Discovering metrology and manufacturing solutions at the RAF Cosford Museum
Surrounded by the transport and training aircraft at Hangar 1, we met various metrology and manufacturing specialists and also took in the enlightening talk delivered by the event's keynote speakers from Rolls-Royce.
Last week, Manufacturing Quality travelled to the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands for the Manufacturing Solutions UK incorporating Make Measurement Matter event, hosted by GTMA and AMUK. In the lead-up to the event, we interviewed Alan Arthur (Chief Executive Officer at GTMA) and David Beattie (General Manager at GTMA), to find out more about the Cosford-based event. With over 40 exhibitors at the show, we have chosen our top five highlights, in no particular order…
Keynote speakers Rolls-Royce
One of the main selling points of the event was the keynote speakers. Dr Phil Bamforth, Global Lead for Manufacturing Product Verification at Rolls-Royce, and Joseph Green, Measurement Team Lead for Rolls-Royce Defence, took everyone through the automotive and aero-engine manufacturer’s measurement journey.
Both individuals have a long history and in-depth knowledge regarding metrology and provided incredible insights on Rolls-Royce’s vision for the future (regarding measurement), the National Metrology Skills Alliance, and how measurement matters to Rolls-Royce.
Discovering the Mantis 3rd Gen with Vision Engineering
Patented optical, digital stereo microscopes and non-contact measuring systems manufacturer Vision Engineering were demonstrating its Mantis 3rd Gen, TVM and EVO Cam II systems, at the event.
Mantis is a stereo microscope that claims to capture high-quality images, which can be used in a wide variety of applications. According to its developers, the system benefits from improved ergonomics for fatigue-free viewing, as well as an integrated digital camera. The Mantis also does not require an eyepiece, which provides the user with a bigger viewable image.
A live Artec Leo demonstration by Central Scanning
After writing many news articles and insights regarding Artec 3D’s Artec Leo, it was brilliant to finally see one live and in person. The Artec Leo scanner can acquire millions of data points with each sweep, is completely wireless, and features a built-in touch screen allowing the user to see the scanned area in real-time.
Central Scanning was nice enough to provide us with a live demonstration of the Artec Leo's scanning capabilities, as it scanned the surrounding area at RAF Cosford. Not only did we witness how effective the system was, but also how easy it was to use.
Renishaw exhibit its Equator gauging system
Another company that was great to meet for the first time was Renishaw. The metrology, motion control, and precision machining specialists were exhibiting its Equator gauging system. According to its developers, the system aims to bring repeatable, thermally insensitive, versatile, and reprogrammable gauging to customer's production lines.
Additionally, it was interesting to speak to Renishaw following the Rolls-Royce talk as the company’s collaboration with Rolls-Royce’s defence measurement team was spoken about by the keynote speakers. Renishaw also aided the automotive and aero-engine manufacturers when engineers were looking for a measuring device for Concorde’s instrumentation pipes. Rolls-Royce found at the time that the available options didn’t have the levels of accuracy required, which led to Renishaw purpose-building one for Rolls-Royce.
Meeting new companies
Finally, walking around Hangar 1 and meeting new companies that we have not covered yet at Manufacturing Quality was both exciting and enlightening. We particularly enjoyed meeting, Sangha Metrology (which specialises in manufacturing bore gauges for aerospace applications), Velo3D (a provider of metal 3D printing solutions), and Tri-Tech 3D (a supplier of Stratasys' 3D printers, and also offers servicing, support, and maintenance services).