All Features
Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics
Few areas of research are as dependent on 3D measurement technology in the setup of its major experiments as fusion plasma physics. Highly developed laser trackers, as well as portable scanning and photogrammetry systems, have opened up a world of possibilities for improving fusion research…
Paul S. Banks
Most existing 3D capture technologies can’t be used to record objects in motion, and they usually require a stationary platform for operation. Some technologies can record 3D data at video rates (e.g., flash LADAR), but their spatial and range resolution are severely limited.
TetraVue, a provider…
Kyle Toppazzini
Many people argue that lean Six Sigma projects—particularly Six Sigma—are not sustained within the organization. Because they are not sustained, over time people may go back to their old ways of doing things. This should not happen if the lean Six Sigma initiative is properly embedded into the…
NIST
(NIST: Gaithersburg, MD) -- Letitia Baldrige, sister of Malcolm Baldrige, died Mon., October 29, 2012, at the age of 86. In announcing her passing, her son Malcolm Hollensteiner told the Foundation for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, Inc., that “she loved the board and took such pride…
Zontec
(Zontec: Cincinnati, OH) -- Zontec Inc., an international developer of statistical process control (SPC) software solutions, has released an update to its Synergy 2000 Multi-function Toolbox for its customers worldwide.
“We believe that data automation should be transparent to the customer,” says…
InnovMetric Software
For nearly 40 years, Bushwacker Inc., a family-operated business in Portland, Oregon, has designed and manufactured fender flares and truck accessories for the automotive aftermarket with passion and pride. The Bushwacker family sums up quality in three words: fit, finish, and style.
Every detail…
Mark R. Hamel
Labels, lines, and shadows have little personality. Their job is largely about identification, location, and quantity.
Visual performance metrics provide insight into the health of a process or value stream by comparing actual performance vs. target within the context of people, quality, delivery…
Nikon Metrology Inc.
(Nikon Metrology: Brighton, MI) -- At this year's International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago, Nikon Metrology introduced 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…
Geodetic Systems Inc.
(GSI: Stamford, CT) -- Geodetic Systems Inc. (GSI) will host its 2013 User Group Meeting Feb. 20–22, 2013, at the Crowne Plaza Oceanfront Resort and Spa Hotel in Melbourne, Florida. On Wed., Feb. 20, and Thurs., Feb. 21, users and GSI experts will give presentations, along with GSI’s popular V-…
Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence
(Hexagon Metrology: North Kingstown, RI) -- The enhanced ROMER Absolute Arm with integrated laser scanner is now more rapid compared to previous versions, offering an acquisition speed of up to 50,000 points per second. This enables users to move the scanner over the measurement object faster than…
Verisurf Software Inc.
(Verisurf: Anaheim, CA) -- Verisurf Software, Inc. and InspectionXpert Corp. are partnering to provide integrated InspectionXpert and Verisurf functionality to accelerate the process of completing first-article inspections. The new partnership provides quality inspectors with an integrated solution…
FARO
(FARO: Lake Mary, FL) -- Trimble and FARO have signed an OEM and distribution agreement for 3D laser scanners. Under the agreement, FARO will provide Trimble with an OEM-differentiated product based on its successful FARO Laser Scanner Focus3D platform. Trimble will offer the OEM product throughout…
Neil McLeod
Speed seems to be part of Brian Coombs’ life. As engineering lead for mechanical design at Bloodhound SSC, the United Kingdom’s project to retain the world land speed record with a jet- and rocket-powered 1,000 mph (1,610 km/h) car, he leads a team of engineers that is responsible for the design of…
Timothy F. Bednarz
Alack of critical thinking within organizations can be severely damaging. Critical thinking is needed for problem solving and for generating innovative ideas and solutions. Without it, new paths and avenues fail to be fully explored and forged.
When organizations lack creative thinkers, their…
Stewart Anderson
When Sean and Jayne Douglas started their winery, they knew that differentiating their product would be critical for success. The wine industry in Canada, as in most other countries, is populated by numerous producers all selling wine but differentiated—perhaps by developing unique blends, altering…
Steve Richerson
Big companies like GE, IBM, Walmart, as well as many smaller companies like Tennant, Centiva, and Stonyfield, have recently locked their GPS coordinates onto a really intriguing destination: market profitability through ecological sustainability.
These companies are heading toward a sustainable…
Anthony Burns’ opinion piece, “Six Sigma Psychology” published in the Oct. 25, 2012, edition of Quality Digest Daily, piqued my interest. I read it in anticipation of discovering a candy house waiting at the end of a long dark path, along with suggestions about how to avoid the oven. Perhaps I’d…
PLX Inc.
(PLX: Deer Park, NY) -- PLX Inc., a designer and manufacturer of unique optical instruments and systems, has developed a ball-mounted hollow retroreflector (BMR) made of ceramic to be used in nonmagnetic environments.
The ceramic BMR is available in two center accuracies within 0.0005 in. and…
Paul Naysmith
Cheese is by far one of the greatest foods. It is my only ambrosia, wrapping around my taste buds and sending fireworks of pleasure around my brain. In particular, I love the nutty flavor of Switzerland's holiest of cheeses: Emmental. When you meet me, I will happily bore you into a coma when I…
Mike Cudemo
Today's markets are growing globally and moving faster. Supply chains are leaner. Quality interruptions have dramatic financial and brand loyalty impact. To be effective, quality management systems (QMS) must keep pace, but unfortunately, everything is relative.
Figure 1 compares the average days…
Gallup
The rising cost of healthcare in the United States coupled with the absence of return on investment for Americans’ health is an important concern for many leaders across the country. And as many health systems adopt new strategies to reduce patient readmission rates and improve Hospital Consumer…
Arun Hariharan
Years of experience working with businesses—especially in areas related to quality, customers, and continuous improvement—have taught me some lessons. One of the most valuable is knowing the right question to ask.
Although it may seem like common sense, many of us hear wrong questions, and even…
Bruce Hamilton
I attended a very nice presentation recently by a person who has been leading the lean charge for several years at a major medical center. As he reflected on key elements of his organization’s success, however, he made a statement that set off my hooey detector. “It’s most important to start with…
Tammy Serensits
One focus of the regulations implemented by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during the past several years has been on quality in batch-to-batch production in the pharmaceutical industry. Batch quality not only ensures safe product for consumers, it also has the added benefit of saving…
Josh Cable
Editor’s note: This is part two of a two-part series. To read part one, “Making the Leap from Manufacturing Manager to Consultant,” click here.
Before launching a career in consulting, consider the time away from family and other sacrifices that have to be made, but also consider the potential…
