Quality Control

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Acoustic emission (AE) sensors detect ultrasonic sound waves emitted when the grinding wheel contacts a part or the dressing wheel and send that information to a process control unit. Monitoring the sound waves and comparing them with reference values allows operators to control the grinding and dressing processes. Variations in acoustic emissions indicate changes in cutting forces, which can then be modified. Some AE sensors are stationary while others rotate with the wheels. Electronic filters reduce or eliminate acoustic emissions from other nearby devices, such as bearings.

3D optical metrology

Focus Variation, the technique behind Alicona's Infinite Focus 3D optical metrology system, has enabled EDM Department, Bartlett, Ill., to measure and see what it is making down to 1.7µm tolerances. Watch this brief report to see the system in action and learn about how EDM Department implemented the system.

Advancements in Vibration Analysis Using iPad Technology

Thomas Hoenig, president of GTI Spindle Technology Inc., Manchester, N.H., discusses how Apple's new iPad technology is changing the face of vibration analysis in manufacturing. Presented as part of Cutting Tool Engineering's Fast Track Seminar series hosted at our booth during IMTS 2010, Hoenig's seminar includes a brief demonstration of the iPad at work.

Medical exam

Inspection is a crucial process in the making of safety-critical medical components. One shop offers a glimpse into its process.

Inspection insight

Jesse Garant & Associates Metrology Center provided a brief animated view of various computed-tomography scanning analysis systems.

Walter Tool-ID system

Designed to improve the manufacturing process, the new Walter Tool-ID system reportedly allows users to transfer tool data from the presetting device to the machine tool and evaluate the parameters that are run on the machine, according to a Feb. 2 news release from Walter USA LLC, Waukesha, Wis. The tool data, which may be contained in a laser-engraved matrix code on the tool, can be picked up using a scanner and automatically transferred to a machine control unit, the company explained, noting that "time-consuming and error-prone manual data entry" may be cut from the equation.

Keyence IV-H Series vision sensor

The Keyence Corporation of America, Itasca, Ill., recently added a new product to its popular IV Series vision sensor family—the IV-H vision sensor—that reportedly increases the stability and functionality of visual inspection, the company announced in a Jan. 29 news release. The new IV-H models boast increased stability and versatility with a brand new toolset.

77 Series ROMER Absolute Arm

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, formerly Hexagon Metrology, recently unveiled its new, top-of-the-line addition to the ROMER Absolute Arm portable coordinate measuring machine product line—the 77 Series, which the company described as the most accurate ROMER Absolute Arm to date.

3D-Sensor New Generation

"These enhancements improve operations, eliminate restrictions to the working area and allow an extremely precise display of the spindle position," the company said. The new sensor is said to be capable of fast, "math-free" positioning of the spindle axis on the edges of the workpiece, and offers precision of 0.01mm when used with original Haimer probe tips.

Haimer: Easier to find edge with new 3D sensor

The 3D-Sensor New Generation from Haimer USA LLC builds on the success of its predecessor, the Haimer Universal 3D-Sensor, according to a Haimer USA blog post dated Jan. 12. The 3D-Sensor New Generation reportedly features enhanced mechanics, a compact and easy-to-grip casing, and a large ¹/₁₀₀mm dial gauge with two easy-to-read hands.