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by Dirk Dusharme

The Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference is always one of the highlights of the year for anyone interested in the latest in portable 3-D metrology and assembly. This year's CMSC will be held in Reno, Nevada, July 16–20, and it's sure to be an exciting event filled with knowledgeable people, cutting-edge technology, and groundbreaking white paper presentations.

These presentations form the heart of the CMSC experience. They show 3-D solutions in action—everything from photogrammetry and laser trackers to articulating arms and structured white-light scanners. Just some of the white papers scheduled to be presented at this year's conference include:

Laser tracker testing at NIST in accordance with the ASME B89.4.19 standard

The measurement and modeling of a World War I Mark IV tank using coherent laser radar and CCD camera/line scanning systems in an outside environment

Combined automatic and manually assisted photogrammetric measurement in noncontrolled environments

Integrating scale bars/lengths to strengthen metrology network uncertainty

 

White papers presented at the CMSC during the past two years have been collected in the semiannual Journal of the CMSC, copies of which will be available at this year's show. We at Quality Digest are proud to help edit and produce this in-depth presentation of the CMSC white papers. The next issue of The Journal of the CMSC, based on some of the papers presented in Reno, will be offered to selected readers of Quality Digest later this summer; if you're not on the distribution list, visit www.cmsc.org to learn how to get your own copy. You can also visit the Web site for information about how to join the CMSC Society, or even register for the show—if you hurry!

On the following pages, you'll find a complete list of all exhibiting vendors, along with brief descriptions of some of the products being shown at this year's CMSC. The table on page 21 will help you locate vendors with products of specific interest to you.

We look forward to seeing you in Reno!

 

3SPACE Inc.
www.3-space.com

3SPACE provides precision 3-D measurement services to the aerospace, antenna, shipbuilding, and related industries worldwide. The company offers the latest in portable, high-accuracy measurement systems such as digital photogrammetry, laser tracking, and portable arm CMMs, all of which help clients eliminate rework and save time and money.

 

4G Metrology Ltd.
www.4gmetrology.com

4G Metrology provides customized metrology solutions comprising products, subcontract dimensional inspection, and consultancy services to the large-scale industrial metrology sector. 4G Metrology's revolutionary new product known as ScAlert is a wireless, automated system for measuring temperature and scale effects of a component during dimensional inspection. 4G Metrology has recently completed the installation of four ScAlert systems at Airbus UK, where they will be integrated into the measurement/verification process of all aircraft wings and associated tooling.

 

Accurex/AICON/Etalon
www.accurexmeasure.com

Accurex provides high-precision 3-D measurement and scanning systems for industrial, scientific, and research applications. Accurex also provides specialized systems for tube measurement, dynamic measurement, gap and flush measurement, and deformation analysis.

AICON is one of the world's leading providers of camera-based 3-D measurement systems. At CMSC, AICON will feature systems for both static and dynamic 3-D measurements.

Etalon offers adapted system solutions for the verification and calibration of CMMs and machine tools. At CMSC, Etalon will present the LaserTRACER as well as the software TRAC-CAL and TRAC-CHECK.

 

Assembly Guidance Systems
www.assemblyguide.com

Assembly Guidance Systems products include: LASERGUIDE, which projects CAD images directly onto tooling, eliminating templates for hand-laid composites; Automatic Ply Verification, which offers traceable quality control documentation of ply presence, location, and fiber orientation; KitGuide, which improves nesting efficiency by projecting the ply pickup sequence; LaserNow software, which provides laser data and instant display from any digital model; and Universal LASERGUIDE, the only wireless, targetless, portable multitasking 3-D laser system with auto aim and auto focus.

 

ATT Metrology Services Inc.
www.attinc.com

ATT Metrology Services is a world-class provider of precision measurement and equipment-leasing services utilizing the most advanced 3-D measurement instrumentation and software available. The ATT team is highly skilled in the latest techniques of 3-D measurement technology. ATT's wealth of experience has served major manufacturers who fabricate, inspect, reverse engineer, and develop the most advanced vehicles, aircraft, communication systems, and facilities in the world. ATT clients span many industries, including aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, scientific, marine, construction, communication/ antenna, and entertainment.

 

Automated Precision Inc.
www.apisensor.com

In 2007, API celebrates 20 years of metrology excellence! This strong, rapidly growing company is a world leader in advanced metrology solutions for industry. For CMSC, API will have a special museum showcase containing instruments from the company's rich history in the metrology marketplace. API will display products ranging from the original laser tracker prototype developed at NIST in 1984 all the way up to the latest Tracker 3 and OmniTrac systems. API is also proud to introduce a new range of break-resistant targets for use with laser trackers worldwide.

