Showing posts with label Nikon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nikon. Show all posts

Nikon’s Large-Envelope X-Ray CT System Installed in Hyundai Motor North America’s New Safety, Investigation Laboratory

 Nikon Metrology, Inc, and Hyundai Motor North America announced that Hyundai has purchased and installed Nikon’s X-ray computed tomography (CT) system. This represents a significant investment in the success of Hyundai’s newly opened $51.4 million Safety Test and Investigation Laboratory (STIL) in Superior Township, MI.

Nikon’s X-ray CT system offers a large scanning volume, multi-source flexibility, dual-detector functionality, and an extensive range of enhancements which together provides users of the system with truly exceptional inspection capabilities.

Hyundai Motor North America utilizes Nikon’s X-ray CT system in their STIL facility for important analytic processes, including nondestructive inspection of components such as air bag inflators, lock mechanisms, seat switches, struts, impellers, and additive parts.

“Having the on-site capabilities to view the inner structures and components of materials and mechanisms through the advanced Nikon X-ray CT system provides Hyundai with detailed datapoints that would otherwise take weeks to evaluate,” says Ben Michajlyszyn, director, Safety Test and Investigation Laboratory, Hyundai Motor North America.

The successful collaboration between Nikon Metrology and Hyundai Motor North America is the direct result of their mutual commitment to world-class engineering and manufacturing. 

Nikon’s X-ray CT systems have been built to handle the most demanding inspection tasks in the manufacturing world, both now and in the years to come.  “The multi-tube, multi-detector configuration delivers a highly flexible system capable of producing top-quality results on small, low-density components such as impellers as well as on larger, multi-material assemblies such as airbag inflators. This flexibility to do more on a single system can yield a greater ROI and the ability to adapt to Hyundai’s needs as their business and inspection requirements advance,” says Chris Peitsch, Global Sales Manager, Nikon Metrology. 

Hyundai, in turn, utilizes the X-ray CT system to ensure the quality, safety, and functionality of the components that make their way into Hyundai’s award-winning automobiles. Measurement is fast, efficient, and accurate, and the nondestructive nature of the inspection is critical. Using destructive techniques on charged devices such as airbag inflators would represent potential hazards for inspectors on site at the STIL, whose mission is to increase safety for Hyundai customers and employees alike. Nikon’s X-ray CT systems are an important part of that effort, and it is representative of the valued, ongoing partnership between Hyundai and Nikon.

For more information, visit www.industry.nikon.com or www.hyundaiusa.com/.

NIKON METROLOGY INTRODUCES PREMIUM PORTABLE ARM-BASED CMM SCANNING SOLUTION WITH MCAx Articulated arm and MMDx Scanners


September 10, 2012 – Brighton, MI – Nikon Metrology introduces the MCAx Manual Coordinate Measuring Arm - a precise, reliable and easy-to-use portable 7-axis measuring arm. It is the perfect partner for the ModelMaker MMDx/MMCx digital handheld laser scanners and Focus 10 Handheld scanning and inspection software. This total solution’s accuracy, capability and portability make it feel perfectly at home in the metrology lab, on the shop floor and in-the-field. The MCAx arm can be equipped with a wide range of probing systems for laser scanning, touch-trigger measurements and continuous scanning. The new 7-axis MCAx range of articulated arms is available with a measurement volume ranging from 2.0 and 4.5 meter diameter.

Already known for its industry-leading data capture of almost any material (ESP3), the arm and scanner now offer improved total solution accuracy. It offers compactness in packaging and an unprecedented seamless transition between probing and scanning. This high-precision portable scanning solution reaches better than 50µm of measurement accuracy while encased in an enhanced ergonomic design. Applications such as Automotive R & D, Quality Labs and Contract Inspection facilities will benefit from a shortened learning curve due to the ease of use, while delivering measurement data faster and with greater confidence in the results. Specifications for these 7-axis arms range from 2.0m to 4.5m, and include infinite rotation of the principle axes. Absolute encoders are standard as is the locking counterbalance feature. Base options include Bolt-Down Base Plates or a Magnetic Base, WiFi, Battery, and probes.

