Alicona Imaging GmbH

Tips and Tricks in Production Metrology

Precision Measurement in Harsh Environments
Published on 14.02.2025

Are you struggling with maintaining accuracy in your production measurements? Environmental factors such as spray water, airborne particles, and dust can severely impact the performance of your measurement devices. Vibration from nearby machinery and human influences can further compromise measurement accuracy. Additionally, limited space and time for operators, along with the need for user-friendly interfaces to quickly check parameters, add to the complexity of measurements directly on the shopfloor. 

FocusX production measurement device
manufacturing shopfloor measurement device FocusX
roughness GD&T measuremets in production FocusX

Precision Measurement for Production Settings

The Importance of Measurements Directly in Production

Accurate measurements ensure that products meet design specifications, leading to higher quality and consistency. By integrating production measurement devices directly into the production process, manufacturers can detect and correct errors in real-time, reducing waste and rework. This approach not only improves product quality but also enhances overall efficiency and productivity.

Moreover, having manufacturing measurement devices on the shopfloor allows for immediate feedback and adjustments. This real-time data helps in maintaining tight tolerances and meeting stringent industry standards. It also enables manufacturers to optimize their processes, leading to cost savings and better resource utilization. In essence, direct measurement in production is a key factor in achieving operational excellence and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

Challenges of Measurements Directly in Production

Despite the clear benefits, measuring directly in production environments comes with its own set of challenges. One of the primary issues is environmental interference. Dust, airborne particles, and spray water or oil can compromise the accuracy of measurements. These contaminants can affect the performance of sensitive production measurement devices, leading to inconsistent results.

Another challenge is operator inconsistency. Variations in how different operators handle measurement tasks can lead to discrepancies in data. This inconsistency can be a significant hurdle in maintaining uniform quality standards. Additionally, frequent calibration requirements can disrupt production schedules, causing downtime and affecting overall productivity.

Balancing speed and precision is another critical challenge. In a high-speed production environment, achieving precise measurements without slowing down the process can be difficult. Manufacturers need solutions that can deliver accurate results quickly to keep up with production demands.

Introducing the FocusX Shopfloor Enclosure

To address these challenges, Bruker Alicona has developed the FocusX Shopfloor Enclosure. This innovative solution is designed to protect the FocusX production measurement device from environmental factors such as dust, airborne particles, and spray water or oil. By maintaining a positive pressure inside the enclosure, it prevents contaminants from entering and ensures reliable performance.

The FocusX Shopfloor Enclosure also helps standardize operations, reducing operator inconsistency. Its user-friendly design includes an integrated workstation with two monitors, a keyboard, and a mouse holder, providing a complete setup for operators. This setup helps to maintain uniform measurement procedures, leading to consistent and accurate results.

Frequent calibration is minimized with the FocusX, thanks to its efficient calibration processes. This reduces downtime and keeps the production line running smoothly. Additionally, the advanced technology of the FocusX ensures that you get accurate measurements quickly, balancing speed and precision effectively.

adaptability and safety in production measurements

What's special about this production measurement device?

The FocusX Shopfloor Enclosure is meticulously engineered to withstand harsh production environments. It features robust construction and high-quality materials, ensuring durability and reliability. The enclosure is equipped with thermal management systems, including two separate chambers with fans to prevent overheating. This design ensures optimal air flow and maintains stable operating conditions for the FocusX.

The enclosure is rated IP 53, providing protection against dust and water spray. This rating indicates that the enclosure can withstand splashing water and prevent dust from entering in quantities that could interfere with the operation of the FocusX. The main switch controls the entire power supply, allowing the system to be easily turned on or off with a single switch.

Mobility is another key feature of the Shopfloor Enclosure. It is equipped with four adjustable feet to compensate for uneven surfaces, ensuring stability and ease of installation. The enclosure can be easily relocated within the facility using a forklift or pallet jack, making it a versatile solution for various production settings.

FocusX Features and Benefits in production

measurement device made for manufacturing environments

The FocusX is a versatile manufacturing measurement device that transforms quality assurance with its Advanced Focus-Variation technology. This technology enables precise measurement of micro-geometries and surface roughness with a single sensor. The compact design of the FocusX makes it ideal for on-site use in production settings. It offers high resolution, traceability, and repeatability, even on highly reflective surfaces and complex geometries.

The FocusX is designed to be fast, precise, and robust, integrating seamlessly into production processes. Its versatility makes it suitable for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, and medical technology. The device's advanced features ensure that you get accurate measurements quickly, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.

Real3DUnitX Features and Benefits for the manufacturing setting

FocusX usually is extended to five axes by connecting the Real3DUnitX. This unit enables 360° measurements by combining 3D data from multiple perspectives. It allows for thorough inspections using CAD files, making it an indispensable tool for analyzing complex geometries. The Real3DUnitX enhances the versatility of the FocusX, making it suitable for an even wider range of applications. The Real3DUnitX also supports complete automation in the MetMaX operator software. Users can simply click on the region of interest on the CAD, and the software automatically knows how to rotate, tilt, and move the sample to reach the point. This automation simplifies the measurement process and ensures consistent and accurate results.

Conclusion: Bruker Alicona is leading the way in manufacturing metrology

The FocusX Shopfloor Enclosure is the latest achievement for all production metrology needs. It addresses the common challenges of measuring directly in production environments by providing robust protection, reducing operator inconsistency, minimizing calibration downtime, and balancing speed and precision. With its advanced features and benefits, the FocusX, along with the Real3DUnitX, ensures accurate and reliable measurements, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity. Further information on the FocusX Shopfloor can be found in the press release in the download below.

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