 

Brunson Instrument Co.
www.brunson.us

Brunson specializes in manufacturing support accessories for all types of metrology equipment. The company's spherically mounted retroreflector (SMR) target adapters are manufactured in their cave in Kansas City. Brunson also manufactures highly precise optical instruments that have been a standard for decades.

 

Capture 3D
www.capture3d.com

Capture 3D offers rapid, noncontact 3-D scanning—one scan in one second, with high data quality that improves design and manufacturing processes. At CMSC, Capture 3D will introduce the new "S" series of ATOS complete workflow systems. Capture 3D will demonstrate how the ATOS noncontact 3-D scanners and TRITOP digital photogrammetry system are used for first article inspection, quality control, FEA/CFD analysis, and reverse engineering from small to extra-large projects. Key attributes are solution accuracy, automated reporting, scalability, and portability. Manual and automated configurations are also available.

 

Cerritos College/CMTC
www.cerritos.edu

Cerritos College provides students and industry with seven major technologies through its partnership with the California Manufacturers Technology Center. Technical consulting, economic development, and workforce development by the Center for Applied Competitive Technologies directly support industry and manufacturing in Southern California. CACT programs provide training and technical support to manufacturers looking to enhance the quality of their products or services. New coursework support 3-D inspection and manufacturing; courses under development by the Machine Tool Technology Division include modelmaking, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering, and certified quality inspection.

 

Creaform
www.creaform3d.com

Creaform is a technological center that develops scanning and 3-D digital solutions for reverse engineering, product development, and inspection applications, including CAD/CAE/CAM and portable CMMs. Creaform develops and sells the Handyscan 3D, the first self-positioned hand-held 3-D laser camera. This state-of-the-art scanner gives real-time 3-D rendering visualization, and the file can be exported in any standard format.

 

Delcam
www.delcam.com

Delcam is the world's leading developer and supplier of complete CAD/CAM software solutions. Whatever your industry, your manufacturing requirements can be met by Delcam. Delcam's Power-INSPECT includes support for multi-axis on-machine verification, and provides ease of use on hardware platforms including manual CMMs, CNC CMMs, inspection arms, optical laser trackers, and line laser probes. The latest release includes compatibility with AIMS (the latest release of the metrology system used by leading aerospace companies), which allows seamless sharing of CAD geometry, inspection plans, and measurement results between PowerINSPECT and other hardware and software platforms.

 

Digital Light Innovations
www.dlinnovations.com

DLi is introducing GFM's full line of fast noncontact 3-D metrology scanners to the North American market. DLi supports all North American-based GFM tools with technical expertise, training, service, and any other customer need. At CMSC, DLi will be exhibiting three of GFM's 3-D metrology tools: TopoCAM, which is a highly accurate desktop reverse-engineering and 3-D measurement tool; MicroCAD, which is a versatile and highly accurate desktop 3-D metrology tool designed for the analysis of complex surfaces and shapes; and MicroCAD portable, which is a very fast hand-held 3-D scanner.

 

Dimensional Photonics International
www.dphotonics.com

DPI offers advanced 3-D shape-scanning solutions. At CMSC, DPI will display its AFI 5000, a 3-D shape scanner for measurement tasks such as manual and automated inspection, modeling, anomaly detection, and process control. Integrated systems utilizing DPI's products include airfoil inspection, composite repair, and casting/forging inspection systems. A new solution for large-scale metrology will also be shown at this year's conference.

 

FARO Technologies Inc.
www.faro.com

The FARO Laser Tracker X—the world's best-selling tracker—makes large-part inspection, alignment, and installation easy. The Laser Tracker is a portable contact measurement system that uses laser technology to accurately take measurements, perform alignments, and inspect large parts. It has a 230-ft range, up to 0.001-in. accuracy, and is rugged enough for any aerospace facility.

 

Geodetic Systems Inc.
www.geodetic.com

GSI is the leading global supplier of industrial photogrammetry solutions in the portable metrology marketplace. GSI develops and markets the V-STARS family of 3-D coordinate measurement systems. At CMSC, GSI will exhibit its versatile range of V-STARS solutions from the entry-level V-STARS/E4X to the top-of-the-line V-STARS/S8 single camera and V-STARS/M8 dual camera systems based on the unrivaled INCA3 photogrammetric camera. V-STARS' no-limit mobility and accuracy outperforms other metrology products for the most challenging "in-place" measurement applications.

