their “Ready to Run” check-out process significantly.

The portable FARO arm is teamed up with the award-winning Laser Design SLP-500 laser-line scanning probe which is ideal for the complex profile contour scanning typical of plastic injection molded part geometries. The high-speed, high-accuracy, non-contact 3D laser probe captures up to 144,000 points per second. The SLP probe line features digital (ASCII) coordinate output, a visible beam, a Class II rating for safe and easy-to-see operations and a long standoff to prevent crashes during part scanning. Its large measurement range, enhanced specularity performance and automatic adjustments for surface color and finish ensure excellent results time after time. Dual CMOS receptors featuring simultaneous scanning assist with steep sidewall and recessed geometry capture.

About Laser Design, Inc. / GKS Global Services
Laser Design, Inc., and GKS Global Services have been leading suppliers of ultra-precise, 3D laser scanning systems, along with CT scanning, dimensional inspection, 3D laser scanning, and long-range scanning services for over 25 years. Our engineers can assist with product development and design, rapid prototyping, and complete contract manufacturing services. GKS also offers rental equipment and expertise to customers with the occasional 3D scanning project.

For further information, contact Laser Design, by phone (952-884-9648), fax (952-884-9653), or via email at sales@laserdesign.com or visit Laser Design’s web site at http://www.laserdesign.com.

NVision MobileScan Helps Custom Gun Grip Manufacturer Improve Quality

(November 17, 2009) -- A custom gun grip manufacturer has substantially improved the quality of its products by using the MobileScan HD portable 3D laser scanning system from NVision to reverse engineer the original grips. In the past, the manufacturer used a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) to define the geometry of the mounting surface of the grips. But the CMM’s inherent accuracy limitations made it difficult to provide the desired fit and finish. The laser scanner, on the other hand, captures millions of points, making it possible to define the mounting surface to a much higher level of accuracy.

Custom gun grips make it possible for individuals to select the configuration that provides the best handling, pointing and recoil qualities. Custom grips also add a finishing touch that improves the appearance of a gun. Most custom grips are made from woods. Personalized touches, such as monograms or initials, can also be added to the grips.

One of the most important requirements in designing custom grips is defining the geometry of the back side of the grip. It would have been a very difficult and error-prone task to create this geometry by taking manual measurements of either the gun frame or the original grips. For these reasons, the gun grip manufacturer used a CMM to capture points one at a time from the original grip. But with a CMM it was only possible to capture a rough outline of the geometry. A considerable amount of work was required to fine-tune the design and accuracy was well below what was desired.

The grip manufacturer decided to investigate laser scanning and looked at several different scanners. The company selected the MobileScan HD 3D laser scanning system, which provides very high resolution with a point spacing of 0.001” and an accuracy of +/- 0.0005” while collecting measurements at a rate of 30,000 points per second. “The High Definition version of the MobileScan 3D provides a higher accuracy inspection and reverse engineering system than was available in the past,” said Steve Kersen, President of NVision. “Customers no longer need to choose between the speed of a scanner and the accuracy of a CMM.”

The scanner generates a point cloud consisting of the coordinates of individual points. The gun grip manufacturer uses software that comes with the scanner to convert the point cloud to a polygon mesh. Then they use reverse engineering software to convert the polygon data to a surface model. They export the surface model in the IGES or STEP format and import it into their CAD software. The model is then fine-tuned and toolpaths are created for machining.

“This gun grip manufacturer has been able to achieve a competitive advantage by producing grips that fit better and look better,” Kersen concluded. “Many other companies involved in the gun business have also discovered the advantages of laser scanning. For example, Soft Air USA®, Inc has reduced by 4 to 6 weeks the time required to get its licensed replica airsoft guns to market by using NVision’s Engineering Service Division to reverse engineer the real guns.”

For more information, contact NVision, Inc., 440 Wrangler Dr, Suite 200, Coppell, TX 75019. Ph: 972.393.8000, Fax: 972.393.8002. E-mail: sales@nvision3d.com. Visit NVision's Web site at www.nvision3d.com.

