Key Innovations in Gauges and Instruments Refine the Inspection Process
The latest advancements in gauges, instrumentation, and measurement solutions are transforming the landscape of precision measurement and inspection.
Posted: August 22, 2024
From sophisticated measurement software and wireless ultrasonic thickness gauges to non-contact laser sensors and touchscreen digital indicators, the latest gauges and measurement tools offer efficiency and ease of use.
New Software Combines Surface Roughness and Crosshatch Measurement and Analysis
Digital Metrology Solutions (Columbus, IN), a provider of measurement software, consulting, and training, has introduced TraceBoss+ software, integrating surface texture and crosshatch measurement in a single package. “Last year Digital Metrology’s TraceBoss software changed how people see, save, and understand data from surface roughness gauges,” said Mark Malburg, president of Digital Metrology. “Since that release, we’ve had many requests to add crosshatch angle measurement to the software, as well as the ability to view torn and folded metal, a key indicator of how a honing process is running. TraceBoss+ adds both of these functions, as well as introducing new tools to analyze, save, store, export, and output all of these results together. This complete toolset greatly helps anyone working with engine components to see their data and explore their surfaces.”
TraceBoss+ software interfaces with most portable surface roughness gauges. A user can take a measurement, view the results and graphics full screen, save data, and reload it for comparison and statistical process control. It reports most common roughness parameters, showing at a glance whether a surface passes or fails user-provided limits.
The built-in crosshatch functionality lets a user acquire an image of surface texture from any USB equipped microscope. Simple tools make it nearly instantaneous to obtain the crosshatch angle, while zoom and pan functions let an operator navigate through high resolution image data to review the cleanliness and consistency of honing processes.
Perhaps most importantly, the crosshatch angle information is added to the parameter results so the data and image can be output along with surface roughness data in a single file. All of the data can also be printed in a concise, easy to-share report.
“When we released TraceBoss, we knew we’d given surface roughness gauge users a powerful tool for understanding surface texture,” Malburg said. “Now, TraceBoss+ goes many steps further, putting surface roughness, angle, and quality analysis in one easy interface.”
Fully Integrated Wireless Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge
The new 39DL PLUS™ ultrasonic thickness gauge from Evident Scientific (Waltham, MA) redefines efficiency and connectivity in the nondestructive testing industry with ultra-fast scanning speeds and fully integrated wireless connectivity in a rugged handheld design. Building on the proven performance and versatility of its predecessor, the 39DL PLUS gauge provides a digital inspection workflow that saves inspectors time in precision and corrosion thickness inspections.
With breakthrough scanning speeds, the 39DL PLUS instrument offers an industry-leading* 60 Hz update rate for handheld thickness gauges. For inspection codes that require this fast scanning rate, the 39DL PLUS gauge is an easy-to-use and affordable alternative to a traditional flaw detector. Users can find thin spots more easily when scanning for minimal thickness areas on pipes and other assets affected by corrosion.
Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities** facilitate a seamless inspection workflow for Industry 4.0. Users can connect to the Link Plus iOS app, Link-Wedge software or the Inspection Project Manager (IPM) app to effortlessly share results. The gauge also offers the potential for remote control and integration, enabling convenient control of the gauge from a distance in innovative applications.
Developed by industry professionals with more than 35 years of nondestructive testing experience, the 39DL PLUS gauge enhances the performance of its predecessor trusted by tens of thousands of users around the world. The new gauge features exceptional signal quality, stable waveforms and optimized algorithms in a rugged design, enabling users to achieve accurate, reproducible measurements in any environment. Each gauge is built tough to keep working despite shocks, drops and other challenges that come with inspection work.
“With the new 39DL PLUS ultrasonic thickness gauge, we’ve reimagined the inspection experience by placing speed and connectivity at the forefront of our design,” stated Steve LaBreck, director of global product management, NDT portable ultrasonics at Evident. “By integrating Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities directly into the handheld gauge, we’re empowering inspectors to work smarter and faster than ever before.”
*As of June 2024. Up to 60 Hz versus 30 Hz on the predecessor model and comparable handheld thickness gauges.
**Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are pending certification in some regions. Contact your local Evident representative for details on their availability.
Height Gauge Enables Accurate and Easy Measurements
Mahr Inc. (Providence, RI), a leading provider of dimensional metrology solutions, has announced its new Digimar 816 CLT height gauge for accurate measurements in inspection or production areas. The latest addition to Mahr’s line of height measuring instruments is equipped with a range of advanced features, including an intuitive touch screen, ergonomic handles, and dynamic measuring functions, designed to offer unparalleled performance and ease of use.
The new Digimar 816 CLT’s touch display is designed for intuitive operation. It features extra-large buttons, clearly structured menus, and self-explanatory icons to facilitate a fast and easy user experience, ultimately accelerating the measurement cycle. The Digimar 816 CLT also ensures the reliable completion of measurements, setting, and calculation functions and the creation of measuring programs via drag-and-drop capabilities.
Furthermore, the Digimar 816 CLT offers a secure and convenient data transfer process, allowing for wireless or USB cable data transfer via the MarConnect duplex interface. It also transmits a measuring equipment ID, ensuring measurement results are traceable. An integrated PDF memory enables the creation of complete files directly on the device without the need for additional software or transfer to a computer, streamlining the documentation process.
