New Scan to 3D support for SolidWorks 2010!

Measurement based Reverse Engineering Tool for MRO with ReverseEngineering.com 2010

ReverseEngineering.com announced today that its newest product, ReverseEngineering.com 2010, measurement based  reverse engineering and inspection software, has been optimized for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. ReverseEngineering.com supports  64 bit supported CMM hardware under Windows 7 (WOW64).

ReverseEngineering.com 2010 is designed for feature measurement, inspection, and CAD-to-part comparison directly in Solidworks using popular 3D scanners , Laser Trackers and portable manual CMM arms.

ReverseEngineering.com 2010 is a Certified SolidWorks Gold OEM plug-and-play tool-set integrated with SolidWorks 2010 3D mechanical design software. Engineers and designers use SolidWorks with ReverseEngineering.com 2010 to capture and measure data from existing parts, while working directly within the SolidWorks environment. What this means is that you measure and digitize directly into a CAD system there is no translation or associated cost required.

ReverseEngineering.com 2010 is designed specifically to support the critical aspects of MRO.

Just some of the advanced features and capabilities of ReverseEngineering.com 2010 include:

   •  Pull-down menu, toolbar, and command manager integration

      that provides an efficient user interface for measurement.

   •  Repeat Part datum alignment.

   •  Integrated  Property Page Manager for quick data collection

      configuration requirements.

   •  Integration between scan device, mouse, and the CAD system

   •  CAD system Feature Tree Management lets you organize

      measured and nominal data.

   •  The ability to scan millions of points and create lock

      plane and radial profiles for inspection with user-defined

      plane tolerancing.

   •  On-Demand scan data database can be accessed anytime and

      modified at anytime.

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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

New Optical Metrology Company Releases Its First Product

(Nanowerk News) Zemetrics, an optical metrology product company founded last year to provide new concept surface metrology systems, has brought its first system, ZeMapper, to the precision engineering and R&D market.

Zemetrics ZeMapper - The ZeMapper interferometric optical profiler provides three-dimensional surface maps with the highest lateral and vertical resolution in a user-friendly automated process. Its large image sensor of 4 mega-pixels combines a large field of view with high resolution, unmatched in any commercial profiler. Advanced processing of the interferometric data leads to rapid precision measurements with sub-Angstrom repeatability. Designed for ultra-precision metrology, the instrument has been beta-tested by research customers, and is now in production.
ZeMapper is expected to fill unmet needs in surface mapping among users that need non-destructive, non-contact areal measurements with high resolution and repeatability in applications such as defect review, surface characterization and volume displacement for data storage, optics, MEMS, tribology, material and biological sciences.

The ZeMaps acquisition and analysis software, included with ZeMapper, is optimized for the most powerful multiple processors, operating in 64-bit address space computing environment. Built-in reporting, animated 3D mapping, and zooming plots provide volumetric calculations, line profile cross-sections, and tabular 3D surface measurement parameters such as peak-to-valley, roughness (Sa), and area step heights.

About Zemetrics
Zemetrics, a corporate member of both OSA and SPIE, is a privately owned company. Offices are located in Tucson, Arizona. Its founders come from the optical surface metrology industry, and are experienced optical, mechanical and software designers. The company can be contacted through the web site (www.zemetrics.com), by phone (520/202-4399), or by email (info@zemetrics.com).
Source: Zemetrics (press release)

Leica ScanStation C10 - the next-generation Laser Scanner

Heerbrugg,--Leica Geosystems announces the completely new Leica ScanStation C10, the company’s biggest leap forward yet in laser scanners for as-built and topographic surveys. The compact, all-in-one Leica ScanStation C10 provides users with a combination of even greater versatility, reduced cost of ownership, and even higher productivity for scanning. These advances not only address today’s scanning professionals, but also address organizations wanting to enter into laser scanning to diversify and/or improve their current business.

Leica ScanStation C10 is a fully integrated, cable-less system; it does full dome scans up to 10 times faster than its predecessor – for example, a typical room scan now takes less than two minutes. The scanner has an easy-to-learn, surveyor-friendly onboard interface with high-resolution, color touch screen and integrated, high-resolution zoom camera/video. It features a dual-axis compensator, laser plummet and tribrach mount for quick setup over a known point; and, it interfaces to standard survey accessories such as TPS batteries, total station prisms, and even the Leica GPS SmartAntenna. Thus, even surveyors new to High-Definition Surveying™(HDS™) will find it easy to learn and work with the Leica ScanStation C10.

Leica ScanStation C10’s onboard software makes users even more efficient, plus the system is designed to be upgraded over time with increasing functionality - all in this smaller and lighter instrument. “This is the type of instrument that is truly worthy of being called ‘Leica Geosystems’ next-generation scanner’. Leica ScanStation C10 will no doubt reinforce our reputation for innovation and leadership in High-Definition Surveying,” states Dr. Juergen Dold, President of Leica Geosystems’ Geospatial Solutions Division. “From a value, versatility and productivity standpoint, the all-in-one Leica ScanStation C10 is ideal for organizations wanting to get into scanning or organizations wanting to add a more versatile and productive scanner to their existing fleet.”

Pricing & Availability

Leica ScanStation C10 is planned to be available for shipment in September 2009. Leica Cyclone v7.0 is being announced simultaneously as companion software for operating Leica ScanStation C10 and all other Leica Geosystems HDS scanners. Pricing information is available via authorized Leica Geosystems representatives.

Leica Geosystems – when it has to be right

With close to 200 years of pioneering solutions to measure the world, Leica Geosystems products and services are trusted by professionals worldwide to help them capture, analyze, and present spatial information. Leica Geosystems is best known for its broad array of products that capture accurately, model quickly, analyze easily, and visualize and present spatial information.

Those who use Leica Geosystems products every day trust them for their dependability, the value they deliver, and the superior customer support. Based in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, Leica Geosystems is a global company with tens of thousands of customers supported by more than 3’500 employees in 28 countries and hundreds of partners located in more than 120 countries around the world. Leica Geosystems is part of the Hexagon Group, Sweden.

For further information please contact:

Leica Geosystems HDS LLC

Geoffrey Jacobs

Phone direct 1-925-790-2317

Fax 1-925-790-2309

Handy Measuring Systems from Measurement Solutions

Portable measuring systems have been available for several years, in particular measuring arms and laser trackers. While these systems have certainly created a requirement within the market, many have not lived up to users’ expectations. In the case of portable arms, accuracy has always been questionable, and the price of laser trackers has made them prohibitive for general purpose applications.