About NVision

NVision, Inc. (www.nvision3d.com) was established in 1990 with one goal in mind: to provide customers with the highest accuracy non-contact optical measurement systems and services for Reverse Engineering and Inspection. Focusing our expertise on the aerospace, power generation, and oil/gas industries, NVision provides both contract scanning services and systems sales to companies throughout North America. Our elite team of engineers provides customers with an unmatchable level of experience and is able to advise and assist with the most difficult engineering challenges.

NVision’s clients include industry leaders such as Alstom, Boeing, GE, Lockheed, Lear, NASA, Porsche, Raytheon, Siemens, Toyota, and every branch of the U.S. military.

Brown & Sharpe Adds New Scanning Capability to ONE Shop Floor CMM

Advanced, Automated Non-Contact Laser Line Scanning for the Shop Floor

North Kingstown, RI – November 16, 2009 – Brown & Sharpe, a brand of Hexagon Metrology, Inc., announced today it will debut the ONE Shop Floor CMM outfitted with the ScanShark 4Vix laser line scanning probe in Booth 16021 at the FABTECH 2009 Exhibition, McCormick Place in Chicago, from November 15 – 18, 2009. The ONE from Brown & Sharpe is a versatile shop floor CMM that can be equipped with touch-trigger continuous contact scanning, and now with non-contact laser scanning sensors, all powered by the de-facto industry standard PC-DMIS metrology software.

The ScanShark V4ix laser line scanning probe enables rapid dimensional data collection – up to 23,000 points per second – and is used to quickly acquire precise dimensional data from all kinds of surfaces, especially complex freeform, flexible, fragile, or soft-bodied parts. Class-leading dynamic range and advanced filtering technology make the ScanShark sensors impervious to ambient shop floor lighting conditions.

The ScanShark V4ix is also compatible with the portable ROMER INFINITE 2.0 7-axis arm and is plug-and-play swappable between both systems. The key to the compatibility is the TESA kinematic joint that is shared between all ROMER scanning arms and TESASTAR-m motorized head equipped CMMs. Companies can invest in a single scanner that can be leveraged to the strengths of two different types of measuring platforms.

Also at Fabtech 2009, Hexagon Metrology debuts the “Shop Floor Zone” concept, which highlights complementary measurement technologies that are specifically designed for shop floor applications, such as the ONE and INFINITE with ScanShark. For those who cannot attend FabTech, video mini demos and information on products suitable for the shop floor zone are presented on a new microsite: www.ShopFloorZone.com

The ONE Shop Floor CMM with the ScanShark V4ix laser line scanning option is immediately available for shipment from Hexagon Metrology’s state-of-the-art Rhode Island factory. For more information, please visit the ONE Shop Floor CMM web page on www.BrownandSharpe.com.

About Hexagon Metrology

Hexagon Metrology is part of the Hexagon AB Group and includes leading metrology brands such as Brown & Sharpe, CE Johansson, CimCore, CogniTens, DEA, Leica Geosystems (Metrology Division), Leitz, m&h, PC-DMIS, QUINDOS, ROMER, Sheffield and TESA. Hexagon Metrology brands represent an unrivaled global installed base of millions of CMMs, portable measuring systems and handheld instruments, and tens of thousands of metrology software licenses. Hexagon Metrology empowers its customers to fully control manufacturing processes that rely on dimensional precision, ensuring that products manufactured precisely conform to the original product design. The company offering of machines, systems and software is complemented by a wide range of product support, aftermarket and value-added services. More information can be found at www.HexagonMetrology.us

What, Exactly, is Portable CMM Technology?

Metrology technology has constantly evolved as the needs of manufacturing have become more stringent. Recent developments have allowed portable CMMs to become more prominent in the marketplace since they can be integrated into the manufacturing process. This has turned what has traditionally been an inspection device into a value added option for cutting-edge manufacturers.

There are several different tools available for the measurement and inspection of parts and products. The specific application often determines the best choice as each tool has its own benefits and drawbacks. Over the years, these tools have become more advanced in order to keep up with improved quality standards.

Today’s manufacturing demands often require that processes adhere to the best possible practices to maximize value. One clear way to do this is to improve production times and to minimize waste. Implementing portable CMM technology at every aspect of the manufacturing cycle can achieve this goal – improving both time and cost savings.

