MetrologyWorks - Metrology fixturing solutions: Enhancing precision measurement efficiency

MetrologyWorks offers top-notch solutions for precision measurement needs.

They specialize in portable CMM equipment like arms, laser trackers, and scanners. Their products help businesses achieve accurate measurements in various industries.

MetrologyWorks provides a wide range of mounting solutions for portable metrology devices.

These include rolling stands, tripods, and magnetic mounts. Such tools make it easier to set up and use measurement equipment in different settings.

The company also offers fixture plates and kits for coordinate measuring machines (CMMs).

These products help secure parts during the measurement process, ensuring consistent and precise results. With MetrologyWorks, businesses can find the right tools to improve their measurement accuracy and efficiency.

History of MetrologyWorks

MetrologyWorks has grown from a small startup to a leading provider of metrology solutions. The company's journey is marked by innovation and a commitment to precision measurement technology.

Establishment and Evolution

MetrologyWorks was founded in the early 2000s near Kansas City.

The company started by making aftermarket parts for portable coordinate measuring machines (CMMs).

As demand grew, MetrologyWorks expanded its product line. They began offering fixture plates and kits for fixed CMMs. These products came in different sizes to fit various needs.

The company built a reputation for quality and durability. Their fixture plates used hard coat anodizing to last longer. This attention to detail helped MetrologyWorks gain customers.

Milestones and Achievements

A key milestone was becoming the top source for aftermarket CMM accessories.

MetrologyWorks now makes probes, mounts, and stands for portable CMMs.

They also branched into laser tracker tooling and 3D scanning equipment. This move helped them serve more areas of the metrology field.

MetrologyWorks built its own manufacturing facility. This allowed them to design and make products in-house. It gave them more control over quality and innovation.

The company has grown its online presence. Their LinkedIn page shows nearly 1,800 followers in the industry.

Metrology Fixturing Solutions Overview

Metrology fixturing solutions play a crucial role in ensuring accurate and repeatable measurements. These systems provide stable support for parts during inspection processes using coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and other metrology equipment.

Key Principles of Metrology Fixturing

Stability and repeatability are essential in metrology fixturing.

Fixture plates and kits come in various thread sizes, including ¼"-20, M6, and M8. These plates are often hard coat anodized for durability.

Modular fixturing components allow for flexibility in holding different part shapes and sizes. This adaptability is crucial for handling diverse workpieces in metrology applications.

Accuracy is paramount. Fixturing solutions must maintain precise positioning to ensure reliable measurement results. Many systems offer quick setup options to improve efficiency without compromising accuracy.

Innovations in Fixturing Technology

Recent advancements have led to more versatile fixturing solutions.

Portable CMM mounting options now include heavy-duty rolling stands designed for rigidity and stability.

Custom fixturing designs cater to specific part geometries and measurement needs. These tailored solutions can significantly improve inspection processes for complex or unique components.

Integration with digital systems is becoming more common. Some fixtures now incorporate sensors or markers that can be detected by measurement software, further enhancing accuracy and automation in metrology processes.

Products and Services

MetrologyWorks offers a range of fixturing solutions for metrology applications. Their products and services cater to various measurement needs in industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing.

Standard Fixturing Components

MetrologyWorks provides portable CMM mounting solutions for precise measurements.

These include rolling metrology stands, portable tripods, and magnetic mounts.

The company also offers steel inspection tables and granite carts for stable measurement platforms. Their products come with standard 3-1/2"-8 mounting rings.

Adapter plates and rings are available to fit different equipment. This allows users to adapt MetrologyWorks mounts to various measurement devices.

Laser tracker SMR and reflectors are part of their product line. These enable accurate long-range measurements in large-scale metrology applications.

Custom Solutions

MetrologyWorks develops custom fixturing solutions for unique measurement challenges. They work with clients to create specialized mounts and fixtures.

Custom designs can accommodate non-standard equipment or unusual measurement setups. This ensures optimal stability and accuracy for specific applications.

The company's engineering team can modify existing products or create entirely new designs. This flexibility helps clients address complex measurement requirements.

Custom solutions may include specialized materials, unique mounting interfaces, or integrated features for particular industries or measurement tasks.

Calibration and Maintenance Services

MetrologyWorks offers calibration and certification services for metrology equipment. This ensures measurement devices maintain their accuracy over time.

