Exploring metrology and inspection solutions at MACH 2024

MACH 2024 was hosted at the NEC in Birmingham, spanned five days, and saw over 600 exhibitors.

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Organised by the Manufacturing Technologies Association, MACH is a huge showcase event for UK engineering-based manufacturing technologies. The 2024 event saw over 600 exhibitors and attracted approximately 26,000 attendees. The sheer magnitude of the event was something to behold in of itself, with the various manufacturing technologies and equipment towering over you.

With such a vast array of exhibitors present at the event, it would be almost impossible to recap all the metrology and quality assurance solutions that were present in Birmingham. However, below we have chosen five of our favourite exhibitors that we saw at MACH.

Optimax

The imaging and inspection specialist brought a selection of in-production metrology solutions to MACH 2024. Optimax opted to focus on showcasing systems which can be easily integrated into manufacturing processes to provide automated measurements.

At the Optimax MACH stand, the following technologies were exhibited:

  • eviXmatic automated five-axis 3D scanning system.
  • Bruker Alicona InfiniteFocus G6 3D.
  • Bruker Alicona cobot measuring system.
  • Inspekto S70 industrial visual inspection product.

Additionally, Optimax has recently launched its brand-new website for metrology, which the company was also promoting in Birmingham.

Bruderer

MACH 2024 was a particularly exciting time for the team at Bruderer. The high-speed press manufacturer took its BSTL 350-88 system to Birmingham, and in a ‘world first’ a turnkey line was established at a major exhibition. Additionally, Bruderer also showcased its BSTA 710-220 press, which features a substantially long bed length of 2.2 metres.

But the good news didn’t stop there for the Swiss company. Alan Spargo Ltd purchased a Bruderer press at the show. The specialist supplier for Formula One ordered one of the BSTL 350-88 presses, proving that the company’s risk to showcase the system live at the event was more than worth it.

ARC Metrology

The metrology software solution provider was showcasing a vast array of technologies at MACH 2024. ARC Metrology performed live demonstrations of its 4-meter Alpha Measuring Arm, which the company had clamped to a trolley workstation. There were also walkthroughs of the Mark Up Software, which is a measurement traceability tool.

At the ARC Metrology stand, the following solutions were displayed:

  • Mark Up Software.
  • 4-meter Alpha Measuring Arm.
  • CMM Verification Artefacts.

The 3D Measurement Company Ltd (T3DMC)

T3DMC were joined by 3D InfoTech on its stand at MACH 2024. The latter specialises in metrology software solutions, ensuring quality control within automation across a variety of industries.

On day three of MACH, which was also the day we were present, the measurement specialists were showcasing its TrackScan-Sharp. Ideal for use in the aerospace and automotive industries, the 3D scanner provides accuracy up to 0.025 mm.

Technologies that were found on T3DMC’s stand included:

  • UMA Smart Desktop.
  • TrackScan-Sharp.
  • AM-DESK.
  • Smart Desktop & Smart Station.

Carfulan Group

Finally, we have the Carfulan Group which had a very busy time at MACH. The precision manufacturing specialists launched not only one but five new technologies in Birmingham. These releases included:

During the event, the company also made a major sale. Continental Diamond Tool Limited purchased an E7 system from OGP UK (Carfulan’s multi-sensor measurement division). The system will provide advanced measurements for its diamond rotary dressers.