There are two main types of portable CMMs: articulated arms and laser trackers. Articulated arms determine and record the location of a probe in 3D space and report the results through software. To calculate this location, the rotational angle of each joint and the length of each segment in the arm must be know. The rotational angle is determined using optical rotary encoders that count rotations incrementally, and software is used to convert those counts into angle changes.

Laser trackers operate by measuring two angles and a distance. The tracker sends a laser beam to a retroreflective target held against the object being measured. As light is reflected off the target, it bounced back and re-enters the tracker at the same position it left and is measured by a distance meter, measuring the distance between the tracker and target.

Portable CMM technology can be used for many different applications and continue to grow in popularity. Companies implementing this technology are getting the accuracy results they need in addition to flexibility to use the unit wherever and whenever it's most convenient.

For more information

Measurement of Fuel Injectors

The preferred tool around the world today for measuring fuel injectors used in modern diesel, gasoline, and aircraft engines is the patented Werth Fiber Probe. This tactile-optical sensor can have a contact sphere with a diameter between 20 μm and 300 μm. The Werth Fiber Probe makes it possible to measure, in 3D spatial orientation, the cylindricity and diameter of the tiny injection ports, as small as 80μm.

Fiber Probe Scanning has recently been implemented. The extremely high measurement point density provides another increase in precision and reliability. The WinWerth® “Injector” application has also been expanded to include the measurement of the K-factor of reverse tapered holes.

Together with a high-precision multi-sensor coordinate measuring machine from the Werth VideoCheck® EA series, measurement deviations of less than 0.5 μm are achieved

Contact;

Werth, Inc.

8 Custom Dr.  Old Saybrook, CT  06475 USA

Tel: (860) 399-2445  Fax: (860) 399-6784

info@werthinc.com

Metris Rebrands to Nikon Metrology

LEUVEN, Belgium, Nov 10, 2009 - The corporate name of Metris is changed into Nikon Metrology NV. Under the Nikon brand, Nikon and Metris will synergize their respective strengths with regards to technology, marketing and services, thereby delivering innovative metrology products with a broad application reach to its worldwide customer base.

Convincing business logic and secured growth path

Nikon Metrology uniquely blends Metris’ innovation leadership in micro metrology with a globally recognized brand. The new organization yields the most complete metrology offering, as state-of-the-art Nikon 2.5D vision measuring systems excellently complement optical and mechanical Metris 3D metrology solutions. Nikon’s strong company position guarantees future-proof investments and a secured growth path for continued product development and innovation. Nikon Metrology has a strong, well-balanced worldwide marketing, sales and services organization in place.

“We are delighted to be able to trade under the flag of the powerful Nikon brand, facilitating and accelerating the global rollout of our optical metrology revolution,” states Bart Van Coppenolle, founder of Metris and today CEO of Nikon Metrology. “We look forward to further invest in future product development and customer support, leveraging the strength of a strong international technology group. Together, we will strengthen our leadership position as an optical metrology innovator, and firmly extend trade with our global customers and business partners.”

Offering complementary product portfolios

Always at the forefront of contactless 3D inspection, Metris introduced groundbreaking innovations across the entire micro-metrology spectrum: digital 3D laser scanners, X-ray metrology with industrial computer tomography (CT) in addition to Laser Radar and iGPS for large-scale metrology applications. Nikon Instruments, a market leader in optical instrumentation, spans the accuracy range from several microns to submicron level. Automated NEXIV VMR vision inspection systems offer smart, premium optics for highly accurate 2.5D surface analysis. Measuring microscopes, optical comparators and autocollimators are among other powerful Nikon dimensional metrology and industrial inspection solutions.

Better serving customers through a global organization

Being part of the renowned Nikon organization will have a major impact on efficiently bringing metrology solutions to market on a worldwide scale. The Nikon Metrology products will be marketed by a worldwide sales, marketing and services force, providing optimum coverage across Asia, Europe and USA. At the European Productronica 09 trade show in Munich, Germany (Nov. 10-13), Nikon Metrology will exhibit for the first time its widest metrology product range, creating market visibility for the new organization.