Regular calibration helps prevent measurement errors and maintains compliance with industry standards. The company provides on-site and in-house calibration options.

Maintenance services keep fixturing components and measurement devices in optimal condition. This includes cleaning, adjustments, and repairs as needed.

MetrologyWorks also offers training on proper use and maintenance of their products. This helps clients maximize the lifespan and performance of their metrology equipment.

Material and Design Considerations

Selecting the right materials and designing effective fixtures are key to accurate metrology. These factors impact measurement precision and fixture durability.

Material Properties and Selection

Fixture materials must be sturdy and stable. Aluminum is popular due to its light weight and corrosion resistance. Steel offers high strength but adds weight. Anodized coatings enhance durability for aluminum fixtures.

Temperature stability is crucial. Materials with low thermal expansion, like Invar, minimize measurement errors from temperature changes.

Fixture plates often use hard-anodized aluminum. This provides a durable surface that resists wear and corrosion.

For custom fixtures, material choice depends on the part being measured. Plastics may work for light parts, while heavy components need metal fixtures.

Design for Metrology Applications

Fixture design focuses on part stability and access. The goal is to hold parts securely without blocking measurement points.

Modular systems offer flexibility. Interchangeable components allow quick setup changes for different parts.

Key design features include:

• Adjustable clamps and supports
• Kinematic mounts for repeatable positioning
• Low-profile elements to maximize probe access

3D modeling helps optimize designs. This ensures proper fit and identifies potential interference issues before production.

For complex parts, custom fixtures may be needed. These are tailored to specific geometries and measurement needs.

Industry Applications

MetrologyWorks provides fixturing solutions for precise measurements across key sectors. Their products support quality control and manufacturing processes in aerospace, automotive, and general manufacturing industries.

Aerospace and Defense

In aerospace, MetrologyWorks' portable CMM mounting solutions play a vital role. These tools help measure large aircraft components with high accuracy.

Technicians use rolling metrology stands to position measuring arms near fuselages and wings.

Magnetic mounts allow for quick setup on metal surfaces. This is useful when inspecting satellite parts or missile components. The company's fixture plates secure small, complex aerospace parts for detailed scans.

For defense applications, MetrologyWorks' products assist in checking armored vehicle panels and weapon system components. Their durable mounting options withstand harsh field conditions.

Automotive Industry

The automotive sector relies on MetrologyWorks' fixturing for both design and production.

Portable CMM accessories help measure car body panels, ensuring proper fit and finish.

Engineers use fixture plates to secure engine parts during quality checks. This allows for precise measurement of critical components like cylinder heads and crankshafts.

MetrologyWorks' rolling stands make it easy to move measuring equipment around large vehicles. This is helpful when inspecting trucks or buses. Their magnetic mounts are useful for attaching devices to car frames during assembly line checks.

Manufacturing and Fabrication

In general manufacturing, MetrologyWorks offers versatile solutions. Their CMM fixture plates and kits adapt to various part sizes and shapes.

Machine shops use these fixtures to hold metal parts steady during inspection. This improves measurement accuracy for complex machined components.

For fabrication work, portable stands allow technicians to bring measuring tools to large welded structures. Magnetic mounts secure devices to steel beams or tanks for on-site inspections.

MetrologyWorks' products also support quality control in plastic molding and sheet metal forming.

Technological Integration

MetrologyWorks offers advanced fixturing solutions that integrate seamlessly with modern measurement systems. Their products support efficient data collection and analysis through compatibility with various software tools.

Compatibility with Measurement Systems

MetrologyWorks designs fixture plates and kits to work with both fixed and portable coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). These products come in ¼"-20, M6, and M8 sizes to fit different CMM systems.

The company's mounts and stands are adaptable to many CMM arms and laser trackers. They include a standard 3-1/2"-8 mounting ring, with adapter plates available for other connections.

MetrologyWorks supports popular brands like Faro and Romer for portable measuring arms. Their products also work with various laser tracker and laser radar systems.

Software and Data Analysis Tools

While MetrologyWorks focuses on hardware, their fixturing solutions are designed to complement modern metrology software. The precise positioning of their fixtures allows for accurate data collection.

Their products enable consistent part placement, which is crucial for repeatable measurements in quality control processes. This consistency supports reliable data analysis across multiple inspections.

