All Features
NIST
Researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of North Carolina have demonstrated a new design for an instrument, a “instrumented nanoscale indenter,” that makes sensitive measurements of the mechanical properties of thin films—ranging from auto body…
Phys.org
A bright future beckons for a University of Huddersfield metrology instrumentation designer who has recently completed his doctorate, won a national award, and will now embark on a project to bring a patented product to the market.
It was a master of science in control systems and instrumentation…
Artec 3D
Artec scanners were used to create realistic 3D models of Brazilian national football team players for an upcoming multimedia project produced by Globo Internacional, a mass media group in Latin America. Globo has yet to unveil the details of its project, but Artec wanted to share some insightful…
Shaun Wissner
In the small world of 3D metrology, we all have heard the same questions in various contexts countered with some wildly different answers. This new column will explore these frequently asked questions, and address what is and what is not proper 3D metrology practice. Over the coming months, I will…
Steven Weeks
Due to globalization and advancing technology, today’s manufacturing environment is increasingly competitive. Therefore, the accuracy and quality of machined durable goods is extremely important if a company is to stay competitive. Of course, having the necessary equipment to perform the…
Chad Crisostomo
Editor’s note: FARO is offering a free webinar on portable arms and software on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, at 11 a.m. Pacific. Click here to register.
Articulating arms, also known 3D measurement arms, are portable coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) that determine and record the location of a probe…
Creaform Inc.
Recently, Creaform’s Metrology Services division was contacted by a French electric power-generation company to inspect a set of hydraulic penstocks, or water channels. The targeted installation was suspected to be deformed after its 50 years of operation. Pressure changes, corrosion, temperature…
Keyence Corp.
Timex is the United State’s leading watchmaker and is present in more than 80 countries. Fralsen, its French entity, makes watch movements using three technologies: plastic-injection moulding of small parts with very fine details; turning and cutting of parts such as wheels, pinions, arbors and…
Robb McIvor
Countdowns are usually reserved for events of significant importance, like the classic T minus 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0, ignition, heard so many times from Cape Canaveral. Or a countdown to a momentous occasion like a wedding or a long-awaited product launch.
At the time of this writing, another countdown…
Dirk Dusharme @ Quality Digest
A lot of us have been following the advancements in 3D printing and have noted the variety of materials that can be used to create objects. The most common of these are plastic, nylon, and metal. One of the key expenses of 3D printing, other than the printer, of course, is the cost of the material…
Creaform Inc.
The École Nationale de Voile et des Sports Nautiques (ENVSN) is a sailing and nautical school in the small village of Saint-Pierre-Quiberon, in Brittany, France. Its mission is to provide expertise and high-level development in the fields of research, training, and innovation. The school…
InnovMetric Software
As your flight approaches the airport, the hydraulics sound from landing gear lowering provides reassurance. But as the plane touches down, an unexpected jolt and passengers’ squeals dash your calm. The plane’s forceful impact with the ground has resulted in what’s commonly referred to as a “hard…
FARO
Brilex Industries has established itself as a worldwide source for fabricating, machining, and complete machine assembly. Founded in 1996 by two brothers, Brian and Alex Benyo, Brilex has become known as one of Youngstown, Ohio’s most aggressive and fastest-growing companies. It has become a…
Belinda Jones
During this week’s World Metrology Day festivities, it is fitting to highlight the Coordinate Metrology Society’s longstanding dedication to education and the advancement of the field of 3D portable metrology. Each year, their Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference is held in a different city in…
Robert P. Elliott
Laser trackers and the software that control them have revolutionized the way metrology data has been taken over the last 20 years. With software and hardware advances, taking measurements has become more efficient and accurate.
One of these advances in metrology software is the ability to measure…
ECM Global Measurement Solutions
ECM Global Measurement Solutions (ECM) of Topsfield, Massachusetts is working with ProTom International (ProTom) of Flower Mound, Texas, to install a state-of-the-art proton therapy treatment center in Flint, Michigan, for McLaren Healthcare. This is the first in a series of proton therapy centers…
NVision Inc.
NVision Inc. recently volunteered its 3D laser-scanning services to help Sarasota sculptor Greg Marra create an exact replica of the rifle that former Navy Seal Chris Kyle used while in the military.
Christopher Scott “Chris” Kyle is widely considered to have been the most lethal sniper in U.S.…
Quality Digest
On March 28, 2013, the world lost a person whom many consider to be a major contributor to the world of industrial statistics: George E. P. Box. Relatively unknown outside the world of statistics, Box was certainly very well known by those who have studied or practiced industrial statistics.
His…
MIT News
A new report by researchers at MIT and elsewhere finds that the global manufacturing sector has made great strides in energy efficiency: The manufacturing of materials such as steel, cement, paper, and aluminum has become increasingly streamlined, requiring far less energy than when these…
Mark R. Hamel
Here’s some often overlooked and misunderstood value-stream mapping math.
The lead time ladder has two levels or “rungs.” The bottom rung is the process or processing rung on which the relevant process time is dropped down. This is usually pretty straightforward... unless there is a split or…
Robb McIvor
Being that this is Valentine’s Day, I can think of no better time and place to express my undying love—for the technical presentations that are offered each year at the Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference.
CMSC 2013, which is being held at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina July 22–26,…
Pravesh Mathur
To demonstrate that a typical spacecraft reflector is designed and manufactured according to specifications and caters to postulated performances, a detailed testing and verification campaign must be conducted. 3D metrology plays an important role in this process.
Conventional coordinate measuring…
Belinda Jones
Two major acquisitions were announced in early January 2013, and it is not surprising that both companies were software developers and long-time players in the industrial measurement sector.
3D Systems announced it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire Geomagic Inc. This acquisition is…
Curt Oswald, Donald L. Reynolds, John J. Casey
Do you want to know a secret? It’s one that lean experts often overlook because nobody told them about it. However, before revealing it, we need to answer a couple of questions first.
• What is 5S? • Why is 5S important to implement? • Why do so many U.S. companies fail in 5S implementation?
5S…
Alex Lucas
The current focus on improving production efficiency and part quality while meeting stringent production schedules is unrelenting. Measurement and inspection is one vital area that can benefit from advances in laser-scanning technology. Retrofitting coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) or…