About Nikon Metrology

Nikon Metrology offers the most complete and innovative metrology product portfolio, including state-of-the-art 2.5D vision measuring systems complemented with optical and mechanical 3D metrology solutions. These reliable and innovative metrology solutions respond to the advanced inspection requirements of manufacturers active in consumer, automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical and other industries. Systems are available in both fixed and portable configurations, equipped with a single or multiple sensors. Further information is available on http://www.nikonmetrology.com/ .

NIST to Use Laser Design SURVEYOR 3D Scanner

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, Nov 5, 2009 - Laser Design, Inc. announced that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has installed a Laser Design SURVEYOR WS Series 3D laser scanning system in the Materials Reliability Division located in Boulder, CO. The fully automated, CNC programmable system was purchased by NIST primarily for its industry-best high accuracy (0.011mm) and high resolution (0.005mm). It is equipped with the industry’s highest accuracy laser line scanning probe, the Laser Design SLP-250 laser-line scanning probe with 9 micron accuracy. Chris McCowan, Materials Research Engineer, explained, “The Laser Design SURVEYOR WS system met all our requirements: high accuracies, the best resolutions, and a compact size for our testing lab.”

The SURVEYOR WS system also includes a Renishaw PH-10 (CNC head indexer) and a 4th axis rotary stage for the most flexible 6-axis 3D scanning available. The dual system technology is capable of using a CMM touch probe as well for accuracies of up to .0001”. The system advances its next-generation capability with a mechanically accurate, highly stable, air-bearing German-engineered Wenzel CMM machine base and patented laser scanning technology from Laser Design. Laser Design’s SURVEYOR WS systems are recognized worldwide as the highest accuracy 3D laser line scanning systems suitable for use in Six Sigma, demanding quality assurance environments setting the standards for laser measurement technology.

NIST, a non-regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, was founded in 1901 to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology to enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. The Materials Reliability Division within NIST provides standard reference materials, recommended practice guides, and new improved characterization tools to better predict how, when, and why a material fails and prevent that failure so the safety and reliability of the Nation's physical infrastructure (e.g., buildings, pipelines, and bridges) is ensured. McCowan commented, “We will use the SURVEYOR WS system to measure the standard measuring specimens we provide to industry to make sure they conform to NIST-required accuracies.”

NIST personnel are experienced in using the most advanced and accurate measuring technologies to create universal standards of quality, and the Laser Design WS system will be part of their program to determine standards for laser scanning technologies. C. Martin Schuster, Laser Design President and CEO, commented, “Everyone at Laser Design is very proud to have one of the world’s foremost authorities on setting measurement standards, NIST, view our SURVEYOR WS system as the standard-bearer for excellence in the laser measurement world. With over 20 years in the high-precision laser measurement business, Laser Design is a leader in the industry. We are very pleased to have met NIST’s demanding requirements to fulfill their need for the highest quality measuring equipment.”

About Laser Design, Inc. / GKS Global Services

Laser Design, Inc. and GKS Global Services have been leading suppliers of ultra-precise, 3D laser scanning systems, along with CT scanning, dimensional inspection, 3D laser scanning, and long-range scanning services for over 25 years. Our engineers can assist with product development and design, rapid prototyping, and complete contract manufacturing services. GKS also offers rental equipment and expertise to customers with the occasional 3D scanning project.

For more information, visit http://www.laserdesign.com/.

Metris K600 measurement systems calibrate the absolute accurate robots at Kuka.

Being one of the major robot manufacturers, Kuka Roboter GmbH certainly is the number one supplier of Absolute Accurate Robots. This is mainly due to the wide acceptance of these calibrated Kuka robots at BMW and DaimlerChrysler.

An absolute accurate robot is based on the standard robot, but is individually measured in a high number of poses. The deviations and errors that come out of these measurements are used to build a robot signature. This robot signature is different for each of the robots and predicts all geometrical and flexibility errors in the entire working range. The signature will be used inside the robot controller to make it “absolute accurate”, independent from position or active payload.

Absolute accuracy is one of the necessary steps to limit the difference between the off line simulations and the real production line.

