Blog

CMM calibration artifacts are important in ensuring the precision of CMMs and that they are working well within their specifications. This ensures the safety, quality, and innovation of CMMs and improves overall production and services.

If you look around your room or house, most of the items were produced within tight measurement specifications assured by calibration. CMMs are commonly used in various industries and through proper calibration using an artifact, their measurements will be more reliable and consistent. There are various benefits to using calibration artifacts and below are some of them.

Data Collection

Using a calibration artifact allows for data collection, generation, and analysis. To do so, the calibration artifact has to include sophisticated analog hardware, along with a microprocessor and software. This provides the calibration artifact with the internal comparison capability and references available to collect and track data at the time of calibration.

Measurement and tracking of any performance changes and drift relative to the internal references can likewise be stored for further analysis. This could come in very useful when a CMM that is reviewed once or twice every year goes out of calibration without the knowledge of the user. If critical tests and results rely on the CMM, this may have dangerous and costly consequences.

However, by using a calibration artifact with the necessary technology for data collection, external calibrations can be done alongside internal calibrations. Internal calibrations prevent the CMM from going out of calibration through the monitoring of the CMM performance between calibrations. This minimizes the chances of the CMM having to be constantly calibrated at the lab.

Data Analysis

Data from the calibration artifact can be stored and analyzed using statistical algorithms such as standard deviations. Artificial intelligence can also be used to analyze the given data to make better recommendations or simply list the important findings. Analysis of data is important as it allows the lab personnel to accurately pinpoint the cause of measurement errors in CMMs and how frequently they occur. This allows the user to better predict the performance of the CMM and take any necessary actions accordingly.

Versatile

Numerous calibration artifacts can be used for a variety of CMMs and different measurement axes. Different artifacts can also be used when there are different hardness or stiffness of the material to be measured in the CMM. For example, a swift-check gauge is a calibration artifact that comes equipped with a length bar, sphere, and calibrated ring gauge that incorporates all of the geometries and directions needed to check the performance of the CMM. It is versatile and can be used for small to medium-sized CMMs.

Confidence in Performance

Calibration artifacts give users confidence in the reliability and precision of their CMMs through checks and delivering results that are clear and easy. It further eliminates the cost and implications of a CMM being out of specification during use. Calibration artifacts ensure that CMMs provide better performance while fixing and minimizing any errors.

A CMM calibration artifact helps to ensure the precision and accuracy of the measurement data from a CMM. This assures reliable results and benchmarks such as safety, quality, and equipment lifespan.

All CMM calibration artifacts adhere to the ISO 10360 series when performing calibration. Using calibration artifacts allows users to independently check and ascertain the measuring accuracy of the CMM as well as to detect any inconsistencies and correct them accordingly. It thus minimizes uncertainties and errors to an acceptable level.

How to Determine Calibration

A CMM can have errors along 21 different measurement axes. This means that a wide variety of calibration artifacts can be used to correct these errors and to ensure the accuracy of calibration data, which contributes to the fixing of these errors and their integration into the data system.

CMMs have different levels of calibrations which could range from weekly checks to checks once or twice every year. To effectively determine calibration, the error and inconsistencies in measurement data first have to be sieved out to determine which measurement axes are faulty. The corresponding calibration artifact can then be used to calibrate the measurement for that particular measurement axes.

Artifact Types

There are different types of CMM calibration artifacts used during the calibration process. This is due to the different measurements that can be calibrated in a CMM. Some common artifact types include the swift-check gauge, ball plate, ball and cone, end bar, length gauge blocks, and the KOBA step gauge. When choosing an artifact, it is important to choose one that has a similar hardness to the artifact being measured to prevent any probe and material damage.

Certain artifact types will be better suited for certain CMM calibration. Most CMMs require a custom artifact. For example, the KOBA step gauge consists of a one-dimensional test body with planned parallel measuring surfaces. It is best used with small volume CMMs such as multisensory systems and monitors height gauges.

Calibration Process

There are different calibration processes involved which require different methods and calibration artifacts depending on what you wish to measure. The calibration process involves measuring the artifact along with a fixed measurement plan.

This allows for a comparison of the data points against the known dimensions of the artifact and easier cross-checking in the event of any anomalies or inconsistencies in the data set. The result would be a calibration of the CMM that would remove all errors and allow the CMM to perform its function of accurate measurement.

