Events Calendar

Overcoming Challenges In Production With Multisensor Measuring Machines

Overcoming Challenges In Production With Multisensor Measuring Machines

Anyone that manufactures complex hybrid metal parts has to master more than just working with the material itself. It is also vital for the entire production system to quickly enter service. German manufacturer of punched and hybrid parts, KRAMSKI, uses multi-sensor measuring machines from ZEISS to ensure the efficiency of their global production lines. Article by ZEISS.

The Challenge Of Accelerating the Journey From Prototype To Volume Production

At KRAMSKI, It is not uncommon to measure more than 100 initial samples before the tools are adjusted sufficiently to enable volume production to start. For each part, the objective is to ensure the quality of up to 500 characteristics. And once the first samples are available, the clock starts ticking on the measuring technicians. According to Mathias Schlegel, Measuring Technology Team Leader at KRAMSKI, “Reliable results then have to be delivered very quickly.” After all, time is money. The sooner the results are available, the sooner the toolmakers learn if or what they have to correct, and the sooner production can begin.

Therefore, to complete these measurements in a shortened timespan, Schlegel and his team rely on two ZEISS O-INSPECT 442 multisensor measuring machines. “We save an enormous amount of time today because we can create the measuring programmes offline. This was not possible with our previous measuring machines,” explains the team leader. The benefit of offline programming for measuring technicians is that the measuring runs can be programmed on a computer away from the measuring machine.

During this time, the machine can be used for other tasks. And due to ZEISS’ CALYPSO measuring software, it is also possible to programme directly on the CAD model. This allows employees to begin generating the measuring programmes while the tools are being made. According to Schlegel, this provides his team with an invaluable time bonus because programming can take up to two weeks. Once the first samples have been manufactured, the measuring technicians need a run-in phase because the real parts deviate from the ideal dimensions of the CAD model on which the measuring program is based. The results are available in around one day and provide information about the extent to which a tool meets the requirements.

The Benefits Of A Reduced Production Timespan 

Offline programming is beneficial for multiple reasons. First, because the measuring machine is not blocked during programming, it can be used for other tasks, which in turn enhances productivity. Thus, due to ZEISS’ CALYPSO measuring software, it is possible to programme directly in the CAD programme, which means that the measuring programmes are generated before the workpiece is available.

Another benefit of the measuring machine is that on the basis of a prototype programme with several hundred characteristics, measuring technicians can subsequently generate a serial measuring programme with 100 or 150 characteristics for random sampling relatively easily. As this can be achieved by simply selecting the required characteristics, which would in turn prompt the machine to automatically calculate the travel paths required.

Global Adoption And Quality Assurance

Due to the cost saving benefits of ZEISS O-INSPECT 442 multisensor measuring machines, KRAMSKI now uses the machines at almost all its sites: two each in Germany and Sri Lanka, and one more in India. For good reason, too. “We create a measuring programme and share it with the labs in Sri Lanka, India and Germany,” says Schlegel. The manufacture of certain products is often transferred from one site to another, the company manufactures for different brands at multiple factories or the development and initial inspection occur at one site, but production at another.

To ensure the comparability of the measurement results, Schlegel and his staff use the same styli and fixtures in all three countries, and also very precisely describes each measuring process with the help of images from the ZEISS CALYPSO measuring software. The company has also introduced a Multisensor Check to guarantee that not only do the employees use the same approach for the measurements, but also that the measuring machines run reliably. Furthermore, KRAMSKI uses this monitoring method to check the precision of its measuring machines on a weekly basis. This is also well received by customers and rounds off the quality strategy of the company.

 

WANT MORE INSIDER NEWS? SUBSCRIBE TO OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE NOW!

FOLLOW US ON: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter

 

ZEISS Continues To Grow In Fiscal Year 2017/18

ZEISS Continues To Grow In Fiscal Year 2017/18

ZEISS has increased its revenue further in all strategic business units and regions after twelve months of fiscal year 2017/18. Revenue increased by 7.6 percent (adjusted for currency effects: 11.1 percent), to €1,280.9m (prior year: €1,189.9m). Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) rose to €197.1m (prior year: €180.8m). The EBIT margin remained stable at 15.4 percent (prior year: 15.2 percent). Earnings per share reached €1.41 (prior year: €1.57).

Regarding ZEISS’ performance for fiscal year 2017/18, Dr. Ludwin Monz, President and CEO of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG has said, “We achieved our sales forecast, which we had already raised in July 2018 – in spite of negative currency effects. In fiscal year 2017/18 we gained further market shares in both ophthalmology and microsurgery. What is particularly encouraging is that all regions and business segments contributed – the performance of the Americas and Asia/Pacific regions was particularly strong.”

Solid Growth And Market Share Gains In Both Strategic Business Units

The strategic business unit (SBU) Ophthalmic Devices increased its revenue by six percent after twelve months of fiscal year 2017/18 (adjusted for currency effects: 9.3 percent), to €933.3m, compared with €880.5m in the same period of the prior year. The laser systems business for vision correction and the diagnostics business developed particularly well. There was also continued solid demand for premium and standard intraocular lenses for the treatment of cataracts.

Revenue in the Microsurgery SBU grew by 12.3 percent (adjusted for currency effects: 16.5 percent), to €347.6m, compared with €309.4 in the prior year. This growth is particularly attributable to the new products for the neurosurgery and dental segments.

Significant Growth, Particularly In Americas And APAC Regions

Revenue in the EMEA region increased by four percent (adjusted for currency effects: 5.4 percent), to €378.1m (prior year: €363.4m). Development in the core markets Germany and France was stable. Increases were achieved in the UK, Southern Europe and some Eastern European markets.

