Scanner System Integrates Multiple Point Measurement Data

BinMaster® Level Controls introduced the MVL multiple scanner system that integrates multiple point measurement data from two 3DLevelScanners to cover a very wide surface area and provide better inventory accuracy for large vessels than any other level measurement device. Designed specifically for the challenges of very large bins, the BinMaster MVL system displays a visual representation of the material surface that shows high and low points in the bin such as cone up, cone down, sidewall buildup or bridging. Reports generated by the 3D software provide data such as volume as a percentage, in bushels, or cubic feet or meters; maximum, minimum and average levels or distances to product; weight in US tons, pounds or metric tons; and historical logs of bin measurements.

An MVL system consists of two model MVL 3DLevelScanners, a controller that aggregates the data, 3D Vision software to be loaded onto a PC, and a 3DLinkPro modem for remote access to the scanners. The BinMaster MVL system works by integrating the measurement data from two scanners mounted on the top of the vessel in locations optimized to most effectively cover the entire surface area of the material. Generally, one scanner is mounted near the center and the other eight to ten feet from the outer perimeter. The scanners take multiple measurements of the material surface using dust-penetrating, acoustic-based technology. A controller then combines the data from the two scanners and generates a single merged visual representation of the topography of the material and displays the image on a PC loaded with the 3D Vision software that can be viewed as real-time 3D images or historic 3D image movies.

www.binmaster.com

Wireless Air Quality Measurement Tool Uses Infrared For Accuracy

The Eltek GD47 is a self contained transmitter for air quality measurements. It collects temperature, humidity and CO2 measurements and sends them wirelessly to a receiver for storage, display and alarming. The GD47 has an LCD to provide local real-time display of measured values. It uses a self calibration NDIR (infrared) sensor for accurate CO2 measurements in the range of 0-5000 ppm. The GD47 is powered by an external 12V supply with an internal NiMH back-up battery that can provide up to 100 hours of operation. The GD47 is one of more than two dozen models of transmitters with versions for temperature, humidity, voltage, current, state/pulse, light and air pressure.

Measured data is transmitted via a proprietary wireless link to one of several receivers:

o RX250AL – Wireless receiver with local storage for up to 250,000 readings and alarm output

o RC250 – Wireless receiver with serial data output for connection to a computer

o WSR – Wireless receiver with analog output

Depending on the transmitter frequency and environment, the typical wireless range can be several hundred feet to almost a mile. Repeaters are available to extend the range.

www.dataloggerinc.com

Surface Topography Sensor Ideal for Paper & Board Grades

Honeywell introduced Precision FotoSurf, the newest member of the Honeywell scanning camera measurement family for paper making. Launched at the PulPaper 2010 exhibition, Precision FotoSurf is a surface topography sensor that helps paper and board makers improve product quality while reducing waste and lowering production costs. The sensor is ideal for manufacturing all printing paper and board grades, where product surface characteristics are important, minimizing the need for manual monitoring by mill personnel. Precision FotoSurf’s camera and powerful illumination technology automatically adjusts to varying machine speeds and sheet surface characteristics to capture high-quality sheet surface images.

This automated approach helps reduce variations in web smoothness/roughness profiles which can cause a range of imperfections in paper and board products – and in turn cause printability problems. The sensor allows mill personnel to electronically monitor web surface characteristics throughout the entire production process, facilitating immediate corrective action if a product deviates from standards. This increases the yield as less paper/board is rejected, and it also increases paper makers’ customer satisfaction as they experience fewer problems with printability.

Precision FotoSurf saves paper and board makers time and money, and boosts their competitiveness. The solution maximizes productivity by reducing the need for laboratory analysis of smoothness/roughness profiles, minimizes time needed for corrective action when flaws are detected, and ultimately results in higher-quality products with less waste.

