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The digitization of manufacturing and the Internet of Things – is metrology ready for the next industrial revolution?

The digitization of manufacturing is seen to herald a new industrial age, industry 4.0. A manufacturing phase of unparalleled connectivity and digitisation, industry 4.0 was actually devised as a strategic initiative by the German Government in 2011. Since then, the term has come to define what is seen as a global shift in manufacturing practices. The German Government’s 10 – 15 year industrial plan aimed ‘to drive digital manufacturing forward by increasing digitisation and the interconnection of products, value chains and business models.’ (Europa EU, 2017) Now a global movement, its implications for the metrology market cannot be ignored.

Are we already seeing an impact in the metrology sector?

Over the past twelve months alone Optimax IIM Ltd. have seen automated metrology solutions dominate sales with a 30% growth in demand. Through the adoption of automated or semi-automated metrology devices, ‘companies can benefit from higher repeatability in their inspection process, increased inspection frequencies, and faster response back into the process through a variety of techniques, including direct machine tool feedback.’ (Everling, 2014) Precision pressing company Brandauer, recently purchased from Optimax, the automated L2 Starrett Force Measurement device for measurement of their propriety EloPin press-fit solution. The size of the EloPin (less than 1 mm in diameter) and the need for pin-hole alignment during insertion, necessitated an automated measurement solution. Fully programmable and intuitive to use, the L2 software supports Brandauer’s efforts to optimise their production processes by allowing use by shop-floor staff without training.

Are contemporary metrology devices equipped for Industry 4.0?

It is widely thought that it is in the potential for complete connectivity where the greatest benefits of digitisation can be found. In industry 4.0 all areas of the manufacturing process could exist on the same network – forming an Internet of Things (IoT). This could place quality control at the centre of the production process, ensuing the production of good parts. Bruker Alicona explain that in Smart Manufacturing:

‘Product systems, machines and measurement technology form a closed loop in constant communication…if the measuring sensor detects that the component is faulty, this information is fed into the production circuit, which adapts accordingly.’ – Bruker Alicona.

Overcoming the existing disconnect between devices remains a competitive frontier for innovation in metrology, with the sector as a whole yet to fully realise the connectivity of the Internet of Things. Striving towards Smart Manufacturing, Bruker Alicona devices can be flexibly integrated, while their high-resolution optical measurement sensors create a digitized system. This is all linked using an intelligent interface technology. Rather than a separate offline, measuring room, as is relied upon in so many manufacturing plants. These innovations move quality assurance to the centre of production. Complex measurements are executed quickly and efficiently.

Is the shift to Industry 4.0 the end for manual metrology?

Manual metrology devices still sit comfortably in the reliable and repeatable processes of many of Optimax’s clients. It is not just about familiarity – manual devices often offer a lower initial investment, often with less time and resource needed during the initial training phase. They can be more robust and less susceptible to operator damage, with fewer moving mechanical parts to damage.

So while the shift to the fourth industrial age is undeniable, it’s a steady process that’s unlikely to completely replace the metrology equipment of the third industrial era, and makes continued investment at all levels of device complexity essential.

Reference

Europa EU. January 2017: Germany: Industrie 4.0, Digital Transformation Monitor. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/dem/monitor/sites/default/files/DTM_Industrie%204.0.pdf Everling, Scott. November 2014: Automating metrology, Aerospace Manufacturing and Design. https://www.aerospacemanufacturinganddesign.com/article/amd1114-automated-metrology-systems-tips/

Sure, get excited about the DRV-Z1’s futuristic 3D tech, but the ROI is in the ergonomics

The DRV-Z1, recently released by Vision Engineering, demonstrates the transformative impact 3D technology can have on manufacturing. However, it is in its ergonomic design where the greatest return on investment will be seen.

Ergonomics is as inescapable a corporate buzz term as wellbeing or mindfulness – and they are all, in many ways, features of the same realisation. The more comfortable, happy and healthy your staff, the better their output and the higher your yield quality. Remember hunching over and straining your eyes through microscopes at school? The same features are seen on many legacy metrology and inspection devices, resulting in fatigue, absenteeism and long term occupational health issues. It’s these limitations that Vision Engineering have overcome by putting user-ergonomics at the heart of DRV-Z1’s innovative design.

‘Designing in comfort and freedom of movement to enhance operational efficiency and promote accuracy’ – Vision Engineering

Vision Engineering DRV-Z1 machine

Research into the positive impact of ergonomic investment for manufacturers has demonstrated dramatic results. Studying the affect of ergonomic improvements to circuit board manufacturing, Burri and Helander concluded that absenteeism decreased from ‘5 to 3 percent’, injury rates reduced and both yield and productivity was improved. They calculated that this led to a staggering ‘$1.7 million [approx. £1.3 million] saving for modification [ergonomic intervention] costs of $16,000 [ £12,555].’ (Vol 7: Issue 3)

Inspired by such research, Vision Engineering have introduced several ergonomic innovations with the DRV-Z1. The device is eyepieceless, allowing freedom of head movement to reduce back and neck strain and enabling you to keep your glasses on. The DRV-Z1 surpasses the VR headset in meeting the demands of manufacturers, with its natural view supporting precise hand-to-eye coordination. This is critical for reducing error rates in precision inspection and manipulation tasks, such as; rework, repair and dissection. Furthermore, as the user is not detached from the outside world, peripheral vision is maintained and the nausea felt with the VR headset is eliminated.

As we increasingly recognise the importance of team wellbeing in the role of productivity, it’s essential that our equipment does the same. Great work, Vision Engineering.

For more information on how the DRV-Z1 can meet your applications drop me a message or give us a call at 01858 436940.