HandyPROBE — the Portable CMM Solution

The all-new HandyPROBE from Creaform is purpose designed to fill the gap between portable measuring arms and laser trackers, yet provide class-leading performance for all types of applications at a cost effective price. The first problem overcome by the system is the issue of portability, as existing 'portable' systems have one major design flaw — they are not actually very portable, and should more accurately be described as 'transportable'. In order to achieve the accuracy quoted by the manufacturer, users must adopt heavy duty stands to provide stability for the measuring system, often requiring two people and a van to move the system between jobs, and in most cases the system ends up mounted to a table, defeating the object of a portable solution.

The HandyPROBE measuring system consists of two elements — the small, lightweight handheld HandyPROBE, plus the high accuracy C-Track camera positioning system. The C-Track uses the latest photogrammetry techniques to accurately track and establish the position and orientation of the HandyPROBE in real-time. The C-Track can be mounted on a simple lightweight tripod or anywhere that it can see the object to be measured, and includes an integrated wireless communication with the HandyPROBE. The whole measuring system is packaged in a single transport case that can be easily be moved around by one person, and fits in the back of a family hatchback car, with setup time achieved in a few minutes — a truly portable solution.

In order to achieve high accuracy in real manufacturing environments, C-Track incorporates a unique dynamic alignment system, whereby the HandyPROBE, C-Track positioning device and the part can be moved at any time. This is achieved through the use of reference markers attached to the part being measured, which means the coordinate reference system is attached directly to the part. Unlike portable arms or laser trackers, where the measuring reference is the measuring device itself, this totally eliminates the need for complex 'leap-frog' calculations and highly stable setups with clamped parts, thereby removing the possibility of human error and massively improving flexibility, efficiency, accuracy, and above all ease-of-use.

The handheld HandyPROBE is a completely arm-free measuring probe, with absolutely no moving parts to completely eliminate the possibility of mechanical wear. As the system provides the user with 100% portability, this guarantees rapid execution of 3D inspection and reverse engineering tasks in all environments, thereby ensuring reliable measurement data. Standard CMM-like stylus configurations, which can be quickly changed without the need for re-calibration, enable users to measure all types of features, including those that would normally be inaccessible due to line of sight or limited reach of an arm. These features, coupled with the intuitive control software, make the system incredibly easy to use, even for unskilled operators.

The HandyPROBE is designed to be used with many different software solutions, depending on the application and user’s requirements. The system is ideally suited for use with the latest Microlog XG and Metrolog XG software for 3D inspection, as these provide a completely seamless solution with full integration of all the measuring functionalities of the HandyPROBE. The software also offers the benefit that it will work with a user’s existing measuring equipment, providing total compatibility between all measuring devices.

HandyScan — the Portable Laser Scanner

Providing a direct complement to the HandyPROBE portable CMM is the hugely successful HandyScan range of 3D laser scanners. The HandyScan line-up is reportedly the world’s first and only self-positioning range of handheld laser scanners, which have completely revolutionised the scanning industry by accelerating and simplifying the scanning and data acquisition process, particularly for design, manufacturing and inspection of all types of parts and assemblies. The range currently includes four scanners according to application requirements, all incorporating the unique self positioning capability that removes the need for additional measuring or tracking devices such as a portable arm, fixed cameras, laser trackers or a CMM. Scanner options include user definable scanning resolutions, full colour and texture scanning, plus high accuracy scanning of large objects such as complete car bodies, train carriages and aircraft structures.

The HandyScan systems are incredibly easy to use, and can be applied to problems as diverse as military aircraft to dinosaur bones, human body scans to automotive designs, and architecture to Playstation games. The surface data provided by the HandyScan is of the highest quality available in portable laser scanning technology, and is presented to the user in a highly usable format in real-time. The VXScan software supplied with every scanner automatically creates triangulated surface data, completely eliminating the need for time consuming data processing of huge and often unmanageable point clouds.

The portability of the HandyScan is second to none, with the whole system fitting into a small carrying case that is suitable as hand luggage on an aircraft. There is no need for heavy stands, power supplies or controllers, making the system highly adaptable and versatile. As the scanner requires no external device, it can be used in extremely confined spaces, making it exceptional for applications such as vehicle interiors. A handy Field Pack even enables the scanner to be used in inaccessible places where power is not possible, such as mine shafts, power pylons, cliff faces, oil platforms, or even in the desert!

To make life even easier, all HandyScan laser scanners can be directly interfaced with many leading inspection and reverse engineering software solutions, according to user requirements. The scanners can also be combined with the HandyPROBE through software such as Microlog XG and Metrolog XG, providing users with a complete and comprehensive, high accuracy probing and scanning combination for complex 3D inspection requirements.

There are now over 1000 HandyScan systems in use throughout the World, with customers including Honda, Renault, BAe Systems, NASA, Toyota, Boeing, Caterpillar, plus many leading universities and institutions. The 1000th unit was recently delivered to London’s Natural History Museum by Measurement Solutions, the UK’s sole distributor of both the HandyScan and the HandyPROBE systems. The colour VIUScan system purchased by the museum will be used to digitally archive a range of artefacts within the Palaeontology Department, and also for creating 3D visualisations for exhibition and marketing purposes. Measurement Solutions have been selling HandyScan solutions since late 2006, and were one of the first resellers worldwide to achieve Platinum status due to their extensive knowledge of scanning and the use of these innovative laser scanners.

Iain Caville, Managing Director and founder of Measurement Solutions, commented, “The HandyScan range of laser scanners enabled us to complement and diversify our already established CMM solutions with completely original and ground-breaking systems. In a short time, we have established ourselves as a leading player in the UK scanning market, thanks totally to the HandyScan range of products”. He concluded, “We are extremely excited to now have the opportunity to re-define the portable CMM market with the new HandyPROBE system, which provides completely new handheld probing capabilities without the need for expensive laser trackers or fixed measuring arms.”

Measurement Solutions have both HandyPROBE and HandyScan systems available for demonstration — being completely portable, on-site demonstrations are also available. Measurement Solutions can also offer contract inspection and scanning services using the systems, plus a whole range of additional measuring devices including fixed bed CMM and high accuracy photogrammetry.