Supporting speeds up to 2,000 m/min., Precision FotoSurf uses a built-in image control unit to manage both camera and illumination parameters. In addition to providing numeric values for surface smoothness and roughness, the sensor displays images of the product surface to determine the root cause of the problem so that corrective action can be taken.

Features & Benefits

The sensor measures the following paper surface characteristics:

• PPS Smoothness
• Bendtsen Roughness
• Sensor optics and illumination automatically adjust to different machine speeds for the best image quality.
• Standard inboard sensor design allows installation in any free slot inside the sensor carriage.
• There are no moving parts in the sensor, which minimizes maintenance needs and ensures a long lifetime.
• Trending and profiling capability is available for all measured variables.
• The latest captured images are available for operator observation.
• Up to four images per scan can be transferred to Da Vinci from predefined profile locations for operator observation.
• Image Gallery display shows 8 images each representing reel average surface characteristic. These are displayed around grade dependent reference image.
• In single point operation, images are transferred periodically at a fixed rate for operator observation.
• Sample feature allows the measurement of sheet samples. This information can be used for analysis of returned product, process diagnostics, etc.

www.honeywell.com

Distinct, New Laser Alignment Kit for Industry

Pinpoint Laser Systems^Ò is introducing the Pinpoint Proline Alignment Kit, – a visual laser system for checking and measuring straightness, flatness, squareness, parallelism, leveling and others.  This kit combines the features of a transit, an infinitely long straightedge and laser alignment system all in a compact, portable, versatile product.

The Proline Laser produces a collimated laser reference beam that forms a bulls-eye pattern for visual alignment and measuring.  This innovative laser is enclosed within a precision machined housing, ensuring that the laser reference beam is parallel to the side and base surfaces within 0.003 degree, or <0.030 inch at 50 feet.  This level of accuracy is for setting straight machinery runs, aligning production equipment, transferring mechanical points, locating shafts, bearing mounts, aligning belts and pulleys and other industrial tasks.

A finely ruled target and magnetic base are easily moved around for checking alignments, allowing one person to perform the work of several.  The kit includes a leveling base so the laser can measure flat planes and machined surfaces.  A 90 degree laser prism is for squaring machinery and checking the parallelism of rails, tracks and guides.

The Proline Laser and all its accessories are machined from solid aluminum with stainless steel parts and protected by a hard anodized coating for years.

Z-Laser Announces Advanced Lasers For Vision & Measurment

Lasers are used as structured light source in lots of imaging systems. This form of light source 3-dimensional contours of moving and static objects can be recorded. Depending on the object under test, micro and macro lines or various patterns (multi lines, dot matrices, crosses, circles, etc.) are used.

At VISION 2009, Z-Laser presented the new ZM18 product family – Advanced lasers for the vision, measurement, scientific, medical, and alignment industries.

The lasers are available with wavelengths of red, green, blue, and IR with output powers up to 200 mW.

With these new lasers, the user no longer has to settle for a particular operating voltage as they feature 5-30 VDC operation, with voltage, spike, and reverse polarity protection. At any voltage within this range, the lasers can be modulated both analog and digitally simultaneously, at frequencies of up to 20 MHz. This allows the laser intensity to be varied while also enabling the laser to be synchronized with a camera or other equipment. Furthermore, the sophisticated electronics feature a built-in micro controller and serial interface facilitating the logging of temperature, operating hours, etc.

The laser provides with a simple, external hand focusing mechanism and the thread-mounted barrel enables an easy and versatile mounting. Furthermore, the laser provides an LED laser operation and pre-failure indicator ensuring you are aware the laser is in operation and replacement lasers can be installed prior to the machinery equipment failing. Rated at IP67, the laser is fully waterproof.

www.z-laser.com

Optical PV Cell Testing System Provides Non-Destructive Analysis

CRAIC Technologies released the 20/20(TM) UV-visible-NIR microspectrophotometer.  20/20(TM) microspectrophotometer is designed to non-destructively analyze many types of microscopic samples from the deep ultraviolet to the near infrared. Analysis of samples can be done by absorbance, reflectance, luminescence and fluorescence with unparalleled speed and accuracy. The system can also be configured to image microscopic samples in the UV and NIR regions in addition to color imaging.

