Advertising in MoldMaking Technology offers
Issue link: https://mmt.epubxp.com/i/812778
Inspection/Measurement 20 MoldMaking Technology —— MAY 2017 By Gene Daniell Data-Driven Quality Control I f there was ever a time when technology could play a pivotal role in increasing the efficiency of the moldmaking process, it is now. The metrol- ogy marketplace is delivering built-from-scratch measurement systems that move their best features forward, and then adding new optics, electron- ics and performance enhancements into the lat- est products. With a renewed industry focus on data-driven processes and the digital thread, these solutions can acquire 3D data when needed for better decision-making during the entire product development cycle. These improved manufacturing intelligence capabilities improve operational con- fidence, whether a shop is building large or small molds. Here are some technologies and applications to consider: Laser trackers and handheld scanners. Laser trackers used in tandem with wireless, handheld scanners are one of the solutions being used to address in-place inspection of very large molds. Known for their ability to measure in large vol- umes ranging to 1,049.87 feet, laser scanners can work alongside laser trackers to achieve precision, non-contact measurement of composite aero-wing molds, energy wind blades and horizontal stabiliz- ers. Scanning technology has evolved in portable metrology space at a steady pace, enabling the user to acquire high-definition scans of various surface types and large molds. As the part scale decreases, 3D optical scanners are used to conduct photogrammetric surveys Enhanced metrology technologies can help streamline mold scanning and inspection. Images courtesy of Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. These precision medical and dental products are being scanned by an opto-electronic measuring system that uses a combination of contact and non-contact measuring sensors, offering the advantages of several sensors in a single multi- sensor system.