Originally published in TCT Magazine

Aberlink unveils CMM lease scheme

11/08/2009

UK CMM specialist Aberlink is offering its machines on lease.Aberlink's flexible leasing scheme gives customers the option of purchasing the leased product outright at any point, with the value of the monthly payments made, up to a maximum value of 80 per cent of the original price, counting towards the purchase.

This initiative means that the company's comprehensive range of CMMs can now be leased for as little as £357/month.

Hexagon Metrology Introduces New Leica Total Station at CMSC

Leica TDRA6000 Features Reflectorless 3D Measurement at 300 Meters

North Kingstown, RI – July 27, 2009 - Hexagon Metrology Inc. announced at the Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference (CMSC) in Louisville, Kentucky, the North American debut of the new Leica TDRA6000 Total Station, the most accurate Leica Geosystems total station ever released for industrial use. This Leica Geosystems laser station has the ability to automatically target both reflective tape targets and corner cube reflectors. The unit can also measure without targets. Typical 3D point accuracy at 35 meters is .25mm with reflectors. Reflectorless accuracy is 1mm. The TDRA6000 is optimized for use within 300 meters from the base unit. This product replaces the TDA5005 total station.

Total stations are used for large-scale installation, assembly, measurement, adjustment and alignment applications, such as aerospace tooling, printing presses, process machinery, erection of wind turbine or antenna towers, supercollider arrays, and any application that requires the precision location of components in three-dimensional space.

Leica Geosystems’ proprietary piezo direct drive technology has been incorporated into the Total Station to deliver high speed motorization and acceleration that is up to four times faster than the previous generation, but still allows for submicron level fine positioning. This technology has very low power consumption, requires minimal maintenance, and is nearly silent The unit is now coupled with Leica’s proprietary PowerSearch technology that quickly and automatically locates and locks onto a target, and re-locks onto a target in the event of an interruption in the beam. The TDRA6000 delivers high performance in a compact, portable, battery powered unit.

Measurement data collected with the TDRA6000 can be downloaded via a built-in Bluetooth connection into a metrology software package for further analysis and results reporting. The TDRA600 is immediately available for shipment.

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

Hexagon Metrology Introduces New Leica Total Station At CMSC

Leica TDRA6000 Features Reflectorless 3D Measurement At 300 Meters

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I., July 22, 2009 -- Hexagon Metrology, Inc. today at the Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference (CMSC) in Louisville, Kentucky, announced the North American debut of the new Leica TDRA6000 Total Station, the most accurate Leica Geosystems total station ever released for industrial use. This Leica Geosystems laser station has the ability to automatically target both reflective tape targets and corner cube reflectors. The unit can even measure without targets. Typical 3D point accuracy at 35 meters is .25mm with reflectors. Reflectorless accuracy is 1mm. The TDRA6000 is optimized for use within 300 meters from the base unit. This product replaces the TDA5005 total station.

Total stations are used for large-scale installation, assembly, measurement, adjustment and alignment applications, such as aerospace tooling, printing presses, process machinery, erection of wind turbine or antenna towers, supercollider arrays, and any application that requires the precision location of components in three-dimensional space.

Leica Geosystems' proprietary piezo direct drive technology has been incorporated into the Total Station to deliver high speed motorization and acceleration that is up to four times faster than the previous generation, but still allows for submicron level fine positioning. This technology has very low power consumption, requires minimal maintenance, and is nearly silent. The unit is now coupled with Leica's proprietary PowerSearch technology that quickly and automatically locates and locks onto a target, and re-locks onto a target in the event of an interruption in the beam. The TDRA6000 delivers high performance in a compact, portable, battery powered unit.

Measurement data collected with the TDRA6000 can be downloaded via a built-in Bluetooth connection into a metrology software package for further analysis and results reporting. The TDRA600 is immediately available for shipment.

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

Metris custom micro-CT 320kV bay introduced in brand new CT imaging facility in Manchester University

Dinosaur experts will rub shoulders with aircraft designers at a new x-ray imaging facility at the University of Manchester, which was officially opened on June 8th. The Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility recently took delivery of a powerful and highly accurate custom Metris 320kV Micro-CT system. Two Metris systems and other imagers provide academic and industrial users with world-leading characterization and research CT instrumentation.

Providing access to world-class CT instruments

Located at the Materials Science Center at the University of Manchester, the Henry Moseley X‑ray Imaging Facility houses a suite of five computed tomography (CT) systems. These state-of-the-art instruments have been commissioned with support from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the North West Development Agency and the University of Manchester. It is an open facility that provides researchers with access to unique world-class instruments for CT, from the millimeter to nanometer length scales.

For the micrometer length scale, the imaging facility opted for a standard Metris XT H computer tomography system equipped with a market-leading micro-focus source and high-definition detector technology. The default source is a proprietary 225kV micro-focus X-ray source with a spot size that is considerably smaller than competitive mini-focus sources, providing image resolution up to 3 micron. The CT system supports both commercial projects and fundamental research involving a wide diversity of materials.

Micro-focus sources yield better CT performance

A second system installed at the Henry Moseley Imaging Facility features a more powerful 320kV micro-focus source to tackle denser or larger specimens, such as heavy engineering items or thick stones or soil samples. A premium 2000x2000 pixel Perkin Elmer flat-panel detector digitizes a field of view of up to 410x410mm, generating highly accurate and pinpoint-sharp X-ray images and 3D CT visualizations.

The entire inspection setup is integrated into a walk-in radiation bay to accommodate larger specimens as well as user-installed equipment. This custom CT instrument is equipped with a fully programmable 5-axis manipulator designed for samples up to 100kg, and an extendible jib crane for heavy sample and/or sample rig handling. This system can also be equipped with a rotating target source offering enhanced cooling of the target. This source generates electron flux that is up to five times higher without risking permanent source damage, providing faster data acquisition and/or higher image accuracy.

A wide range of applications

The Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility will be used by academic and industrial researchers working with a diverse range of samples and objects, including composite, biological, metallurgical, paper, textiles, sports goods, archaeological, paleontological and geological samples. The objects examined may range from micron-sized biological samples to heavy engineering components. Biological events, degradation processes such as corrosion, or crushing of materials can be monitored in a non-invasive way. Imaging equipment is supported by a suite of powerful workstations for the off-line reconstruction and visualization of data. A sample preparation area and office work space is also available.