One of the standout features of the Digimar 816 CLT is its ergonomic design, with handles on both sides and an integrated operating key for precise and smooth air-bearing movement on the measuring plate. This design ensures that the device can be quickly positioned for measurements, enhancing operational efficiency.
Additional features of the Digimar 816 CLT include:
- An integrated port in the slide to enable measurement of perpendicularity and straightness in conjunction with the Millimess 2000/2001 W digital comparators.
- Motorized measuring functions for reliable results without manual operator influence.
- A variety of ports for backing up measuring data.
- Free MarCom software for seamless data transfer.
- Available Bluetooth printer for users to quickly print out a series of measurements.
- A wide range of probes and accessories to make height measurement tasks simpler.
“For manufacturers seeking high-performance and reliable measuring technology for quality assurance, the new Digimar 816 CLT height gauge offers an ideal solution for a wide range of applications,” said Farzad Azimi, product manager – air gauging at Mahr. “Its practical functions and ease of use allow quick and accurate measurement results.”
New Surface Measure Non-contact Line-laser Sensor
Mitutoyo America Corp. (Aurora, IL), a leading manufacturer of precision metrology instruments and solutions, has released the innovative SM1008S, the first non-contact line-laser sensor in the Mitutoyo Surface Measure product line.
The Surface Measure 1008S aims to disrupt the surface measurement processes across a wide range of industries, offering unprecedented precision and accuracy, even with in-line and near-line shop floor applications. The SM1008S leverages a propriety Mitutoyo optical system alongside our traditional sensor technology to deliver versatile performance that includes 2D profile measurements and comprehensive 3D dimensional inspections.
Key features and benefits:
- Exceptional Precision and Repeatability: The SM1008S boasts an accuracy of 20 µm and a Z repeatability of 0.5 µm, ensuring reliable and consistent measurements. This precision allows for stable inspection and measurement of intricate details and complex surfaces.
- Integrated Smart Software: The sensor’s on-board software includes a wide array of measurement tools such as height, width, volume, flatness, pattern matching, gap & flush, optical character recognition (OCR), barcode reading, and various defect detection tools. These features eliminate the need for additional controllers or complex programming, simplifying setup and operation.
- Robust and Versatile Design: Designed to withstand demanding environments, the SM1008S achieves an IP67 protection level. It supports automated measurements with high-speed profile acquisition (up to 10 kHz) and features a parts matching function for consistent application regardless of part orientation.
- Wide Range of Applications: Suitable for industries including electrical, electronics, semiconductor, automotive, food, medical device, and pharmaceuticals, the SM1008S facilitates 100% in-line inspection, enhancing quality control and productivity.
Touchscreen Wireless Digital Indicator
The L.S. Starrett Co. (Athol, MA), a leading global manufacturer of precision measuring tools and gauges, metrology systems and more, has introduced the No. W4900 Wireless Digital Electronic Indicator innovation, a precision measurement gauge featuring touchscreen technology, multiple resolution and color settings, digital and analog readouts in the same indicator, seven languages, wireless output and many other unique features.
“We are excited to introduce our new W4900 Indicator,” said David Allen, vice president of Starrett. “By eliminating buttons and utilizing touchscreen technology we have redefined comparative indicating measurement, developing an intuitive, fast, easy-to-use, highly accurate and rugged wireless gauge. And the W4900 Indicator is assembled in America with U.S. and globally sourced materials, right here in our Athol, Massachusetts facility.”
Starrett W4900 AGD Group 4 Indicators are versatile with large, easy-to-read and navigate capacitive touchscreen user interface menus, and have wireless output for statistical process control (SPC) via data collection systems such as Starrett DataSure® 4.0. A customizable backlighting function in the W4900 enables both digital and analog readouts to be viewed in the same indicator — another Starrett innovation, one that enhances user preferences and reduces the need for multiple indicator models and their required calibrations. In addition, users can select multiple option menus for dial configurations, resolutions, presets, limits, up to seven different languages and more.
Starrett W4900 Indicators are rugged and sealed, with IP67 protection for harsh manufacturing environments in shops, OEM applications, on custom build and design tools and machinery and for in-process applications. The indicators are also very suitable in quality lab applications and other inspection areas. Featuring a Corning® Gorilla® Glass screen, new W4900 Indicators have been successfully shop floor tested including drop, vibration, cycle, and thermal testing, enduring all environments similar to standard indicators. The W4900 has an auto-on feature that is enacted via touch of the screen or the indicator stem, an auto-off after the desired pre-set time, in addition to a rechargeable, long-life battery. The indicator has a 1” (25 mm) range and an accuracy of +/- .00012” (0.003 mm), with resolutions of .001/ .0005/ .0001/ .00005 in inch, and 0.01/ 0.005/ 0.002/ 0.001 mm in metric.
Starrett W4900 Indicators are ideal for use with industry data collection devices and systems such as Starrett DataSure 4.0, the most scalable, secure, robust data acquisition solution with unprecedented range and capabilities, and for leveraging data for SPC and Industry 4.0 applications.
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