When Kuka was looking at the most appropriate 6D measurement system to measure these calibration poses, lots of criteria had to be taken into account: measurement speed to keep the total calibration time limited, measurement volume, measurement accuracy, user friendliness for the operators, service, price, long term stability, …

For another important criteria we have to look further in the robot lifetime: Like any robot, also absolute accurate robots might require repair or overhaul after crashes. To get the initial absolute accuracy back, these robots might need to be recalibrated after working in the production line. A measurement system should thus also allow recalibration at customer site in the robot workshop or even in the production line!

The Metris K600 measurement system suited these demands perfectly and is now used in seven production cells to calibrate encoder offsets before setting the null marks for the standard robots, to measure the absolute accurate robots in a high number of poses and to perform an outgoing quality control.

Also most of the BMW and DaimlerChrysler robot workshops have seen the interest to be able to recalibrate these robots and are now equipped with a Metris measurement system for robot calibration and performance testing.

For more information about the Metris measurement system for robotics, please contact us at steven.renders@metris.com or visit www.Metris.com

For more information about the Kuka robots, please visit www.kuka.com

Corporate Name of Metris NV to Be Changed to "Nikon Metrology NV"

Posted October 31st, 2009 by Nikon in Technology,Japan

Nikon Corporation (Michio Kariya, President, Tokyo) announces that the general meeting of shareholders of Metris NV (located in Leuven, the Kingdom of Belgium), a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, approved a proposal to change the corporate name of Metris to "Nikon Metrology NV" at its meeting held on October 29, 2009. This change will become effective on November 10, 2009.

Metris was established in 1998. Thus far, it has offered original and advanced technology and products in the market for non-contact, three-dimensional measurement systems. Following a tender offer that began in June 2009, Metris became a wholly owned subsidiary of Nikon in October. To clarify the positioning of Metris within the Nikon Group, and, to establish substantially closer teamwork between Metris and the other companies of the Nikon Group, Nikon has decided to change the corporate name of Metris to Nikon Metrology NV.

Under the Nikon brand, Metris and Nikon will work to draw on their respective strengths in technology and marketing, and, thereby, offer products featuring innovative technology and a broad range of functions to customers throughout the world.

Outline of Nikon Metrology NV

Corporate name (Beginning on November 10, 2009) Nikon Metrology NV

Location Leuven, the Kingdom of Belgium

Representative Kenji Yoshikawa (Director and Chairman of the Board)

Primary activities Development, manufacturing, marketing and service related to measuring and inspection products

Paid-in capital €64.1 million (As of June 30, 2009)

Number of employees 478 (As of June 30, 2009)

New Feature

CMM Quarterly has added a new blog and is announcing the creating of CMM Jobs. The job listings are listing sent to CMM Quarterly throughout the year. The jobs opportunities will now be posted on CMM Jobs. The link is located in the upper right panel on this blog.


CMM Jobs link

METRIS BECOMES WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF NIKON AND IS DELISTED FROM EURONEXT BRUSSELS

Leuven, October 21st, 2009 – Metris has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of NIKON CORPORATION (through NIMD SPRL) as a result of the squeeze-out public bid whereby all shares and warrants that were not tendered, were transferred to NIMD SPRL by operation of law on October 16, 2009. In addition, Metris’ shares were delisted from NYSE Euronext Brussels as from October 19, 2009.

Bart Van Coppenolle, the CEO and founder of Metris, comments: “Now part of the NIKON group, we look forward to further strengthening our investment in future product development and customer support, leveraging the strength of a strong international technology group with an excellent brand and a strong balance sheet. I would like to express our gratitude to Metris’ shareholders who have supported us over the years, allowing Metris to become the leading technology company in the micro metrology segment. We also look forward to working closely with our new colleagues, customers and suppliers within this enlarged group. We will continue to deliver the most innovative and reliable products and services to our global customers and business partners."

About METRIS N.V.

Metris designs, develops and markets a unique range of 3D hardware and software inspection systems servicing design and manufacturing industries. The company’s reliable and innovative metrology solutions cover the full range of measurement volumes required by automotive and aerospace customers, in both fixed and portable configurations and with optical and touch sensors. Further details are available at www.metris.com .