Prof Phil Withers, founder of the new facility said: “From a series of 2D x-ray images we can construct 3D ‘pictures’. This facility enables us to study how things evolve over time, either naturally or under a range of loads, temperatures or other stimuli. It is bringing together scientists and engineers from many disciplines to see things behave at a level of detail not previously possible.”

Metris’ extensive track record with world-renowned universities, research institutes and museums includes Harvard, NASA, Manchester University, Natural History Museum London, Northwest Composite Research Center, Norwegian Geological Institute, National Research Center Canada, Sandia National Labs, Texas A & M, University of Minnesota, and Warwick University.

NVision and FixLogix Partner to Provide Unique Part Holding for Non-Contact Scanning

(July 15, 2009) - NVision Inc. and FixLogix LLC have partnered to provide a new easy-to-use and economical modular part-holding system designed especially for non-contact scanning. The FixLogix part-holding system uses a t-slot fixture plate with integrated components to stage the part on the machine. The system offers tremendous savings compared to conventional fixtures, and offers a superior solution to laser scanning applications due to the infinite adjustability of the t-slot system. “The FixLogix system is the first part-holding system to deliver exactly what is needed for diverse engineering projects,” said Steve Kersen, President of NVision. “We are excited to bundle it with of our scanning systems to provide our customers a complete turn-key solution for both reverse engineering and inspection.”

Fixtures made for machining are not appropriate for non-contact measurement. They are designed to withstand the high cutting forces involved in machining so they are typically quite expensive and block much of the part from optical inspection. “The ideal approach to fixturing for optical inspection would be levitation,” said Dan Smith, President of FixLogix. “Our new part-holding system provides the next best thing by offering a minimalist approach to holding the part firmly. We provide a standard kit that can be configured to hold nearly any part, with simple structures that minimize interference with scanning. It saves hours that today are commonly spent in scouring the shop for a makeshift fixture that takes hours to assemble and may not hold the part in the right orientation.”

The t-slot plate has a clamp ledge around the perimeter, allowing easy lock-down with toe-clamps. New “near zero” force clamps feature an innovative self-wedging design ideal for trapping soft or fragile parts without distortion. The FixLogix modular part-holding system provides multi-axis infinite positioning of locating components, which simplifies fixture construction. The frame is laser engraved with reference scales along the T-slots, providing clear documentation of the fixture setup for easy repeatability. The modular part-holding system works equally well with optical scanning systems mounted on gantries and portable coordinate measuring machines (CMM).

NVision provides the FixLogix modular part-holding system as part of a complete package with their non-contact optical scanning systems. These include the NVision HandHeld scanner, MAXOS, and MobileScan.

• The HandHeld Scanner is a powerful portable device that is capable of capturing 3D geometry from components of virtually any size. It is attached to a mechanical arm that moves about the object, freeing the user to capture data rapidly and with a high degree of resolution.

• The MAXOS system uses a concentrated light to make measurements rather than a touch probe allowing it to measure complex geometry - even if it has a shiny surface - without the need for spraying. The MAXOS is also unaffected by the limitations of ball radius compensation from which traditional CMMs suffer. It can measure radii down to 0.1 mm with an accuracy of +/- 2 microns.

• The MobileScan laser system moves automatically controlled to follow a pre-defined measurement strategy. This means that the scanner can be left alone to scan production items without the constant attention that is required by a handheld device. MobileScan connects easily to a standard notebook computer via USB or Firewire and comes integrated with computer-aided inspection software that automatically processes scan data from a physical part to generate highly accurate polygon and parametric surface models.

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.

Hexagon Metrology Expands Equipment Rental Programs

CMMs and Portable Arms Added to Rental Equipment Choices

North Kingstown, RI - July 8, 2009 - Hexagon Metrology Inc. has announced expanded equipment rental options for its bridge CMM, portable arm and laser tracker product lines. Brown & Sharpe Bridge CMMs such as Global and ONE are now available in most popular sizes and option packages for rental periods of six months or more, ROMER portable arms are available for weekly or monthly rentals, and Leica Laser Trackers are available for monthly terms. Skilled equipment operators are optionally available by contract with each type of equipment.

“Equipment rentals are a service that we have offered for many years with our Leica Laser Trackers,” said Al Chiasson, director of aftermarket services. “We decided to expand our offerings in recognition that in these extraordinary times, our customers are exploring alternative options to acquire the equipment they need. The unique thing about the Hexagon model is that we can offer not just the equipment, but also the on-site operator support. We have Hexagon staff under contract at customer locations around the country delivering tangible benefits to our customers each day with all our equipment types—bridge CMMs, portable arms and laser trackers. The expansion of rentals is just another way that Hexagon Metrology is demonstrating our ability to deliver value added products and services on a worldwide basis.”

More information on Hexagon Metrology’s equipment rental options for the USA is available on www.HexagonMetrology.us.

About Hexagon Metrology
Hexagon Metrology is part of the Hexagon AB Group and includes leading metrology brands such as Brown & Sharpe, 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.com

PTB develops micro and nano coordinate measuring instrument for 3D objects

From the motion sensor to the computer chip - in many products of daily life components are used whose functioning is based on smallest structures of the size of thousandths - or even millionths - of millimetres. These micro and nano structures must be manufactured and assembled with the highest precision so that in the end, the overall system will function smoothly. Thereby, details are important - and therefore scientists at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) have developed a metrological scanning probe microscope into a micro and nano coordinate measuring instrument. This now allows dimensional quantities with nanometer resolution also to be measured on three-dimensional objects in an extraordinarily large measurement range of 25 mm x 25 mm x 5 mm. The new device is already extensively being used at PTB - to a large part for calibration orders from industry and research.

The micro probe used in the micro-nano CMM measures the form and the spacing of two reference spheres with diameters of two millimetres each. The figure shows a survey of the system and the proportions of measuring probe and measurement object in detail.

Often, such small dimensions can be grasped only when they are transferred to everyday life. If we assume, for example, that someone lost a cube of sugar within an area of 25 square kilometres - the new micro and nano coordinate measuring instrument would not only be able to find it, but it would also be able to determine its exact position and shape. This does not only apply to plane surfaces, but also to three-dimensional landscapes, for example if the cube of sugar were stuck to a steep wall.

