When manufacturing companies set KPI metrics, Quality Assurance (QA) teams are usually tasked with increasing improved rejection, scrap, and rework rates, First Time Quality (FTQ) and Cost of Quality metrics. Addressing these metrics may be straightforward, but new requirements in product development are challenging the status quo. As part tolerances become tighter and timelines shrink, expectations are changing for QA teams to perform at higher levels. The pursuit of quality as a competitive advantage is raising the bar in all industries.
To meet these challenges, OGP is pleased to introduce SmartScope M-Series Multisensor Metrology Systems, featuring next-gen enhancements in image accuracy, optics, and throughput – allowing you to measure fast, and manufacture faster.
Here are 5 ways SmartScope M-Series systems can help QA teams prep now for the future.
1: Next Generation Optics for a Crystal-Clear Image
At the core of SmartScope M-Series systems is the patented IntelliCentric-M optical system. IntelliCentric-M optics feature:
• A high-density 20 MP digital metrology camera delivering an ultra-high-definition image
• Fixed lens optics, to maximize uptime and decrease the need for calibration or repairs
• VIRTUAL ZOOM technology, which provides improved measurement resolution as users move through the zoom range
• And a built-in electronic aperture, allowing both wide field and high accuracy measurements throughout the same zoom range as a traditional mechanical zoom system
The camera captures a larger field of view to allow more part features to be measured at once, and in greater detail. The result is ultra-high-resolution images, perfect for high-speed and incredibly accurate edge detection metrology.
The IntelliCentric-M optical system uses fully telecentric optics which are still relatively unique in the industry, and directly affect speed and accuracy. Most systems use partially telecentric optics, meaning they may be accurate in the center of the field of view, but introduce distortion on the outer edges of the image. Unfortunately, image distortion requires inferior systems to produce multiple images at different coordinates on the stage, adding time to the routine. Or it will simply deliver inaccurate results, leading to lower quality results, and ultimately rework and scrap.
Conversely, the fully telecentric optics in SmartScope M-Series systems produce virtually no distortion across the entire field of view, allowing the system to measure entire scenes instantly with the greatest accuracy, resulting in extremely efficient metrology routines.
2: Increase Throughput with High-End Video Measurement
When quality assurance operations are viewed as bottlenecks in manufacturing, it is time to adopt faster metrology solutions. The combination of SmartScope M-Series systems and ZONE3 Metrology Software deploy a variety of exclusive technologies to achieve higher throughput.
Video measurement, also known as vision measurement, is a key to this process. Compared to traditional move and measure (MAM) techniques used with contact probes on CMMs, video measurement is lightning fast. For example, when measuring a dozen tolerances on a part, a touch probe will capture individual points over a two-minute routine. Alternatively, high-powered video optics will measure all features in the field of view instantly in one snapshot. The more extensive the routine, the more run time is saved using video measurement. Of course, success depends on the part, but the fact is, video measurement is a major key to throughput.
3: Adopt Multisensor Measurement to Reduce Overhead
Multisensor measuring machines combine video, contact probe, laser, and microprobe sensors into a single measuring system to provide complete 3D measurement data. When one sensor isn’t optimal for measuring a particular feature, another sensor usually is. Synchronizing multiple sensors to work together on one system leads to total part characterization, with better accuracy, in a fraction of the time it would take on separate measuring systems, and in a fraction of the space required for multiple measuring systems.
After debuting in 1992, OGP SmartScope systems quickly became and remain to this day the industry-leading multisensor metrology solution worldwide. All sensors are integrated seamlessly with the system mechanics and software, simultaneously calibrated, and available for use at any step in the measurement routine. While many brands continue to rely on single sensors, SmartScope systems, powered by ZONE3 Metrology Software, offer a more well-rounded solution to consolidate machines, use less space on the manufacturing floor, and reduce needs for calibration and maintenance. They even reduce labor costs associated with operator training and programming.
SmartScope M-Series Multisensor Metrology Systems just make better sense for complete 3D measurement and overall capital investment.
4: Instantaneous VIRTUAL ZOOM
Magnification changes can add time to metrology routines while waiting for the optics to physically adjust and re-calibrate to the new focus level. Most zoom optics are mechanical, and moving parts are prone to wear and tear. However, SmartScope M-Series optics feature VIRTUAL ZOOM technology. The single moving part is a built-in electronic aperture. Not only does VIRTUAL ZOOM save downtime and repairs over the long run – it is also instantaneous and shaves time off metrology routines.
5: Leverage Intuitive Software Features to Simplify Human Work
One common goal amongst QA teams is how to make metrology easier for QA teams. ZONE3 features efficient time-saving tools to help both programmers and operators build faster-running programs.
ZONE3 Metrology Software is the powerhouse at the core of SmartScope systems and is purpose-built for multisensor metrology.
ZONE3 Metrology Software represents a totally new way of working with multisensor measurement systems and provides faster, easier, and more productive measurements than ever before. Its interface clearly displays relationships between parts, sensors, datum alignments, and machine accessories.
ZONE3 uses innovative features to automatically and effortlessly generate measurement routines resulting in faster programming and run times than was previously possible with other software packages. ZONE3 allows for 3D and CAD-based measurement using all sensors. Parallel Processing allows for all features of a part within the field of view to be measured simultaneously. Its class-leading image processing algorithms result in lightning-fast, super accurate video metrology measurements.
ZONE3 has an intuitive interface allowing for walk-up measurements with just the click of a
mouse. Daily operators to quickly launch pre-programmed routines while advanced users can easily write detailed programs both at the machine or offline, while being assisted with features
like Routine Optimization, Apply-to-Similar, and Auto Path Generation. All sensor types are programmed in the same way, making complex routine programming fast and easy.
Future-Proof Your Metrology Strategy
When new parts are ready to be measured, SmartScope M-Series platforms range in size from small benchtop units to large travel bridge designs. The systems are equipped with a variety of probe types, laser sensors, and rotary accessories to handle any job you have today, and ones you will have tomorrow.
SmartScope systems are a time-tested technology known for versatility and ability to handle a wide variety of three-dimensional measurement tasks. It is not uncommon to find these workhorses still functioning daily many years after their installation.
SmartScope M-Series systems feature the same proven and stable SmartScope transports that have been field-tested on systems worldwide over the last thirty-five years. But they combine unique new optical and software advantages to help QA teams deal with tougher accuracy and throughput challenges.
Investing in the next evolution of SmartScope systems is an investment in the future. As part tolerances become tighter and timelines shrink, SmartScope M-Series systems provide the tools QA teams need to position themselves for the future.