Laser Interferometer

A laser interferometer is only used when a high level of calibration is required. It is also a calibration artifact and utilizes a laser with a beam splitter to make extremely precise measurements using the reflected laser light.

The interference pattern created by the reflected laser light is tracked and so are the CMM’s movements via computer software. Any anomalies or inconsistencies in the data set are likewise corrected. The laser interferometer requires a longer calibration time than other artifacts and should only be handled by an experienced technician.

Burrs are fairly common during the prototyping processes such as die-casting, injection molding, and machining. For instance, when two mold prototypes do not completely meld in the plastic injection molding process, burrs can usually occur due to inconsistencies and incompatibilities in injection parameters. As a result, this could result in consequences such as limiting the workpieces’ functionality and viability or blemishing the workpieces’ visual aesthetics.

In any case, the automatic detection of burrs has always posed a challenge to engineers and designers. This is especially problematic in plastic injection workpieces, where extra precautions have to be taken to reduce the formation of burrs. Therefore, many solutions integrate automatic detection targeted at specific parameters and work areas.

Detection in the Measuring Process

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. In most cases, it might be best to avoid the issue before it has even occurred – and this could start during the measuring sequence, where software is used in conjunction with the consideration of position deviations and forms to reduce the possibility of burrs. Then, with computed tomography (CT), the designer will be able to detect burrs in a cross-sectional fashion, where they will determine the workpiece volume. Subsequently, they will be able to indicate the inspection areas or parameters with either 2D or 3D windows.

The main benefit of this method is that it can be taught automatically to the software offline by an operator. The coordinate measurement machine can generate the measurement sequence before creating the first workpiece. At this stage, the designer or operator can determine the allowances for the burr thickness. Usually, burrs that fall under the minimum thickness will not be considered.

Multi-Object Measuring and Detection during Production

CT measurements are made to workpieces manufactured in larger quantities during the production process. This methodology is more commonly used in the packaging industry, where mass amounts of packaging such as food lids and pots and plastic boxes for medical, cosmetic or healthcare products are inspected and measured. The measurement process is automated and reduced to a short period of a few seconds for each piece. One huge benefit of this method is the ability to refer to the display of the 3D CAD fixture model, where the software can determine and assign workpieces depending on whether they are out of tolerance.

Visual Inspection and Assessment

One of the other ways you can detect burrs in your workpieces is through a visual assessment by the software, where analysis markers can set flags that contain alphanumeric data and connotations. In addition, this computer vision (CV) software or technology should be able to determine the size of the burrs within specified intervals through SEM (scanning electron microscopy) images. Through this, you can examine the deviations in the burr tolerances.

Work with Willrich Precision

Willrich Precision has more than four decades of experience in the inspection, metrology, and gaging field. It offers customers a wide range of services and products, including sophisticated metrology technology and measuring tools in vision and laser systems. Moreover, we take immense pride in establishing ourselves as a leader in measurement instrumentation technology and, therefore can cater to a wide range of clients from different industries. We prioritize every relationship with every client. That is why we provide you with a free consultation and access to our team of experienced staff, who are highly skilled and can provide you with the assistance you require.

For more information about our range of inspection and metrology services and products, please contact us at [email protected] today!

Glass bottle molding often features complex artistic designs and intricate details. This causes inefficiencies during the manufacturing as blanks and molds would need to be altered frequently to fit the customers’ requirements, especially those with various compounds angles. In many cases, the only way manufacturers could address this issue is by modifying their equipment to reproduce the copy. As a result, this has caused production costs to increase significantly and has led many companies to innovate using Structured Light 3D Analysis to expedite the mold modifying process efficiently.

What is Structured Light 3D Analysis? 

Structured Light 3D Analysis is an efficient and fast way to capture the topography and metrology through modulating and specific patterns of light while also using a 2D imaging camera. It is a reliable and well-established technology used by many manufacturing and engineering industries. It allows the intricate surface geometries of objects to be accurately captured at a high resolution. 

Structured Light 3D Analysis is often non-contact and done optically. As a result, it can be utilized in various applications due to its thermal and mechanical stability. For instance, the Hexagon Metrology Structured Light Scanning Technology is a two-camera system and is known for its precision and versatility to overcome modern metrological challenges. 