As increasingly, components with structures in the micro- and nanometer range are being used in industry, dimensional metrology on such structures is becoming increasingly important. To meet the increasing requirements for 3D measurements of micro and nano structures, 3D measuring probes newly developed at PTB were incorporated in a metrological scanning probe microscope based on a commercial nano-positioning system with integrated laser displacement sensors of the company SIOS Messtechnik GmbH. The new functionalities given by the measuring probe and the software extend the scanning probe microscope to a metrological micro/nano coordinate measuring machine (CMM) which also allows 3D measurements conforming to standards to be performed on micro and nano structures.

International intercomparisons on step-height standards and lattice structures have shown that the measuring system is worldwide one of the most precise of its kind. For step heights, measurement uncertainties in the subnanometer range - and for measurements of the mean structure spacing on extensive lattice standards even in the range of 10 picometers - have been achieved and confirmed in comparison with optical diffraction measurements.

The new measuring instrument is available for dimensional precision measurements with nm resolution on 3D micro and nano structures such as micro gears, micro balls, hardness indenters and nano lattice standards as well as for comparisons of measures; moreover, it serves as a platform for research and development tasks. It is an important link between nano, micro and macro coordinate metrology.

Source: PTB

With laser scan, Mount Rushmore to get virtual tours

MOUNT RUSHMORE -- Mount Rushmore National Memorial is set to get a three-dimensional digital recording, park officials announced Friday.

Laser scans by a partnership will give the National Park Service the ability to develop a digital model for virtual tours of the memorial and its entire park site, memorial superintendent Gerard Baker said.

"We're going to open it up so the citizens of America and the world can see things they've never seen before," Baker said.

CyArk, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that scans historic cultural sites with the cutting-edge laser technology, will conduct the scanning with the cooperation of several local firms and the Scottish Ministry of Culture. The project will start sometime in late September and wrap up in two weeks.

Wyss Associates in Rapid City and the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology are partners in the scanning effort.

The laser scanning technology has being used to scan and digitally record five historic cultural sites in Scotland, and that country will assist with the scanning of five cultural heritage sites worldwide, starting with Mount Rushmore. The site is one of 500 sites CyArk hopes to scan and preserve a digital record. The company has already digitally preserved two dozen sites around the world, including places in Italy, Egypt, Cambodia and Mexico.

The virtual tours of Mount Rushmore and the surrounding grounds could serve as a way for tourists to view the sites in what Scottish Culture Minister Michael Russell called a "Star-Trekkie" way.

"In those circumstances, you can take some pressure off the places themselves," he said.

The scanning project will provide a three-dimensional digital model capable of re-creating sculpted surfaces with an accuracy of less than 1 centimeter. Both ground and air-based radars will scan the grounds.

"We're hoping we can put the monument and the structures here in the context of the overall park," Ben Kacyra of CyArk said.

The completed scanning data also will be stored in the Hall of Records for posterity and help explain the carving project to future civilizations. The electronic model also could provide guidance, in the event of damage to the sculpture, to replicate carved surfaces.

The Leica Absolute Tracker is now equipped with PowerLock

This vision technology automatically locks onto any moving target without user intervention. Current laser tracker technology requires that the operator pays careful attention that the laser beam between the tracker and the target is not interrupted. Catching the beam requires the operator to find the laser beam, and then physically pass the target through the beam before the tracker can start measuring again. According to some customers this process interruption can account for up to 20% of their total measurement time.

PowerLock prevents from such interruptions. By utilizing a vision system built into the Leica Absolute Tracker the sensor can now determine where a target is without the need for the laser beam to be locked on. The Leica Absolute Tracker locks on to the target automatically as soon as it is within view of the sensor. This allows the operator to focus on the part they need to measure without constantly worrying about the laser tracker and whether or not they have broken the beam. PowerLock works with all standard reflectors and all Leica T-Products.

The PowerLock technology will be released to the market in summer 2009. Any Leica Absolute Tracker purchased from today on will be upgraded to this functionality free of charge at release. All Leica Absolute Trackers in the market will be able to be upgraded to this technology for a small charge in a local Hexagon Metrology service center.

Video: http://metrology.leica-geosystems.com/en/Downloads_6843.htm?cid=6393

Leica Geosystems Metrology Products

Whether building the fastest car, the biggest plane, or the most precise tooling, you need exact measurements to improve quality and productivity. So when it has to be right, professionals trust Leica Geosystems Metrology to help collect, analyze, and present 3-dimensional (3D) data for industrial measurement. Leica Geosystems Metrology is best known for its broad array of control and industrial measurement products including laser trackers, Local Positioning Technology (LPT) based systems, hand-held scanners, 3D software and high-precision total stations. Those who use Leica Geosystems Metrology products every day trust them for their dependability, the value they deliver, and the world-class service & support that’s second to none.

Precision, reliability and service from Leica Geosystems Metrology.

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 Inprocess Messtechnik, PC-DMIS, QUINDOS, ROMER, Sheffield, Standard Gage and TESA. Hexagon Metrology brands represent an unrivaled global installed base of millions of Coordinate Measuring Machines (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.

Castle bones may belong to knight

Archaeologists believe that bones discovered at Stirling Castle may have belonged to a knight killed in battle or during a siege in the early 1400s.

It is thought that despite the warrior's relatively young age of about 25, he may have suffered several serious wounds from earlier fights.

Researchers thinks it is also possible he may have been living for some time with a large arrowhead in his chest.

The bones were discovered in a chapel at the castle in 1997.

They were excavated when archaeologists were working in an area of the castle which turned out to be the site of a lost medieval royal chapel.

Peter Yeoman, from Historic Scotland, said because the man was buried at the heart of a royal castle, it was indicative he was a person of prestige, possibly a knight.

"His legs were formed in a way that was consistent with spending a lot of time on horseback"

Peter Yeoman
Historic Scotland

Some research was carried out on the skeleton at the time of its discovery, but a lack of technology meant it was difficult to assess the remains in more detail.

Since then scientists have been able to perform laser scanning which revealed the wounds.

Bone regrowth around a dent in the front of the skull suggested the man had recovered from a severe blow, possibly from an axe.

The warrior had also lost a number of teeth - perhaps from a blow, or a fall from a horse.

The fatal wound, however, occurred when something, possibly a sword, sliced through his nose and jaw.

