Optical Comparator (Profile Projector)

Optical Comparator (Profile Projector) Resources

April 21, 2024

 The Value of Instant Measurement in All Areas of Inspection

With efficiency being a top priority for the manufacturing industry, you can see why the speed and efficiency of instant measurement systems would be valuable. Although this tech has existed for quite some time, the capabilities of IM solutions have come a long way. Utilizing instant measurement tools is immensely valuable, especially throughout various stages of the manufacturing process. Let’s break down the value of an instant measurement system and how it will impact the manufacturing industry in the future.

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April 18, 2024

 How to Save Costs in Inspection

Between production delays and rising costs in inspections, there’s a rising need for the adoption of more streamlined processes. Automated processes can help streamline inspection operations, and they can also lead to reduced inspection costs, material waste, and a variety of other benefits. It’s evident that the manufacturing industry is evolving as a whole, and inspection system cost is an area that can affect the efficiency of an entire process. Unfortunately, outdated practices can hinder the ability to measure multiple parts and provide the automated measurements and reporting needed to increase production without increasing downtime for inspection. Let’s look at how manufacturers can save costs regarding the inspection process, streamline operations, and increase efficiency.

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April 17, 2024

 5 Steps to Identify and Improve Quality Control Issues

With product recalls and quality control issues continuing to plague the manufacturing industry, there's a need for better QC measures. Implementing necessary quality control guidelines and detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) can benefit both the manufacturers and end users. Let’s look at five steps manufacturers can take to identify and improve quality control problems.

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April 16, 2024

 Selecting Measurement Systems by Measurement Speed

As today’s technology and manufacturing processes evolve, speed of production remains a priority. Every second counts and efficient processes save time and money. Because of this, selecting measurement systems based on speed is a driving factor for many manufacturers. To help you better understand these factors and find the best equipment for your needs, we’ll look at measurement tool speed, how different systems help optimize measurement speed, how to reduce inspection time, and other considerations for choosing the right system.

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April 15, 2024

 Selecting Measurement Systems by Cost

A measurement system consists of tools and procedures used to assess the sizes and features of components, parts, and products. These systems are crucial in manufacturing, ensuring quality control, optimizing processes, and meeting industry standards. Measurement systems include basic tools like rulers and tape measures, as well as advanced instruments such as laser trackers and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). These enable accurate measurement of dimensions and attributes like length, diameter, and geometric tolerances. Additionally, measurement systems may involve software and data analysis methods to process and interpret measurement information. This integration of hardware and software allows manufacturers to automate measurement processes, collect and store measurement data digitally, perform statistical analysis, and generate reports for quality assurance and process improvement purposes. When considering the cost factor in selecting a measurement system, there are a few key considerations based on budget and application requirements. Understanding the features and differences between these measurement tools and the price of inspection systems is important to optimize resources and ensure accurate measurements. Let’s take a closer look at some of the common measurement tools used by manufacturers. Using the chart above, we’ll start with the lowest cost and move up to the higher-cost systems that are available.

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April 3, 2024

 How to Measure Round or Turned Parts

Measuring round parts can be a challenge. Round and turned parts include screws, gears,axles and shafts. These parts can’t easily be measured with a micrometer or a caliper since it’s almost impossible to know if you’re measuring across the full diameter, or only a chord. Round and turned parts are foundational parts for larger assemblies, and without them, systems could fail. Because of the importance, ensuring you’re measuring round and turned parts accurately is necessary. Choosing automated systems like optical measurement devices is a solution for anyone struggling with round or turned part measurement. In the following, we’ll look at the critical aspects of turned part measurement, including measuring roundness, pitch, runout, and total runout. You’ll learn why micrometers are falling behind in efficiency and why optical measurement devices are the best turned-part measurement solution.

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March 25, 2024

 Measurement System Accuracy: Is More Accurate Always Better?

Two main features of measurement systems, accuracy and repeatability, work together to ensure quality assurance, improve efficiency, cut costs, and spark innovations. One without the other results in flawed parts and lost time. For measurement systems, their core functionality must be to produce accurate and repeatable measurements. But once some level of accuracy is guaranteed, how much more accurate do these systems need to become? What if the the main purpose of the inspection is ensuring repeatable results regardless of operator and measurement environment? In this blog, we’ll discuss the differences between accuracy and repeatability, how metrology needs vary based on applications, and what tools to use when incorporating them into your processes. We will also look at instances where a measurement system with better accuracy might not be the best option, and why.

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March 11, 2024

 The Difference Between Extrusion and Injection Molding

Dating back to the 1930s, extrusion molding and plastic injection molding have been the preferred plastic fabrication methods for repeatability, speed, and cost-efficiency. Both methods shape hot soft plastic into hard plastic parts for use in industries like automotive, aerospace, construction, and medical. Although these molding processes are similar, they have a few key differences. In essence, plastic injection molding is more versatile in shapes and sizes than extrusion molding. Whereas extrusion molding is cheaper upfront than injection molding but it can only make basic shapes. This guide will look deeper into the processes, applications, and integration of plastic extrusion vs injection molding.

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September 27, 2023

 What is CMM Programming?

In the world of manufacturing, a CMM programmer plays a vital role in driving quality control. In the following, we’ll take a look at the significance of CMM programming in manufacturing processes and how cutting-edge CMM programming software plays a role.

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