It is able to efficiently translate measurement information data obtained from its analysis into accurate digital mesh data, which is ideal for reverse engineering applications. 

How does Structured Light 3D Analysis help Bottle Mold Manufacturing? 

Structured Light 3D Analysis is a viable solution for many bottle mold manufacturers as it efficiently expedites the reverse engineering and production process. In many cases, manufacturers will need Structured Light 3D Analysis to generate reliable and efficient machine paths. In addition, many designs used on bottle molds are artistic, intricate, and will require technology that can accurately capture the product’s highly detailed typography and metrology. 

The system will capture a mold, generate a high-quality 3D digital replica, and import the digital mesh data into a third-party application. The Hexagon Metrology Structured Light 3D Analysis helps manufacturers create a G-code from the STL file format, enabling hybrid machining and cutting down inefficiencies. Therefore, this has helped reduce production and reverse engineering cycle times by up to 50%, as it can scan the high definition and crisp edges of any design used in the mold. 

Why Choose Willrich Precision Instrument? 

With more than 45 years of experience under our belt in the field of inspection, metrology, and gaging, Willrich Precision Instrument offers our customers a wide range of products spanning from basic measuring tools to sophisticated metrology technology such as micrometers, vision systems, and laser systems. In addition to having a high-quality line of precision instruments, we take immense pride in successfully establishing ourselves as a leader in measurement instrumentation technology. Furthermore, we value the relationship we have with every client. That is why we offer our clients free access to our team of professional and experienced staff, who can provide useful and reliable implementation and selection assistance. 

For more information about our range of Structured Light 3D Analysis products, feel free to call us at 866 – WILLRICH (945-5742) or send an email to [email protected]. 

A dial bore gage is an instrument that measures the inner diameter of small holes. Bore gages are critical when it comes to measuring parts that have small holes in them. Typically, these versatile instruments are used as part of a quality control process to ensure that bore sizes are standardized. The dial bore gage is usually calibrated in 0.001 inches and consists of a shaft with a dial indicator situated at the top. The instrument also has an actuating plunger and the readings that it gives are usually compared to standardized measurements for analysis.

How They Work

Dial bore gages have a contact needle that lies in the head of the dial gage. When the instrument is moved (such as when taking measurements), the needle moves and transfers data to the readout or dial. Dial bore gages also have an interchangeable end that helps to set the nominal size. Dial gage operators have to set the gage to its nominal value before commencing any measurements. Here then are some tips on how to read a dial bore gage when taking measurements of a bore or cylinder.

How to Take Accurate Measurements

When taking measurements, you start by placing the bore gage in the micrometer and rotate the dial till the pointer is aligned to the zero marking on the dial face. One then places the dial gauge in the hole or cylinder being measured. One must take special care to ensure that the anvils on the instruments touch the sides of the hole or cylinder. Once this is done, the instrument operator then rocks the gage back and forth ensuring that the anvils do not lose contact with the walls of the cylinder. When this is done, the pointer will swing counterclockwise or clockwise. After a while, the pointer will start to move in the opposite direction toward zero. The machinist then records the precise measurement when the pointer starts heading towards zero.

Calculating the Measurements

This is done by simply taking the measurement at the point when the needle started to reverse itself and subtracting (or adding) the measurement the instrument is calibrated to. For example, let us assume that the instrument was calibrated to 2 inches and the instrument needle changed direction at 0.007 clockwise. The measurement of the bore in question would thus be 2.007. This is because when the needle moves clockwise, you add the two numbers. Alternatively, if it had moved anti-clockwise, we would have subtracted 0.007 from 2 inches to give us 1.993.

Advantages of Dial Bore Gages

Dial bore gages are popular with quality control operators because they are highly portable and easy to use. They also have very few moving parts and thus far less prone to breaking down than most other precision instruments. Dial bore gages also do not require sophisticated knowledge of instruments and therefore can be handled by line workers on the shop floor without much prior training.

For the best in precision instruments, get in touch with Willrich Precision. We have over 45 years of experience in delivering gaging and metrology type products to customers all over the United States.