MetrologyWorks fixtures can be used with different software platforms for 3D measurement and analysis. Their standardized mounting options make it easy to integrate fixtures into existing workflows and data processing systems.

Case Studies

MetrologyWorks has helped many companies improve their measurement processes with custom fixturing solutions. These real-world examples show how the right fixtures can solve complex metrology challenges and boost efficiency.

Success Stories

A major aerospace manufacturer needed to measure oddly-shaped turbine blades quickly and accurately. MetrologyWorks designed a custom fixture plate that securely held multiple blades at once. This allowed technicians to scan all surfaces in one setup, cutting measurement time by 40%.

An auto parts supplier struggled with inconsistent results when measuring brake rotors. MetrologyWorks created a modular fixture kit that precisely aligned each rotor. This improved repeatability and reduced measurement variation by 75%.

A medical device company required ultra-precise fixturing for tiny implant components. MetrologyWorks developed miniature clamps and holders made of specialized materials. These fixtures enabled measurements down to 2 microns, meeting strict FDA requirements.

Problem-Solving Examples

A heavy equipment maker had trouble measuring large, flexible sheet metal parts. MetrologyWorks engineered an adjustable frame with strategically placed support points. This prevented part warping and improved measurement accuracy by 60%.

An electronics manufacturer needed to measure hundreds of circuit boards daily. MetrologyWorks created a quick-change fixture system with RFID part recognition. This automated setup reduced cycle times and eliminated errors from incorrect fixturing.

A tool company wanted to check worn cutting edges without removing them from machines. MetrologyWorks designed portable fixtures that attached directly to CNC mills. This allowed in-situ measurements, saving hours of machine downtime per week.

Compliance and Standards

MetrologyWorks adheres to strict quality standards and regulatory requirements in their metrology fixturing solutions. The company prioritizes accuracy, reliability, and consistent performance in all their products and services.

Quality Assurance Protocols

MetrologyWorks follows rigorous quality control procedures. They test all portable CMM mounting solutions to ensure they meet precise specifications.

Each product undergoes multiple inspections during manufacturing. This includes checks for material quality, dimensional accuracy, and functional performance.

The company uses advanced measurement tools to verify product conformity. They employ statistical process control methods to maintain consistent quality across production runs.

MetrologyWorks also conducts regular staff training on quality procedures. This ensures all employees understand and follow proper protocols in their work.

Certifications and Regulations

MetrologyWorks holds several industry certifications. These demonstrate their commitment to meeting global quality standards.

The company's products comply with ISO 9001 quality management standards. This certification covers their design, manufacturing, and customer service processes.

MetrologyWorks also adheres to relevant safety regulations. Their portable metrology equipment meets electrical safety standards for industrial use.

The company's calibration and certification services are accredited by recognized metrology bodies. This ensures their calibration results are traceable to national standards.

MetrologyWorks stays current with industry regulations. They regularly update their processes to comply with new standards in the metrology field.

Customer Support and Education

MetrologyWorks offers comprehensive support and learning opportunities for clients. The company focuses on practical training and responsive technical assistance to help customers get the most from their metrology equipment.

Training and Workshops

MetrologyWorks provides hands-on training sessions for users of their fixturing solutions. These workshops cover proper setup, use, and maintenance of equipment.

Courses are available for beginners and advanced users alike. Topics include fixture design, optimal part positioning, and troubleshooting common issues.

Online training options are also offered, allowing clients to learn at their own pace. These include video tutorials and interactive modules.

Group classes can be arranged at customer sites or MetrologyWorks facilities. This allows teams to learn together on their specific equipment.

Certification programs help users demonstrate their expertise and advance their careers in metrology.

Technical Support Services

MetrologyWorks offers prompt technical support to address customer questions and concerns.

Support is available by phone, email, and live chat during business hours.

A team of experienced technicians provides guidance on equipment setup, calibration, and problem-solving.

They can remotely access systems to diagnose and fix issues quickly.

The company's FAQ section answers common questions about their products and services. This resource helps users find solutions independently.

For complex problems, on-site support is available. Technicians can travel to customer locations to resolve issues in person.

MetrologyWorks also offers preventative maintenance plans to keep equipment running smoothly and minimize downtime.