Asia Pacific Metalworking Equipment News - Displaying items by tag: UK

Hexagon Opens New Metrology Facility

A metrology facility, covering 3,000-sq ft within the Innovation Centre of Silverstone Park in Towcester, England was recently launched by Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, in partnership with asset manager MEPC.

Quick Box - Features

Enhancing Engine Performance With Thermal Spray Coating (Part II)

In Part II of "Enhancing Engine Performance With Thermal Spray Coating", Paulo ES Rosa, manager, advanced thermal spray applications and process development, Comau, delves into the advantages of using aluminium alloy engine blocks over cast iron blocks augmented with thermal coating spray.

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Bringing Industry 4.0 To Life

The manufacturing world has already decided to get on board the Industry 4.0 bandwagon. But where exactly is this wagon going to take us in a world that is getting very interconnected as we speak? Craig Charlton, SVP, Asia Pacific Operations, Epicor gives us the lowdown

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No More Identity Crisis With RFID

The durability and versatility of RFID can perform many tracking functions for metal fabricators. By Augustine Quek

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Quick Box - Cutting Tools

Redefining Productivity: New Advances In Inserts Technology

Customers always look forward to procuring parts and devices from manufacturers that are reliable in providing quality products that achieve output that does minimal to affect the delivery schedule. Staffan Lundström, product management, parting & grooving, and Bimal Mazumdar, product manager, Sandvik Coromant, explain what it takes to achieve such a status.

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Right Tools For The Right Materials

Marcos Rosenzvaig, oil & gas industry manager of Iscar gives us an update on the latest cutting technology in the world of oil & gas.

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Longer Tool Life With Reliable Processes

New tools, coatings and geometries set standards in parting off operations. By Lim Gan Shu, Walter Singapore Marketing

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Quick Box - Metrology & Design

Laser Trackers: Accuracy In Aircraft Assembly

These trackers make extremely appealing metrology instruments, especially the ability to capture large volumes of 3-dimensional coordinate data quickly and in real-time. By Minta Chen, marketing specialist, Faro.

The accuracy of an aircraft assembly jig directly affects the precision of a piece that it produces, which, in turn, affects an aircraft’s flight safety and the safety of its crew and property.

Typically, laser trackers are used to inspect the aircraft assembly jigs which form part of the production line. Once component parts of the jig are manufactured, they are put together to become the tool on which aircraft assembly takes place.

Inspection of aircraft tooling jigs with the laser tracker.

These trackers are extremely appealing metrology instruments due to their size, portability, repeatability and accuracy. In addition, the ability to capture large volumes of 3-dimensional coordinate data quickly and in real-time, appeal to the technicians involved.

Through accurate measurements taken, a technician can check to ensure that various component parts are in the right position and within tolerance, as stipulated by design. Without the tracker, these measurements would not be possible with common measurement methods such as fixed coordinate measuring machines or traditional tools.

Manufacturing Applications

Not too long ago, manufacturers had to perform tests on parts and components using stationary coordinate measurement machines (CMMs). This proved vexing and difficult if you were trying to measure large parts or parts still on the production machine. With the portability of laser trackers, 3D measurements can now be completed with unprecedented speed and minimum disruption.

The aerospace industry was one of the earlier adopters in the technology. Using one or more laser trackers, metrology engineers could rapidly and accurately deliver 3D measurements and process improvements.

Tianjin TQM Feiyue Aviation (a subsidiary of Tianjin Motor Dies) based in Tianjin, China, focuses on aviation equipment technology development, transfer and consultancy, as well as the manufacturing of aviation equipment such as spare parts and aircraft sheet metal parts.

Tooling for a Bombardier C-series hatch door.

The company purchased a Faro Laser Tracker back in 2008. Tianjin TQM Feiyue’s project manager, Yan Zhichao, said: “At that time, Airbus was using the Faro Laser Tracker on their shop floor. That prompted us to purchase from Faro, because we wanted to ensure consistency between us and our customer.”

Seven years later, the company purchased a Laser Tracker Vantage, the CAM2 Measure software, as well as the Prime from Faro. Two additional laser trackers and a FaroArm in were added in 2015.

Making Full Use

At TQM Feiyue, the team’s work revolves around different assembly jigs and transportation jigs. Despite the wide-ranging measurement needs of between 8 – 16 m, and accuracy requirements of 0.05 – 0.08 mm, the laser trackers were able to meet the company’s variety of needs. Separately, the FaroArm is used to verify smaller-sized tooling at time of delivery, or used to complement the Laser Trackers in measuring difficult-to-reach areas.

Inspecting a LE700 small aircraft assembly jig with a laser tracker.

In 2015, TQM Feiyue built and commissioned a complete set of aircraft assembly line for General Aviation International (Xi’an) Aircraft Technology (Gavin) line of private jets. The laser trackers were used to perform measurements and inspections, especially in the final stages of the project, before handover.

The company found that its usage of the laser trackers increased over time, with its team clocking as much as 12 hours on the devices each day. The increase in frequency is linked to the need for accuracy on the assembly jigs. The team would bring the laser tracker on-site to take pre-delivery measurements. In addition, as a post-sales service, TQM Feiyue would deploy the laser trackers at their customers’ premises 60 percent of the time, using the device on a variety of work environments.

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Measuring & Measuring: The Bigger The Better

Overcoming the challenges of machining very large workpieces weighing over 10 tonnes. By Thomas Weber, head of customer relations, Heinrich Georg

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3D Measurement: A Multifaceted Endeavour

Developments in multisensor 3D metrology systems promise much for businesses who are looking to maximise the potential of their equipment. By Khoo Chin Hock, product line manager at Hexagon Metrology Asia Pacific

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Quick Box - Sheet Metalworking

Shaping The Cut: Optimising Plate Fabrication with Oxy-fuel & Plasma Cutting

Agnes Tong, product marketing manager, APAC, ESAB demonstrates how mechanised oxy-fuel and plasma cutting technologies can complement each other in heavy fabrication applications.

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Multisensor Measurement: Into A New Era

Multisensor systems have evolved considerably over the years as the component technologies for motion control, optics, lighting and cameras have improved. Tim Sladden, Quality Vision International, tells us more.

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Efficiency & Sustainability in Sheet Metalworking Machinery: Getting All Green About It

The global sheet metalworking industry is a major user of energy and the cost of electricity is becoming more expensive every year. Paul Hillam, area export manager, SafanDarley tells us more about energy reduction trends in the sheet metalworking arena.

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Quick Box - Product Highlights

Flexicon: Bulk Bag Lifting Frame With Arms

Flexicon bulk bag lifting frame with telescoping arms accommodates bulk bags produced in a range of sizes. It is available at up to a two-tonne capacity.

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Epson: NS8000II IC Test Handler

Epson has announced the launch of the new generation NS8000II series of IC test handlers in Southeast Asia for chip manufacturers and testers in the manufacturing and semiconductor industry.

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Mastercam: Onshape App Store

Mastercam, in conjunction with Onshape, has launched a private beta app for selected individuals. The app is expected to cater to CAD users in general.

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