A positive trend was also recorded in the Americas region. Revenue increased to €406.5m (prior year: €378.2m). This growth amounted to 7.5 percent (adjusted for currency effects: 14.4 percent) and thus, it can be seen to have accelerated significantly compared with the prior year. This is primarily due to a continued positive trend in the U.S. market.

The Asia/Pacific (APAC) region grew by 10.7 percent, to €496.3m (prior year: €448.2m). After adjustment for currency effects, this corresponds to an increase of 13.2 percent. Once again, the largest contributions to growth came from China and South Korea.

The EBIT margin was 15.4 percent (prior year: 15.2 percent). Adjusted for special effects, an increase to 15.7 percent was recorded (prior year: 14.8 percent). This was due in particular to a positive development of the product mix. Revenue from recurring business, such as from consumables, implants and services, increased further, and climbed to around 34 percent of revenue (prior year: 33 percent).

Earnings per share declined slightly, to €1.41 (prior year: €1.57). This decrease was attributable to negative currency effects and to the increased number of shares.

Overall, the company anticipates further growth for fiscal year 2018/19, at least to the level of the underlying markets. The EBIT margin is expected to range between 14 percent and 16 percent in fiscal year 2018/19 and in the medium term.

Revenue By Strategic Business Unit

All figures in €m 12 months
2017/18		 12 months
2016/17		 Change from prior year Change from prior year*
Ophthalmic Devices 933.3 880.5 +6.0% +9.3%
Microsurgery 347.6 309.4 +12.3% +16.5%
Total 1,280.9 1,189.9 +7.6% +11.1%

*adjusted for currency effects

Revenue By Region

All figures in €m 12 months
2017/18		 12 months
2016/17		 Change from prior year Change from prior year*
EMEA 378.1 363.4 +4.0% +5.4%
Americas 406.5 378.2 +7.5% +14.4%
APAC 496.3 448.2 +10.7% +13.2%
Total 1,280.9 1,189.9 +7.6% +11.1%

*adjusted for currency effects

 

WANT MORE INSIDER NEWS? SUBSCRIBE TO OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE NOW!

FOLLOW US ON: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter

Zeiss: O-Inspect Multi-Sensor Measuring Machine

Zeiss: O-Inspect Multi-Sensor Measuring Machine

Zeiss’s O-Inspect multi-sensor measuring machine enables users to optimally measure each characteristic—optically or by contact. O-Inspect delivers reliable 3D accuracy compliant with ISO standards at a temperature range of 18-30°C. An added highlight is the CALYPSO software that not only delivers results easily, but also simplifies the detection and identification of the causes of errors.

The VAST XXT contact scanning sensor ensures minimal probing forces, smallest tip diameters and many measured points by scanning for form inspections. Zeiss Discovery.V12 lens offers a large, distortion-free visual field. An optional white light sensor allows the measurement of small and sensitive surfaces.

Additive Manufacturing Metrology Seminar Held By Zeiss Singapore

Additive Manufacturing Metrology Seminar Held By Zeiss Singapore

Singapore: Industrial metrology providers Zeiss Singapore recently held a seminar at the Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre in Singapore, focussing on measurements in additive manufacturing.

Participants found out more about imaging and measurement technologies in the following areas of the 3D printing workflow:

  • Materials characterisation.
  • Non-destructive evaluation.
  • Reverse engineering.
  • High accuracy metrology.
  • Data management and analysis.

3D printing processes, also known as additive manufacturing, are increasingly becoming part of industrial production chains. This is especially true in safety-critical areas such as aerospace, medical technology and automotive industries where demanding standards apply. The biggest challenge is to prove the reliability of 3D printed parts.

Check these articles out:

● Automotive, Electrical/Electronics Industries Driving Global Industrial Robotics Market
● Grundfos Singapore Appoints New Country Manager
● Hexagon Releases Complete Solution For Laser Scanning On The Machine Tool
● NIMS Partners With OMIC To Develop Metrology Standards And Certification
● Marie Langer Appointed New CEO of EOS
● Interview With Rob Mesaros, Vice President & Head Of 3D Printing & Digital Manufacturing For Asia Pacific & Japan, HP
● Siemens Addresses Overheating Challenges in Additive Manufacturing
● Autodesk and Airbus Demonstrate Impact Of Generative Design On The Aerospace Industry
● Siemens Advances Digital Transformation With Its Advanced Manufacturing Transformation Centre In Singapore
● Global Aerospace 3D Printing Market Poised To Surpass $2,857 Million By 2024

WANT MORE INSIDER NEWS? SUBSCRIBE TO OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE NOW!

FOLLOW US ON: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter

Zeiss: Comet L3D 2 3D Sensor

Zeiss: Comet L3D 2 3D Sensor

The Comet L3D 2 by Zeiss uses fringe projection with multiple lasers to measure 3D data. It automatically recognises changes in vibration and exposure, and its light yield and high measuring speed help to capture data on different object surfaces.

The sensor also uses colin3D software, from which false colour comparisons can be generated for analysis. With a resolution of 2,448 x 2,050, it has a working distance of 760 mm with accuracy of 20 to 40 μm depending on the choice of lens.

APMEN Products

CHECK OUT THESE OTHER ARTICLES

● Manufacturing Growth In Singapore Moderates After Eight-Year High
● Airbus Taps Hexagon Subsidiary To Reduce Development Lead Time
● Smart Data in the Metalworking Industry
● HAIMER To Showcase Latest Technologies And Solutions At EMO 2019

WANT MORE INSIDER NEWS? SUBSCRIBE TO OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE NOW!

FOLLOW US ON: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter

   

Back To Top