Applications are numerous and include forensic analysis of trace evidence, vitrinite reflectance of coal and spectral analysis of minerals, measurement of protein crystals, contamination analysis and thin film measurement of semiconductors, hard disks and flat panel displays.

The 20/20(TM) microspectrophotometer integrates an advanced spectrophotometer with a sophisticated UV-visible-NIR range microscope and powerful, easy-to-use software. This flexible instrument is designed to acquire data from microscopic samples by absorbance, reflectance or even luminescence spectroscopy. By including high-resolution digital imaging, the user is also able to use the instrument as a ultraviolet or infrared microscope. Touch screen controls, sophisticated software, calibrated variable apertures and other innovations all point to a new level of sophistication for microanalysis.

www.microspectra.com

Transparent Reciever Provides Pin-Point Alignment

Pinpoint Laser Systems® is introducing the “Transparent” Receiver to the Microgage 2D family. This receiver allows a laser beam to pass clearly through it while making a precise position measurement for aligning machinery and equipment was introduced last fall has since been improved. The receiver is compact and will fit into small places for bore alignment, checking extruder barrels, shaft bearings and much more. Both receivers and the host Laser Microgage 2D are versatile and can be adapted to many industrial measuring and alignment tasks.

The method of operation is simple – a narrow laser beam provides a measuring reference line and these receivers determine the position of a machine or sub-assembly relative to this laser reference beam. These new receivers will operate over distances of 100 feet or more and deliver a measuring precision of 0.0005 inch; ideal for demanding industrial alignment applications. The Laser Microgage system and these newest receiver additions are well suited for lathe and spindle alignment, checking machine tool runout, roll and web alignment, precision bore alignment and much more. The Microgage 2D is easy to use with instructions that show up on the display guiding the operator through their alignment project. Several simple accessories allow for alignment of straightness, runout, parallelism, squareness, roll & web alignment, shaft & bore alignment, flatness measuring and much more.

The 2 Axis Laser Microgage operates on batteries for added convenience and all components are machined of solid aluminum with a hard anodized coating for wear resistance. A sealed push button keypad and large LCD display make the Microgage 2D easy and convenient to use in demanding industrial environments. A serial and USB interface connect to a laptop or PC and link to popular spreadsheets for plotting and analyzing data for maintenance records, customer compliance and other uses. This Microgage system includes a compact carrying case to store the components and is easily carried right out onto the manufacturing floor.

SICK Launches New Bar Code Scanners

SICK today announced the launch of its CLV650 bar code scanners with autofocus technology and the CLV640 bar code scanners with dynamic focus. These new bar code scanners augment SICK’s CLV600 family of flexible and easy-to-use 1D bar code scanners.

With a simple setup process, exceptional reading performance and flexible data handling capabilities, these scanners are ideal for high-performance bar code reading applications in the material handling and logistics markets.

The CLV650 and CLV640 are compact bar code scanners that use proprietary SMART (SICK’s Modular Advanced Recognition Technology) code reconstruction algorithms and high-performance microprocessors, enabling them to read damaged and dirty bar codes. The CLV650’s autofocus feature, distance measurement technology, and expertly engineered optics give it a competitive advantage in applications where space is limited and large depth of field is required. In addition, the CLV640 is a cost-effective option for reading high density codes and for providing increased depth of field in applications requiring an external input to change the focus position.

These bar code scanners feature data handling capabilities to execute a wide variety of user-configurable logic, output data filtering, and sorting functions. Plus, SICK’s easy-to-use SOPAS software helps reduce programming and processing requirements of the host system. An embedded web page can also be configured to provide statistical performance and diagnostic data to remote locations over the Internet using standard browser software.

www.sickusa.com

Optical Testing Device from Yokogawa

Yokogawa has released the AQ2200 multi-application test system, designed for measuring and evaluating a wide range of optical devices and optical transmitters.