Mr Yeoman said: "We know little about this burial area but the evidence suggests it was sometimes used during extreme circumstances, for example to bury the dead during a siege.


The body was buried at the heart of the royal castle
"However, by using modern analysis techniques we have started to discover quite remarkable information about this man.

"It appears he died in his mid-20s after a short and violent life.

"His legs were formed in a way that was consistent with spending a lot of time on horseback, and the upper body points to someone who was well-muscled, perhaps due to extensive training with medieval weapons."

A large, tanged arrowhead was found in skeleton and appears to have struck through the back or under the arm.

Crystalised matter attached to the arrowhead may have been from flies or other insect larvae and could have been from clothing the arrow forced into the wound.

Gordon Ewart, of Kirkdale Archaeology, who carried out the excavation and some of the research for Historic Scotland, said: "This is a remarkable and important set of discoveries.

"There were a series of wounds, including a dent in the skull from a sword or axe, where bone had regrown, showing that he had recovered.

"At first we had thought the arrow wound had been fatal but it now seems he had survived it and may have had his chest bound up."

War hammer

Little is known about who the man was or where he came from.

Further study is planned on tooth enamel and bone samples which may shed light on his origins.

His body appeared to have been buried in the same grave as a small boy of one to three years old.

Archaeologists cannot be certain that the two were linked but radiocarbon dating suggests both date from the early 15th Century, and there was no evidence of one grave having been cut through the other.

They were part of a group of 12 skeletons, some highly fragmentary, which were discovered.

Among them was a female, probably buried some time in the 13th Century, who had two neat, square holes through her skull which were consistent with blows from a war hammer.

Laser 3D Scanning Technology Widely Used for Military Defense Contract Inspection

From the Space Shuttle to high tech military jets, 3D laser scanning inspection has reached every level of military defense contract inspection. A few years ago, laser technology was instituted to scan the Space Shuttle for potential errors and flaws, allowing difficult-to-inspect areas to be accurately measured and compiled for analysis.

Since then, 3D laser scanning technology has been implemented in all levels of military defense inspection, allowing accurate measurements in a 3 dimensional form that eliminates all guess work by presenting the data as it is accurately depicted. This allows equipment, parts and tools to be accurately measured and compared to as-designed CAD models, allowing flaws to be instantly identified so they can be repaired.

The accuracy and precision that military technology requires demands that the laser scanning and contract inspection company be ITAR certified. Without that certification, there’s no guarantee the inspection will meet the rigorous demands of military applications. (This was the paragraph added to put in the requirements they wanted)

When implemented for contract inspection, laser technology improves the safety, reliability, and useful life of high valued equipment where lives may indeed be at stake. It provides the accurate data necessary in the field of defense, leaving no room for guess work by projecting data that accurately fits the status of the equipment being scanned.

What’s ideal about the new developments in 3d laser scanning technology is its increasing portability, allowing the equipment to be taken anywhere so that equipment can be checked in the field. Installments of any size can be scanned, from a Humvee to a fighter jet, right there in the field. This allows for the kind of detailed-specific quality inspection that’s so essential when lives are at stake.

Laser scanning scans the equipment as is, not just how it’s designed to be. This helps identify flaws to be fixed before they become a problem where lives are put on the line.

Laser technology can even be used to accurately access the hulls of ships while still in the water, no matter how big. Ship hulls can involve complicated geometric shapes, especially when they involve the complexity and scope of military design. 3D laser scanning produces an exact model of the ship’s hull while still in the water, identifying any flaws or weakness for potential repair.

The safety an accuracy of military infrastructure has been greatly improved through the development of laser technology when used for product inspection, improving the safety of the equipment as well as the lives of the personnel who operate them.

Renishaw launches CMM retrofit service

Renishaw announced a series of major new initiatives at Control 2009, including its first CMM retrofit service, and MODUS™ its first metrology software. There was also strong interest in a new probe that allows surface finish inspection within a standard CMM programme, plus the latest linear magnetic encoder technology and a new true absolute optical encoder for rotary and linear applications.

There was a very positive reaction to the new products and services, with many visitors especially pleased that Renishaw is now able to offer a complete CMM measurement package for the first time.

Cost-effective CMM upgrades

The Control show took place from 5th to 8th May in Stuttgart, Germany, and Renishaw's key message was aimed at manufacturers who are suffering from inspection bottlenecks that tie up staff and expensive machines whilst waiting for vital measurement results.

Vistors to the stand saw examples of cost-effective CMM retrofits carried out by Renishaw on a DEA Mistral and Tesa CMM, illustrating the huge productivity gains that can be made by upgrading existing machines. Engineers at the Renishaw stand gave advice about retrofitting a CMM and many visitors, including those with old CMMs, were surprised at the results that can be achieved with a retrofit carried out by a company with expertise in all relevant technologies.

A Renishaw CMM retrofit is available for all budgets and applications, from touch trigger probing and 3-axis scanning, through to the latest ultra-fast REVO® 5-axis measurement system. The company offers a 'one-stop shop' upgrade solution, from its new MODUS metrology software and universal CMM controller, through to sensors and machine calibration.

New surface finish probe

Also demonstrated at Control 2009 was a new probe option for Renishaw's revolutionary REVO® five-axis measurement system, which for the first time, allows surface finish inspection to be fully integrated with CMM measurement routines.

With a measurement capability of 6.3 to 0.05 Ra, the SFP1 surface finish probe provides a unique single platform capability that will eliminate the need for hand-held sensors, or the necessity to move parts to costly dedicated measuring machines, reducing labour costs and inspection lead times.

As a fully integrated option for the REVO 5-axis measurement system, users of the SFP1 surface finish probe will benefit from a range of powerful features including infinite rotational adjustment that will allow the probe to be orientated to allow the measurement of a surface at any angle.

True absolute optical encoder

There was also strong interest in Renishaw’s true absolute optical encoder system that has excellent dirt immunity, and an impressive specification that breaks new ground in position feedback. RESOLUTE™ is the world’s first absolute encoder capable of 27-bit resolution at 36,000 rpm, giving an astonishing market-leading resolution of just 1 nanometre at 100 m/s for both linear and angle encoder applications. Large set-up tolerances enable easy installation and high reliability, whilst low jitter and SDE (Sub-Divisional Error) meet the demands of high precision stages.