Starrett video measuring machines allow for accurate and quick 3D measurements of small parts. These parts are typically inspected during quality control processes in manufacturing plants. In some cases, these types of measurements are taken offline to reduce environmental variables. Today, professionals can find two types of video measurement systems: automatic and manual. It is important to note that video measuring machines do not directly measure the parts but instead measure various images of a part. This machine is designed to develop a precise reproduction of the part via state-of-art optics and lighting systems

When a part is measured by a manual video measuring machine, it is moved on a manually operated workstage. The Z-axis zoom lens, however, can be motorized should the operator find it more convenient to do so. The chosen metrology software then automatically detects the part’s edges and guides the user to move the stage accordingly. No part of the video measuring system should move independently and that’s why a steel or granite base is needed to maintain overall equipment stability.

Willrich Precision is an authorized dealer of Starrett precision measurement instruments. If you are looking to get a Starrett MVR Manual Video Measuring Machine please contact us to arrange as demonstration.

About Starrett

Laroy S. Starrett founded the L.S. Starrett Company. Since their inception in 1880, the company has been manufacturing precision tools, gages, measuring instruments, and saw blades for a wide range of consumer, professional, and industrial markets across the globe. Today, there are over 5,000 different types of products to choose from. Starrett is recognized for their unrivaled standards for fine precision tools for over 130 years. This has allowed the company to be known as the World’s Greatest Toolmakers.

Features of the Starrett MVR Manual Video Measuring Machine

Here’s a quick look at some notable features of StarrettMVR Manual Video Measuring achine:

• Comes with a granite base
• Ring light LED surface illumination
• Collimated LED sub-stage illumination
• Features a color digital video camera
• Video edge detection (VED) capabilities
• Field-of-view (FOV) measurements (can be integrated with stage motion)
• Compatible with MetLogix M3 metrology software
• Motorized Z-axis positioning with variable speed controls
• Manual X-Y positioning via hand heels
• X and Y accuracy of 3.5µm + 5L/1000
• Z accuracy of 2.5µm + 5L/1000
• Requires at least a Windows 7 Professional operating system to enable network connectivity

Get Starrett MVR Manual Video Measuring Machines from Willrich Precision!

Willrich Precision offers Starrett MVR manual video measuring machines at the most competitive rates. Our company has been in business for more than 45 years and provides top-notch products in the gaging, inspection and metrology industries. We are also ISO:9001:2008 Registered and can provide professional calibration and repair services. Enjoy complete peace of mind knowing that our stellar measurement products and gages can cater to the diverse inspection needs of automotive companies, the military, aerospace companies, and much more.

To know more about our Starrett MVR Manual Video Measuring Machines and the benefits that they provide, do not hesitate to contact us today.

You may have heard of hardness tests in quality control processes. Hardness tests can tell quality control officers a lot about a product. It offers insights into the flexibility, strength as well as the durability of a product. Hardness tests are performed on all types of products including raw materials and finished products. Hardness testing is easy to perform and is usually non-destructive. The test does not require major alteration to the product and advancements in technology mean that modern instruments give highly accurate readings.

How Hardness Testing Has Changed

In previous years, scratch tests were conducted to determine the hardness of a part. The testing was based on an object that had increasing hardness from one point to another. Testing was done by having the part being tested scratch various points of the bar. The level at which the part could produce a scratch on the object determined its hardness. As industries progressed, quality control officers began to use diamonds and even steel balls to determine how hard an object was. Regardless of which method, these approaches were slow and were not suited for the high-pressure demands of modern industries. For this reason, more refined instruments were developed to measure the hardness of a product.

Modern Methods of Hardness Testing

There are a variety of hardness testing approaches today. Some of these include the Rockwell Method as well as the Knoop approach. Rockwell works best with metals and alloys and is favored for the quick results that it produces. On the other hand, the Knoop approach works best for thin materials and coatings. Some hardness measuring instruments can give results very quickly and are highly portable. Modern hardness instruments leave an indentation that is so tiny that it is almost unnoticeable or does not affect the functionality of the product. For instruments that leave a much larger indentation, the indentation mark can always be sanded out so that it is not noticeable at all.

How Hardness Tests are Done

Various tests use different approaches to measure hardness. For example, the Rockwell hardness test process relies on making a small indent on the part being measured by applying a relatively small load on the indenter. This helps to establish the zero-datum position. Once this is done, a bigger indentation is made using a larger load. The difference between the first indentation (depth) and the second helps to establish the required reading. Typically, the process makes use of a diamond cone for testing metals and tungsten is used to test softer materials.

