In modern industries, not only the speed of the manufacturing process is important, but also the accuracy of measurement, the ability to have effective control of the quality and inspection procedures. Video measuring machines can greatly contribute to the process of inspection.
The video measuring machine with fully automated gantry type measurement is an example of an apparatus that facilitates dimensional measurements and minimizes human involvement in the process. It can be particularly helpful for manufacturers of numerous parts.
What Is a Fully Automatic Gantry-Type Video Measuring Machine?
An automatic gantry type video measuring machine is an optical measuring system that is used to perform measurements on the dimensions and geometry of parts in a minimally manned process.
As opposed to manual inspection, automation allows the programed inspection process to be performed several times without any human effort. The gantry system gives a stable base for inspection and can be used to inspect parts in a larger inspection area.
The QVME-H Series Fully Automatic Gantry Type VMM is produced by TASO Metrology.
Learn more about our “Video Measuring Machines” blog: https://www.tasometrology.com/how-video-measuring-machines-improve-accuracy-in-electronics-manufacturing/
Why Is Automation Important for High-Volume Measurement?
When there are hundreds or thousands of parts that require measurement, manual measurement may become lengthy and rely heavily on the involvement of the operator. Automation measurement can facilitate the development of a standardized process of inspection.
An automated system may help in:
- Executing pre-programmed measurement procedures
- Minimizing repetitive work manually
- Providing standardized measurement processes
- Faster inspection times
- Reducing variations that rely on operators
- Efficient repetition of measurements
- Collecting data for measurement for quality control purposes
Automation is thus very crucial for manufacturing organizations that require inspection as part of their production process.
How Can a Gantry-Type Design Support Large-Scale Inspection?
Gantry Configurations The structural design of the gantry machine allows smooth moving of the measurement system in a very stiff construction. This comes in handy when manufactures need to measure various sizes of components or multiple features of the component at the one time. For higher volume use stable machine construction helps repeat measurement result whilst still achieving repeatability with any measurement program across different batches.
Can a Video Measuring Machine Reduce Inspection Time?
Yes, one of the most benefits from automated optical measurement is reducing tedious inspection. For manually measuring parts, technician has to present every feature separately after holding the component properly. Nevertheless, a video measuring machine with its built-in program could lead through a designated process when inspection procedure is developed.
For measuring the successive components, the exact measurement can be repeated.
Actual saved time amount might be varying for the component itself; measure itself, process complexity, and inspection working conditions.
What Are the Benefits for High-Volume Manufacturers?
1. Faster Repetitive Measurement
High-volume production involves repeated inspection of similar components. Automation allows measurement routines to be reused, reducing the need to repeat manual measurement procedures.
2. Consistent Inspection
Automated measurement follows programmed inspection routines, helping manufacturers maintain a consistent approach across batches and production runs.
3. Reduced Operator Dependency
A fully automatic system can reduce repetitive work for inspection personnel. Operators can spend more time on higher-value quality-control activities instead of performing every measurement manually.
4. Better Production Efficiency
When inspection can keep pace with production, manufacturers can reduce potential bottlenecks between manufacturing and quality control.
5. Repeatable Measurement Processes
Repeatability is especially important when manufacturers need to verify large numbers of components against the same dimensional requirements.
6. Scalable Quality Control
As production volumes increase, inspection requirements often increase as well. Automated measurement provides a more scalable approach than relying entirely on manual inspection.
How Does an Instant Video Measuring Machine Compare?
Instant video measuring machines tend to center on fast and easy measurements, but these machines really excel where taking instant measurements of features becomes imperative. But, customers must still focus on their individual measurements and system requirements, and not necessarily on only measurement speed. Factors to consider when measuring system selection include part size range, measurement range, measurement type, level of automation.
Inspection quantity, and software capabilities must all play into the decision.
Fully automatic gantry style systems may offer one of the better automation level to performance ratios when measuring continuously and for volume production applications.
What Should Manufacturers Consider Before Choosing a VMM?
Prior to purchasing a video measuring system, the following factors need to be considered by manufacturers:
- Volume of Measurement: How many parts need to be checked in one shift?
- Size of Components: What is the largest component that needs to be measured?
- Measuring needs: What are the dimensions and geometric characteristics that need to be checked?
- Automation Needs: How much automation can be allowed?
- Repeatability: How consistent do measurements have to be?
- Speed of Inspection: Can the system perform within the specified production cycle?
- Software Needs: Is the measuring software able to perform the desired inspection tasks?
Conclusion
Effective high volume manufacturing necessitates the use of an automatic, accurate, and fast measurement solution that will suit ongoing repeated measurement needs. Automatic gantry type video measuring machine allows high volume manufacturers to minimise operator time, automate routine checks, and ensure an effective measurement process is followed.
For manufacturers evaluating automated measurement solutions, the TASO Metrology QVME-H Series Fully Automatic Gantry Type VMM is worth considering as part of a modern dimensional inspection strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a video measuring machine used for?
A video measuring machine is used for non-contact dimensional measurement and inspection of components. It uses an optical imaging system and measurement software to evaluate dimensions and geometric features.
2. Why choose a fully automatic video measuring machine for high-volume production?
A fully automatic video measuring machine can reduce repetitive manual operations, provide consistent measurement routines, and support faster inspection workflows. These benefits can be particularly valuable when large numbers of similar components must be measured.
3. What is an instant video measuring machine?
An instant video measuring machine is designed to provide rapid optical measurement of component features. It can be useful when quick dimensional checks and simplified measurement workflows are priorities.
4. Is a gantry-type VMM suitable for large components?
Gantry-type video measuring machines can be suitable for applications requiring a larger measurement area and stable machine construction. However, suitability depends on the machine’s measurement range and the dimensions and characteristics of the component.
5. Can a video measuring machine reduce operator involvement?
Yes. Automated video measuring machines can execute programmed measurement sequences with reduced manual intervention, allowing operators to focus on setup, monitoring, quality analysis, and other production tasks.
6. How does automated measurement help manufacturers?
Automated measurement can help manufacturers standardize inspection procedures, reduce repetitive manual work, improve inspection workflow, and support consistent quality control across production batches.
7. What industries can use a fully automatic gantry-type VMM?
Applications can extend across industries where accurate dimensional inspection is required, including automotive, electronics, precision engineering, medical components, tooling, and other manufacturing sectors. The appropriate machine depends on the component and inspection requirements.
8. How do I choose the right video measuring machine?
Consider the component size, measurement range, required features, inspection volume, desired automation level, measurement speed, repeatability, software capabilities, and future production requirements before selecting a video measuring machine.
9. Where can I learn more about the QVME-H Series?
You can explore the TASO Metrology QVME-H Series Fully Automatic Gantry Type VMM for detailed product information and specifications.