The AQ2211 and AQ2212 frame controllers are central to the system and incorporate a variety of measurement functions and applications.

According to the company, remote monitoring and measurement is available via the included USB, Ethernet or GP-IB ports. A macro programming function allows users to build up auto-measurements systems, available for call up at any time.

Remote viewer software for controlling frames and modules is also included.

A variety of measurement modules are available, including: high-stability light sources, wideband tunable light sources, high-speed optical sensors with low PDL and high-resolution variable optical attenuators.

Measurement modules can be inserted or removed without turning off the power.

Testing Provides Roadmap to Intelligent Assembly

“Intelligent assembly” is an approach to quality that shifts the focus from ever-tighter dimensional tolerances to consistent function in the final assembly. It’s based on the use of servo devices and sensors to monitor the assembly operation in real-time, and computer software to determine when the product meets acceptable functional parameters.

Proponents of Intelligent Assembly claim that many components and products could be produced at lower cost with no sacrifice in performance by simply changing the way quality is defined, and adopting intelligent assembly systems. But, the necessary systems aren’t exactly staple items on the shelf of every supplier and that has been one of the factors keeping intelligent assembly from more widespread adoption.

There’s a bit of folk wisdom that says, if the only tool you have is a hammer, it doesn’t take long for everything to start looking like a nail. Since at least the 70’s, manufacturers have been doggedly pursuing “quality” improvements with the only tool available, tighter and tighter tolerances.

Fig. 1-New Promess integrated torque functional test TFT 1/200 is rated at 1 N-m (9 in.-lb) with a maximum rotational speed of 200 RPM in either direction.  TFT systems are used by test equipment builders and end users in a broad range of testing and measuring of torque applications, including automotive steering and drive train component testing and assembly, manual window crank final testing, seat testing, bearing pre-load, and torque-to-turn testing.

But adding extra zeros to a tolerance specification, also adds extra zeros to production costs, and there are limits to how much consumers will pay for “quality” achieved that way. Perhaps it’s time to stop looking for perfection, and start looking for some new tools.

Intelligent assembly systems
An intelligent assembly system gives you a whole new toolbox. Intelligent Assembly is based on the idea that function is the consumer’s ultimate measure of quality. Under that definition it doesn’t matter if the components are perfect, as long as they work properly and deliver acceptable value to the user.

If the assembly system is smart enough to tell the difference between good products and bad products as they are being made, then it’s quite possible to loosen tolerances in the supply chain – or at least stop tightening them. That can be done today using a combination of servo-controlled, instrumented assembly equipment, and sophisticated, real-time computer analysis of the process data.

Custom-engineered Intelligent Assembly systems have been available for more than 20 years. Some use a technology called “signature analysis” to monitor and qualify the assembly process.

What this means is that the assembly system records the force/distance, force/rotation, force/time or other critical relationships of a known good assembly to create a profile or “signature” of the process that produced it. By comparing each subsequent operation to the “signature,” and setting upper and lower tolerance limits, production of good functions or tolerances can be assured without the need for subsequent inspection.

The signature is typically represented as a pair of curves on the system’s display. As long as the results of any individual assembly operation fall within the area between the two curves, the product can be expected to perform as specified.

The exact shape of the signature also provides information about the individual parts being assembled, which can be used as input to control strategies for other processes. For example, parts that are too soft or too hard will produce a distinct change in the signature, as will parts with out-of-tolerance assembly details such as hole or shaft diameters.

The technology has been applied in hundreds of different applications ranging from automotive hood latches, to medical catheters, and including many items traditionally thought of as requiring extremely tight dimensional tolerances.