Also shown was TONiC™, a new super-compact optical encoder, offering speeds up to 10 m/s and resolutions down to 5 nm for both linear and rotary applications.

http://www.renishaw.com/

Supersizing opens doors for Kristek

Less than a week after installing an ‘extra large’ XYZ CNC lathe Kristek Precision Ltd secured an ongoing order for large stainless steel seal rings which could not have been made on its existing machines.

The investment in the XYZ XL1500 ‘extra large’ CNC lathe – a 50hp/1500 mm swing over bed lathe equipped with Siemens 840D ShopTurn conversational control – highlights the Melksham subcontractor’s progression to larger, more complex machining. It is also in sharp contrast to the ISO 9001-accredited company’s beginnings, when the original 2000 sq. ft. workshop housed various small manual lathes, turret mills, capstan lathes and pillar drills.

Prior to establishing KPL in 1987, the directors had minimal experience of CNC machining. However, as the business grew year on year, with KPL demonstrating its expertise in the machining of prototypes and small to medium batches to tight tolerances and a high standard, the company began to invest in CNC turning machines, machining centres and CADCAM software.

Today the company’s 15-strong team provides a ‘one stop’ machining service, supplying precision CNC machined components to customers in a wide range of industries, including power generation, automotive testing, and oil and gas. Any additional requirements such as plating, painting and heat treatment are project managed by KPL, the primary objective being to deliver consistent high quality work at competitive prices.

“We are a skills-based company,” says Kelvin Stone, Director, “and this, in combination with a comprehensive range of CNC machine tools, means we are very flexible. We can CNC turn components up to 1500 mm diameter by 1000 mm long and CNC mill up to 2000 mm by 750 mm by 700 mm in most materials. These materials include plastics as well as ferrous and non-ferrous metals, with particular emphasis on difficult-to-machine materials such as stainless steels, titanium, Inconel and Hastelloy.”

KPL already had two large facing lathes, but machining of the 1350 mm OD stainless steel seal rings has been allocated to the new XL 1500 because the machine is more efficient and provides pinpoint accuracy. The machining sequence involves skimming the front face and machining several grooves, then machining the bore some five thou under size to allow for expansion and parting-off through to a depth of up to 30 mm.

The key dimensions of the machined ring are checked in situ using a portable co-ordinate measuring arm before parting-off takes place. This is the final stage of the machining sequence, as parting-off provides a finish machined rear face to the component, eliminating the need for a second machining set-up. However, because of the unpredictability of the expansion of the machined component, off-machine inspection is used to confirm the crucial bore/outside measurements of the first-off and any program adjustment, if required, is then made on the XL 1500 CNC lathe prior to machining successive components. The final 100 percent inspection of the machined component is then carried out on a large co-ordinate measuring machine.

As for new opportunities resulting from its installation, a company in Edinburgh already using KPL for large milling work has decided that the Melksham subcontractor should now take on its large turning work as well.

http://www.kristek.co.uk/

KREON TECHNOLOGIES announces new partnership in the USA

KREON TECHNOLOGIES, the French specialist in 3D scanning solutions for reverse engineering and quality control applications announces the creation of a new partnership, with GoMeasure3d, for the distribution of its products in North America

A strategic alliance

KREON TECHNOLOGIES is pleased to announce its new partnership with GoMeasure 3D, an American company specializing in sales of 3D measurement solutions for reverse engineering and quality control. For KREON, this is the opportunity to develop its activity in the US market and to have a local intermediary. " This agreement will enable us to provide the American market with our products in addition to a local customer service, which is one of KREON main values" explains Thierry Rebillard, the manager of KREON TECHNOLOGIES. GoMeasure 3D will provide the Northern American market with the overall KREON range of laser scanners. "This partnership will bring options of precision nerver before available in this market at such an affordable price" declares Darryl Motley, CEO of GoMeasure 3D.

Today, KREON presents a wide range of scanning solutions designed to address specific challenges in non contact measurement so as to meet the largest number of customers' needs. "The advantage are the high quality for the price and the range of options for the customer available in the KREON line. We believe we will be able to provide the highest quality portable CMM an laser solutions to industry" says Darryl Motley.

About GoMeasure 3D

GoMeasure 3D has been in the digitizing, reverse engineering and inspection business for over a decade. It provides measurement solutions for an array of customers including manufacturing engineers, graphic artists, the medical field, universities and more. The company is famous for supplying the customer with a complete solution of hardware, software and training that allows them to simplify their tasks and to increase productivity as well. "The experience of GoMeasure 3D in the 3D measurement solutions field is very important for KREON. That is why we are very confident in working with them" explains Thierry Rebillard. Regarding his new KREON distributor status, Darryl Motley declares "we chose to work with KREON because of its excellent reputation in the worldwide marketplace and we wanted to bring those quality products to the US market. KREON will give us the tools we need to make our customers successful".

To know more about GoMeasure 3D, email at info@gomeasure3d.com

www.gomeasure3d.com

The human factor in motorcycle design

Jun 17 2009 by Alastair Gilmour, The Journal

Transport and design combine in a business that works under the principle ‘two wheels good’. Alastair Gilmour meets two motorcycle designers.

WHO hasn’t had an Easy Rider moment while Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda roar off on their Harley Davidson Hydraglides?

Do the hearts of the great escapees among us still vibrate as Steve McQueen leaps barbed wire fences on his TT Special 650 Triumph? And who could forget Marianne Faithfull redefining bike-wear as full body leathers in The Girl on a Motorcycle? Motorbikes have that effect; they’re glamorous, they’re fast and they’re daring.

So, are the people who design motorbikes fast and daring? Do they leap and roar? Certainly the ones who occupy a unit on a Northumberland industrial estate don’t give that impression. Even though Mark Wells and Ian Wride design the most stylish sculptures-on-wheels they give the impression of being perfectly respectable. The pair of Northumbria University graduates established Xenophya Design to specialise in design and development for the motorcycle industry, taking concepts through every stage to finally waving them off into full production.

“It’s certainly a different type of business,” says Mark. “Globally, there are only a handful of companies doing what we do. There’s one in Amsterdam, one in Austria and another in the Midlands, but not many more.”

“We started out in 2001 after graduating in BA Hons in Transportation Design. The course is set up for young designers who want to work in the car and motorbike design industry or they could go into interior design for trains, planes and boat design.”