Importance of Hardness Testing

Tests done on the hardness of a material helps to determine the structural integrity of a product. This, in turn, helps manufacturers know whether the product will perform as expected in the market. We can thus say that hardness tests help consumers to use products safely and for long by helping eliminate those that are structurally unsound.

For the best in precision instruments, get in touch with Willrich Precision. We have over 45 years of experience in delivering hardness testers to customers all over the United States.

Ra is a unit of measurement that is used to express the average roughness of a surface finish. Ra is especially useful because it shows the average deviation that a surface has in comparison to a mean line. However, Ra works great for general applications but faces some limitations when it comes to very specific measurements.

It also might be inadequate for machinists and quality control experts who deal with sensitive equipment. This is because any slight deviation on the surface finish can affect the performance of a part in a significant way.

Understanding How Ra Works

One of the things a machinist must understand is the relationship between the average roughness and the surface finish in general. Surfaces with varying profiles can still have a similar Ra value but the different profiles mean that these parts work differently.

For example, if a part has scratches on its surface, there is a risk that is might fracture prematurely. This calls upon machinist to ensure that they consider the surface features relative to the functionality of the part.

A More Efficient Approach

Sometimes, machinists and quality control officers recommend very tight Ra parameters in order to try and guard against scratches and peaks. This leads to a lot of wastage and is not a very efficient way of dealing with such issues.

Engineers who understand the relationship between Ra values and the surface finishes know that it is easier to clear off the peaks rather than try to use high-tolerance Ra specifications. This approach allows them to achieve the same results but in a far more economical and competitive way.

While this may sound abstract, the ability to do this makes all the difference when it comes to competitive bidding. This is because the former is able to present more competitive bids while achieving the same exact quality specifications.

Getting the Right Average Roughness

When you are machining a part, it is critical to remember that different machining processes produce different kinds of tool patterns. A good example is the roughness that comes from grinding. This is generally of a shorter wavelength as compared to turning. When a part surface undergoes milling, there are even longer wavelength patterns. Sing point boring generally produces the longest wavelength patterns.

Keep in mind that the wavelength we are talking about is the spacing between individual toolmarks and not how wavy the surface of the part is. When taking the Ra values of a surface, care must be taken to ensure that the measurement is not affected by the waviness. This is done by making sure that the cut off length is short enough. At the same time, it must not be too short otherwise only a part of the tool mark is measured. Ideally, use a cutoff length that can include five complete sets of toolmarks.

Need An Excellent Mobile Roughness Tester? Try MarSurf PS 10!

With many manufacturing processes, there is always an emphasis on the quality of a product or part surface. For some products or parts, the surface finish determines how well the part functions. For example, too much roughness on a surface might weaken a part by making it more likely to crack and fail. This is especially true for parts that are subject to contact and thus friction.

Measuring Surface Roughness

The need for accurate measurements when it comes to surface roughness means that that quality control must have the right tools for the job. Not only must these products be very accurate but they must also be able to give quick results. This is because in a production setting, delays in the production line can mean loss of revenue for the organization. Sometimes the parts being measures are too heavy so they can’t be moved to the quality control room. In such cases, it becomes critical to be able to have the measurement instrument on the production floor. This reduces the time spent checking parts and thus saves the business money.

Introducing the MarSurf PS 10

The MarSurf PS 10 mobile roughness tester is one of the best in this category. The MarSurf PS 10 features state-of-the-art features such as a smartphone display that allows for easy use. The roughness tester also has internal memory for data storage but also the capacity to connect to a computer for the transfer of data. Its rechargeable data source allows for around 500 measurements and which increases its mobility. Its small size makes it very portable and very handy in a factory environment.

Other Features of the MarSurf PS 10

            •           Features a clear and adjustable display

            •           Data can be stored as TXT, CSV, X3P or PDF

            •           PDF documents can be created in the instrument

            •           Can undertake 1200 and above measurements between recharge

            •           Features a detachable drive unite

            •           Features the same number of functionalities as laboratory equipment.

            •           Has a favorites function that allows you quick access to commonly used functions

            •           Easy to use thanks to the automatic cutoff selection feature