ABOUT NIKON METROLOGY
Nikon Metrology offers the most complete and innovative metrology product portfolio, including state-of-the-art vision measuring instruments complemented with optical inspection and mechanical 3D metrology solutions. These reliable and innovative products respond to the advanced inspection requirements of manufacturers active in consumer, automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical and other industries. For more information, visit www.nikonmetrology.com.
Product-related inquiries may be directed to Nikon Metrology, Inc. at 810-220-4360 or Marketing_US@NikonMetrology.com

Nikon Metrology CMMs: When precision is absolutely critical

Over the years, the use of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) has become widely adopted. Manufacturers rely on CMMs to inspect and verify components and production parts. Nikon Metrology inspection systems offer high-accuracy and fast automatic inspection, and support a variety of probing solutions, including touch-trigger, digital, analog and laser options. Backed by a 45-year heritage, LK CMMs are designed and manufactured to perform dimensional, positional and surface measurement, using only the latest technologies and materials. Nikon Metrology is the only manufacturer supplying complete CMM installations, including CMMs, laser scanners, CMM driver software and point cloud processing software.

A premium range of long-lasting ceramic CMMs

Nikon Metrology offers bridge, horizontal-arm and gantry CMMs in varying measuring volumes, to suit any requirement. The ceramic bridge and spindle components of the LK line of CMMs, coupled with a proven air-bearing design, provide the ultimate in stiffness and stability, and deliver significantly improved measuring repeatability. Utilizing super-light aluminum as a key structural component and boasting air bearings on all axes, C3 CMMs are high-specification, cost-effective metrology solutions for small to medium-size applications.




CMM-MANAGER 3.0 FEATURES NEW WINDOWS 7 STYLE USER INTERFACE

CMM-Manager 3.0 for Windows 7 is by far the most value-for-money tactile inspection software that runs on nearly all CNC and manual CMMs. The modern and intuitive Windows 7 graphical interface makes the software even more informative and interactive. Get more things done with CMM-Manager, by automating serial inspection or by easily taking a few points on the spot. And when combined with the new Renishaw 5-axis PH20 probe head, CMM-Manager 3.0 turns around inspection work up to 3 times faster.

Versatility to get the most out of your CMMs

The dashboard has been upgraded with intuitive new icons and a ribbon bar style layout. CMM-Manager 3.0 for Windows 7 also incorporates touch screen and multi-touch support and intuitive navigation paths. Simply walk up to the CMM, quickly align the part, and immediately measure geometric features and points on planes. When CAD is available, you can even take snap point measurements on the screen to eliminate manually probing the work piece – and automatically create dimensional charts with color-coded point deviations.
Docking and sliding panels provide a more open and simplified workspace, and inspection tools are simple to use. To create a serial inspection routine that runs on any CMM brand, you simply click points and features on a 3D part view and drag-and-drop them as icons on to a part program representation. CMM-Manager automatically converts the icon program into a collision-free touch probe motion path. Automated inspection results in graphic part-to-CAD comparison, a digital communication tool providing all the answers.
PH20 support triples CMM productivity

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Verisurf Software and Nikon Metrology Announce Global OEM Agreement

Verisurf’s Enterprise Metrology Platform to Drive All Nikon Portable Metrology Devices
Nikon Metrology and Verisurf Software have made it possible for manufacturers to drive all Nikon portable metrology devices from Verisurf’s common software platform. Supported Nikon metrology devices include Laser Radar, K-Series optical CMMs configured with scanners and probes, MCA II articulated arm configured with scanners and probes, and the iGPS.

“Verisurf is proud to partner with Nikon and offer engineers a major breakthrough in measurement and inspection,” said Ernie Husted, president of Verisurf. “Having advanced inspection software that drives all of their metrology devices will dramatically increase their customer’s manufacturing efficiency by saving countless hours learning and using multiple software interfaces, while significantly reducing software maintenance and technical support costs across their enterprise.”

“This partnership is a huge benefit to our metrology customers,” said Doug Kappler, Director of Nikon Metrology Large Scale Division. “In addition to being able to offer a single software platform for all Nikon portable metrology devices, the software provides fully automated and programmable measurements.”

Under the terms of the global OEM agreement Nikon will sell, market, train and support Verisurf software when bundled with Nikon Metrology devices.

Verisurf’s new X platform is the latest release of its popular computer aided inspection and reverse engineering software. The X platform gives engineers unprecedented value with new device interfaces, improved inspection guidance functionality and feature extraction for reverse engineering. An updated VDI has added many new non-contact measurement and automation controls for the Nikon Metrology Laser Radar, enabling this sophisticated metrology device to perform at its highest level.

