OGP UK Launch Smart Metrology, a New and Intelligent Measurement Concept

Smart metrology is a new concept from OGP UK that reflects a step change in measuring processes. Derived from the company’s industry-leading SmartScope range of multi-sensor measuring systems, smart metrology is a vision that captures the essence of what differentiates OGP products in the marketplace.

Smart metrology represents an innovative selection of OGP coordinate measuring systems that provides users with the required intelligence to adjust and control manufacturing processes via the presentation of easy-to-interpret measurement data. For those thinking that inspection is a non-value added process, think again!

There are many coordinate measuring machines on the market capable of finding out-of-tolerance components that inevitably get designated as expensive rework or scrap. However, by applying the concept of smart metrology, users can ‘short cut’ directly to any underlying problems in the manufacturing process that might be causing discrepancies.

While the latest OGP systems offer a range of multi-sensor options including touch, video and laser, measurement technology is far more than simply probes and sensors. For instance, in terms of hardware, a rigid and well-engineered metrology frame is essential to carry the metrology devices (which must be calibrated within the system), and to help them attain repeatable, reliable and accurate data.

For manufacturers that want to reduce statistical ‘noise’ (quantities of unexplained variation found in sample measurement), smart metrology solutions from OGP can help users to monitor data and discover what needs to be done in order to hold manufacturing processes at nominal. Innovative software presents measurement data in ‘layman’ terms, deskilling the task of process interrogation. The easy-to-understand report format allows customers to quickly and easily adjust manufacturing processes so that not only is scrap controlled immediately, the amount of inspection required is also reduced, thereby introducing direct savings to the bottom line.

OGP frequently encounters manufacturers enduring ±30% statistical noise, where peak-to-peak values quantify scrap components. However, using OGP’s concept of smart metrology it is possible to reduce noise to within ±10%, a figure targeted by many leading manufacturers operating in demanding sectors such as automotive.

For example, the deployment of OGP’s pioneering SmartScope multi-sensor technology to measure cylinder heads is proving particularly effective. Using a single system operating in a single temperature environment, measuring machine operators have the ability to switch between touch, video and laser probes/sensors without physical changeover, handling or the need to reset any alignments. As a result, significant reductions in statistical noise are often achieved simply by switching to SmartScope technology.

While the term ‘multi-sensor' may be familiar, when applied to SmartScope technology there is a crucial difference. Conventional camera-based measuring systems with added laser technology have left many users dissatisfied due to the inevitable compromise to the working distance of the optics, leaving their true potential unfulfilled. However, for the first time in industry, SmartScope CNC measuring machines from OGP negate this issue thanks to the proprietary and innovative TeleStar TTL (through-the-lens) laser. TTL means there is no offset between the laser and the optics, allowing users to measure recesses up to 200mm deep without obstruction issues. In fact, TeleStar can still measure when its path is blocked by up to 60%.

Be wary of metrology systems that solely promote ‘micron’ accuracy or ‘nano’ resolution. Illustrating the extent of a process problem is one thing, having the intelligence required to correct a process and save costs, is entirely another. Think smart metrology. Think OGP.