Mark and Ian quickly found out that there isn’t that much work around for motorbike designers, not until you make a name for yourself. To pitch for work you have to have a solid portfolio of successful commissions, but you can’t build a portfolio until you’ve produced the work. So they concentrated initially on designing accessories and taking on small bodywork projects.

“It was the classic Catch 22 situation,” says Mark. “Automotive design is incredibly competitive to get into, there are only 1,800 car designers in the world, probably about the same amount as there are of professional footballers in the English leagues, and motorcycle design is even more exclusive. It’s a very specialist area, so when you think of all the millions of kids dreaming about playing in a World Cup, it’s about the same.

“You have to have an esoteric knowledge of the subject and a target market. Most cars will say something about the owner; very few cars are just for leisure use, except for the Caterham. Even a Bentley Continental is transport for somebody, but bikes speak on a far more emotive level. “When I was a small boy I was always designing cars and motorbikes, it’s all I ever wanted to do. I think it’s in my blood. My grandfather was a Royal Signals dispatch rider and my father rode road bikes all his life, so for me to do two things that I’m passionate about was a no-brainer.”

He acted on his passion and Xenophya Design’s 2,800 sq ft unit in Cramlington’s Nelson Industrial estate features a prototyping workshop and assembly space complete with a model-making mill and lathe surrounded by sculpture tools. Next door is a large modelling room overlooked by a design studio. Three permanent staff look after the industrial design side of the business as well as the company’s graphics arm PhyaBrand which reflects the Xenophya ethic for creativity but in print and multimedia work.

Mark says: “Our first proper break was working on the Fischer Motor Company’s MRX 650. We didn’t do any actual design work – Glynn Kerr, ‘father of motorbike design’ did that. Ian went to the States in 2003 to work on a clay model then on the show model. It’s only now they’ve started shipping the first production bikes.”

The MRX 650 is a bike to start the heart racing, using every technological advance and the brightest brains in the business to get it on the road. It is Fischer’s first motorcycle for mass-production and uses suppliers from around the world, including EADS, an Airbus subsidiary, for engineering; Harley Davidson and Michael Jordan Motorsports contractor Gemini Technology Systems for chassis platform development, plus various companies related to US tractor and automotive suppliers for other components. Xenophya Design from Cramlington was therefore in good company. This was page one in the portfolio; page two came from the opposite direction.

“We started working with Royal Enfield in India,” says Mark. The world’s oldest and once all-British bike had been sent to India in kit form from 1949 to be assembled by the Madras Motor Company. Eventually frames and engines were manufactured there but the country’s trade restrictions meant the design stood still. Those relaxed somewhat in the 1990s but by then the Japanese had moved in with their highly-efficient machines – and Royal Enfield sales plummeted.

“The hardest part of our business is selling something intangible. It’s very difficult,” says Mark. “Royal Enfield initially wanted a number of concepts for the domestic market but there was no coherent product development programme. British bikes mean a lot to them, they’re where they would like to see themselves in development and production. They invited us because they saw us being the guardians of that culture, to keep its integrity.

“Gearboxes and engines were separate on bikes in the 50s so we thought about how we make this engine and crankcase look as though they belong on this bike. We designed a new model, but have not changed a classic bike.

“We started product planning by talking to dealers and end-users and doing research into the market. We went to the Vintage Motorcycle Club in London and to Royal Enfield meets and the National Motorcycle Museum to get immersed in the Royal Enfield brand. We’re not an engineering company, we’re the human factor of design involved in its tactile nature; how it feels to sit on, its looks, its styling and how that affects what people think. Our job is to be like a sponge and soak up all that influence, adding value to a product. We’re offering a professional service in a process creating products that are right for the people who’ll be using them.”

Xenophya Design also works with brands familiar to the two-wheeler fraternity – Yamaha, Drbi, Aprilia and Bajaj Auto – and with engineering specialists such as Vepro and ArianeTech Ingeniers – while building up a very close relationship with Rieju in Barcelona.

Ellis Pitt, a former product designer who founded Worcestershire-based Mac Motorcycles, has had a fruitful relationship with Mark and Ian, the two companies collaborating over the past 12 months to design a small range of light-weight, air-cooled bikes.

He says: “Last year I started to cast around for inspiration. I met Mark Wells & Ian Wride at Xenophya Design whilst working in the North East. This gave us a chance to indulge our respective obsessions with motorcycles over copious mugs of tea and biscuits – Rich Tea. We took all this, wrote the design brief and started Mac Motorcycles.”

The Xenophya style is to start every project from scratch – a biro and blank sheet approach which clears the mind and freshens creativity.

“We start with very loose sketches for proportions and volumes then develop them into a live project,” says Mark. The final image is a full-size pen drawing worked up in Photoshop which is the point that it would get signed off by the client to move into 3D design.

“We use modelling clay which is a bit like candle wax rather than potters’ clay. It’s heated to about 50ºC to make it pliable then it’s carved and sculpted to shape with special tools. Computer-aided design (CAD) is hugely important but you can’t get that same level of interaction you can get with clay. We can then digitise it back to CAD for 3D images using our co-ordinate measuring machine – a huge investment. We put XYZ co-ordinates in so we can talk to engineering teams anywhere in the world and they can give us the exact position for, say, a radiator.

“Then it’s crucial to stand back to look at the design in one ‘take’, so the space we have in the unit is very useful, although we thought it was too big at first. After that we can make a lash-up model that looks like a prototype bike.

“We’ve now done five bikes but at the moment we can’t show people what we’ve done. Most manufacturers insist on non-disclosure agreements and don’t want you to tell anybody what part you’ve played. It makes building a business a long slow process, but the first rule of design is to respect confidentialities.”

“Like everybody else, things have been pretty bleak for the last six months but we seem to be getting through. We’ve always taken in students on work experience and like to support Northumbria University where we can. It’s good to see what students can do and interesting to see where the new talent is coming from.

“We’re also hoping to get involved with specialist motorcycle engineering courses; it’s a symbiotic relationship, one can’t work without the other.”

It’s a philosophy which appears to be: Get your motor runnin’; Head out on the highway; Lookin’ for adventure; And whatever comes our way.

Xenophya Design information and a gallery of commissions can be found at http://www.xenophya.com/

Also visit http://www.phybrand.com/ and mac-motorcycles.com