Verisurf Software, Inc.

Verisurf Software, Inc. is a privately held metrology software development company committed to delivering advanced computer-aided inspection and reverse engineering solutions. Verisurf software lets manufacturers produce higher quality products in less time and at a lower cost by using highly automated paperless, 3D model-based inspection processes, rather than hand measurements and 2D paper drawings. For more information, visit www.verisurf.com.

Nikon Metrology, Inc.

Nikon Metrology, Inc. is a division of NIKON CORPORATION (JSX:7731) and offers the most complete and innovative metrology product portfolio, including state-of-the-art vision measuring instruments 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. Additional information about Nikon Metrology is available at www.nikonmetrology.com. Additional information about NIKON CORPORATION is available at www.nikon.com. 

Lockheed Martin, Magestic Systems, Nikon Metrology Win Innovation Award For F-35 Program

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 26th, 2010 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT], jointly with Magestic Systems, Inc. (MSI) and Nikon Metrology, has won a first-place JEC Innovation Award in composites manufacturing for technology used in the production of the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter.

The 2010 JEC Innovation Award was presented in Paris in recognition of the cured laminate compensation (CLC) process – an innovative composite manufacturing solution for achieving precision, as-built laminate thickness without costly post-cure machining. This new metrology-assisted process is used in the production of composite parts for the F-35 and was developed specifically to pre-measure and correct the thickness of cured composite wing skins for the F-35. The technology will result in significant cost savings to Lockheed Martin and its F-35 global supply network.

“The award spotlights a highly innovative process in the most innovative fighter production system ever devised,” said Mike Packer, Lockheed Martin vice president of Manufacturing Strategy & Processes. “This process increases production of right-first-time composite parts, using both MSI’s Ply Compensation™ System (PCS™) and Nikon Metrology’s Laser Radar technology.”

The award was presented at an April 13 ceremony during the opening of the JEC Show in Paris. A jury of renowned international experts selected the best composite innovations, based on their technical interest, market potential, partnership, financial impact and originality. The JEC Show is JEC Composites’ annual conference focused on the application and advancement of composites. JEC Composites is the leading network supporting the global composite industry.

The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations, advanced sustainment, and lower operational and support costs. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.

“Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.”

Optical CMMs – The future of CMMs?

For decades we were taught to believe that if you ever wanted to measure anything properly, you needed a CMM. A couple of decades ago, portable arms were released and although they seemed novel,

nothing would compare to the rigidity and accuracy of three linear scales and drives. We were resigned to the fact that any improvement in CMMs would be only incremental. We lived this way for decades. Recently, however, optical CMMs began developing and maturing, which could be enough of a paradigm shift to become the revolutionary change the metrology market is looking for.

About the Optical CMM technology

While the technology comes in different “flavors,” most optical CMMs work around a similar principal. Nikon Metrology’s optical CMM (KCMM) begins with three linear CCD cameras. When light from an active infrared LED is detected, the three cameras triangulate its position in space.

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SIEMENS VERIFIES TURBINE BLADE GEOMETRY WITH METRIS LASER SCANNERS


Siemens, a worldwide leader in power plant turbines, investigate laser scanning to monitor the production quality of casting blades. Non-contact verification of blade geometry and alignment guarantees premium economy and long life in harsh turbine operating conditions. Powerful 3D scanning technology accurately captures the aerofoil surfaces of the blades as well as their fine alignment notches. A single mouse click triggers the automatic geometry verification process that provides detailed insight on the basis of graphic part-to-CAD comparison. LC50 laser scanning and Focus point cloud processing are the cornerstones of a much faster and operator-independent digital inspection process.

Capturing the complex geometry of turbine blades

The quality of turbine blades in stationary gas turbine power plants is critical. As hot combustion gas expands through the turbine, it spins aerofoil blades to drive a generator that produces electricity. Air-cooled in its internal channel, turbine blades reach high rotational speeds and face temperatures up to around 1000°C. Turbine blades are designed for optimum aerodynamics and mass center location, and are made of advanced metal alloy castings to increase strength, resist extreme temperature, and avoid corrosion. Inaccuracies in
blade geometry and positioning may cause energy conversion efficiency loss and untimely blade failure.

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