For further information please contact:

Renaat Van Cauter

Director Marketing Communications

Tel: +32 16 74 01 00 – Mobile: +32 486 64 24 33

E-mail: renaat.vancauter@metris.com

About NIKON CORPORATION

NIKON CORPORATION was established in Japan in 1917 and is a pioneer of optical technology. Nikon commands a high global standing in the manufacture and sale of camera-related products, such as digital cameras, as well as binoculars and other optical products for consumers, such as ophthalmic lenses. These items complement Nikon’s diverse array of industrial precision equipment that includes semiconductor-related equipment, IC and LCD steppers and scanners, microscopes and measuring instruments.

Additional information about NIKON CORPORATION is available at http://nikon.com/ .

Metris Laser Radar maximizes power generation productivity of parabolic solar panels

By Metrology Solutions Provider

Solar Cell Inspection

The geometric integrity of parabolic solar mirrors is a critical factor in reaching maximum productivity for industrial power generation. Deployed to inspect parabolic solar mirrors, Metris Laser Radar has proven its capability to trace incorrect bending and alignment of individual mirror panels. Metris Laser Radar is fit for the large-scale inspection job because it is portable, fast and accurate and offers automatic single-user operation. By using inspection results to tune the geometry of parabolic mirrors, solar thermal power plants increase power generation output and profit.

Click here to read this full article.

OnTheFly – Measurement in Flight

Werth, a manfacturer of optical and multi-sensor coordinate measuring machines, presents the patented “OnTheFly” method for rapid measurement with image processing. Werth ScopeCheck^® and VideoCheck^® coordinate measuring machines can now take measurements while in constant motion.  By flashing the light sources, blurriness due to the motion is eliminated. Start-Stop operation is no longer needed. Measurement time is drastically reduced (up to a factor of 10) and the efficiency of the measuring machine is increased.  This technology is ideal for printed circuit boards or other workpieces with numerous features and the need for short inspection cycles.

GRANITE…IT’S USED ON THE BEST CMMS BUT HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO GET?

Impala black granite is one of the key components for the world’s most accurate Coordinate Measuring Machines. The best granite is to be found in mines in South Africa.

The are only a couple of Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) manufacturers that still use black granite for their machine bases, X rails, Y beams and Z rams. One of those manufacturers is Wenzel GmbH in Wiestal, Germany.

Impala black granite has proven to be the most structurally and thermally stable material that will insure the high accuracies required by a coordinate measuring machine. Combine those properties with low porosity, low moisture absorption, superior strength, lower coefficient of thermal expansion, uniformity of texture and a non-glaring surface, and you truly have the ideal material for a CMM.

Heike Wenzel-Dafler, joint managing director of Wenzel emphasizes, “We believe the key to Wenzel’s continued success has been our commitment to building the highest quality and most structurally stable and accurate CMMs in the world. And to do that, it’s a necessity that black granite be used for the bases, rails, beams and rams. For those reasons, as well as the need to become more vertically integrated to better control our manufacturing and production processes and costs, Wenzel purchased a granite processing business in Germany in 2006. We made a strategic decision to not follow the direction of the majority of our competitors who continue to outsource not only granite plates, but also high value parts, sub assemblies and even complete machines to manufacturers in China. Wenzel will not compromise its level of quality and the granite, which is the single largest cost in our CMM products, provides Wenzel CMMs with the precision, dynamics and stiffness that most industries want and require,”

To read the entire article click here

Complete and Accurate Measuring Provided by Werth's CT Machine

The Tomoscope from Werth Messtechnik is reportedly the world’s first integration of Computer Tomography (CT) with a multisensor coordinate measuring machine. This technology opens up completely new measurement possibilities by allowing quick, complete and nondestructive measurement of many features with CT, combined with the highly exact measurements of functional dimensions with tactile or optical sensors.

Industrial CT involves the capture, processing and reconstruction of a 3D workpiece from multiple views to quickly create an image of internal and external geometry.

CMMs with multisensor systems allow the operator to choose the sensor best suited to a given measuring task. This guarantees economic advantages, flexibility and higher reliability, but requires experience, is time-consuming and can require that the component to be pretreated.

The Tomoscope is unique in that tomography technology is brought together with the accuracy of a CMM. Rather than measure the size of parts, it measures the sizes, angles and diameters of the structures inside of a part — and calibration points are measured with accurate CMM sensors in the same measurement run, ensuring precision and traceability of the results.

http://www.werthinc.com/