In the hood latch application, for example, the assembly system cycled the latch while the rivet holding it together was peened. It stopped the peening process when the force required to move the latch reached a specified value. That way, all of the latches produced functioned identically, despite wide variations in rivet dimensions and properties.

Medical catheters have a small diameter metal tube crimped to a larger tube that’s attached to the flexible portion of the catheter. If the crimp fails, the catheter either comes apart or closes off, both of which are unacceptable.

A hydraulic press previously used for the crimping operation produced inconsistent results. It was replaced by an Intelligent Assembly system that provides a 100% effort test certification for every catheter produced, and virtually eliminates crimp failures in the field.

Promess builds Intelligent Assembly systems based on a line of proprietary servo-controlled electromechanical presses; a series of precision torque units; and a line of computer-based controls running Windows(tm)-based software. Other suppliers use similar products, most of which are proprietary as well. Until recently, that meant that anyone wanting to use Intelligent Assembly technology was essentially limited to a custom-engineered system.

Assembly components
The situation is changing, though, as the components required to build intelligent assembly systems become standard, and readily available to end users who want to experiment with the technology before committing to it. Promess, for example, in recent years has made a number of individual components available to customers who wanted to build their own systems. These include a small (1 Nm) torque functional test (TFT) integrated torque-monitoring-and-control systems, Fig 1, and a line of customizable servo-press workstations intended to offer a semi-standard solution for high-precision assembly and test applications, Fig. 2.

Fig. 2-New customizable servo-press workstations offer a semi-standard solution for high-precision assembly and test applications, based on Promess’ electromechanical assembly press (EMAP), intelligent control, and integrated sensor technologies. Typical applications include assembly and testing of springs, check valves, anti-lock brake components, shock absorbers, oxygen sensors, and a broad range of fluid measurements.

The new TFT 1/200 is rated at 1 Nm (9 in.-lb) with a maximum rotational speed of 200 RPM in either direction. Each system consists of a torque module containing a servomotor, encoder, torque transducer, and output shaft plus a Promess EMAC electronic controller/monitor.

The torque module can produce output rotation in either direction, and the integral angular encoder provides shaft-angle feedback to the control. Mechanical overload stops to protect the transducer. The TFT replaces the traditional inline motor/transducer torque-sensing system with a single, fully integrated unit.

The workstations are based on the field-proven Electro-Mechanical Assembly Press (EMAP), with intelligent control, and integrated sensor technologies integrated with Windows-based, icon-driven software. They provide a custom foundation for sophisticated assembly and test systems.

The EMAP, which is also available as a component, consists of a ball-screw driven by a servomotor and equipped with an array of force and position sensors. The unit provides precise monitoring and control of force and position during assembly and test operations. Because the EMAP is servo-driven, the entire system is easily programmed either on or off-line, and easily reconfigured to handle a variety of different parts and/or operations.

Standard workstations are available with press capacities ranging from 40 kN to 120 kN, with larger and smaller sizes available as special orders. Both press to force/position and pull-to-force/position operations are possible with the Promess servo-press workstation. Typical applications include assembly and testing of springs, check valves, antilock brake components, shock absorbers, oxygen sensors, and a broad range of fluid measurements.

Both the TFT and the workstation used the Promess Electro-Mechanical Multiaxis Controller (EMAC). This is an easily programmed, fully integrated, multiaxis motion controller and data-acquisition-and-analysis system that performs the analytical functions using Promess-developed software.

These capabilities deliver the final piece of the intelligent assembly system, providing real-time monitoring and analysis using signature analysis technology. In simple terms, the system records the force/position signature of a known good operation, and then compares subsequent operations to it. The net result is that ability to replicate known good assemblies or processes.

None of this is earthshaking news to those who have been following the development of intelligent assembly technology, but the fact that the necessary components are now available as stand-alone products is something relatively new. The upshot is that these systems are now within reach of more potential users who don’t need a custom-engineered solution, but who can still benefit from the technology.

Promess, Inc.

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