 

Geomagic
www.geomagic.com

Geomagic transforms scan data into accurate digital models for digital reconstruction, quality inspection, and engineering analysis. Geomagic products include Geomagic Qualify computer-aided inspection software, Geomagic Blade turbomachinery inspection extension, Geomagic Review free inspection analysis and collaboration software, and Geomagic Studio digital reconstruction software.

 

Hexagon Metrology
www.hexagonmetrology.net

Hexagon is a world leader supplying precision 3-D industrial metrology products. Brands include Leica Geosystems, ROMER, Brown & Sharpe, DEA, Leitz, TESA, Sheffield, and PC-DMIS, the world's leading metrology software. The Leica Laser Tracker will be showcased at CMSC, using the wireless, walk-around T-Probe for effortless probing/inspection of hidden points. Leica's hand-held T-Scan features high-speed digitization without the need for powdering or photogrammetric targets. The new ScanShark laser scanning system is composed of a seven-axis INFINITE portable CMM, a ScanShark laser scanning probe, PolyWorks software, and a laptop or desktop computer.

 

Hubbs Machine & Manufacturing Inc.
www.hubbsmachine.com

Hubbs Machine & Manufacturing has been a leader in the design, manufacturing, inventory, and distribution of targets, adapters, and related products in support of industrial survey systems for 21 years. Its team has well over a century of combined experience. Visit the Hubbs booth to see the various targeting and accessories that the company designs, manufactures, inventories, and distributes for theodolite, photogrammetry, and laser tracker systems. Ask for the free CD version of Hubbs' catalog, which includes Hubbs manufacturer's suggested retail pricing.

 

InnovMetric Software Inc.
www.innovmetric.com

InnovMetric is the developer of PolyWorks software. PolyWorks Version 9.1 point-cloud analysis software accepts high-density point-cloud data from any 3-D digitizer, articulated arm, coordinate measurement machine, laser tracker, etc., and uses the data for inspection or reverse engineering. PolyWorks enables the deployment of standardized methods throughout the entire organization for comparing parts to CAD, analyzing GD&T, virtual gauging, meshing high-density point clouds, and rapidly surfacing digitized meshes.

 

Inora Technologies Inc.
www.inora.com

Featured at this year's CMSC is INORAsrs, consisting of a patented 3-D artifact and revolutionary volumetric analysis software. Simply probing the four precision spheres on the INORAsrs tetrahedron allows the robust analysis software to rapidly and accurately assess machine capability and performance for maximum control over any manufacturing process.

 

Laser Projection Technologies Inc.
www.lptcorp.com

Laser Projection Technologies manufactures fast, accurate laser projection systems designed for manufacturing applications. LPT 3-D templating systems eliminate hard tooling and assembly templates for almost any manufacturing or component assembly application.

 

Metris
www.metris.com

Metris designs, develops, and markets a unique range of 3-D hardware and software inspection systems. The full range of measurement solutions include CMMs, optical CMMs, 3-D laser scanners for CMMs, portable hand-held 3-D laser scanners, fully automated noncontact laser radar, large-volume tracking iGPS systems, and complementary metrology software for 3-D inspection, reporting, and reverse engineering. The measurement solutions are available in both fixed and portable configurations and with optical and/or touch sensors.

 

Metrix 3D
www.metrix3d.com

Metrix, a pioneer in portable metrology software, continues to lead with its innovative new Metrix 3 portable metrology platform, bringing unparalleled productivity and clarity to measurement, inspection, and reverse-engineering processes. Metrix 3 is the first coordinate metrology software designed entirely for use with portable metrology systems. It combines the power of probe-based and scanning systems to support measurement, inspection, and reverse-engineering processes.

 

Metrologic Group
www.metrologicgroup.com

A leader in its market and the largest independent 3-D inspection software company, Metrologic has established the standard in 3-D software upgrades and retrofit. Metrologic's global software packages can be used directly on portable arms, laser trackers, and conventional CMMs. The company's range of products includes the Metrolog (online) and Silma (offline programming) software solutions, and its universal controller that can be fitted to any type of CMM. The new Metrologic V5 Inspection suite is the first integrated online solution for CATIA V5 users.

 

Metronor AS/AIMS
www.metronor.com

Metronor's PCMM business unit develops and markets electro-optical portable coordinate measurement systems. At CMSC, Metronor will demonstrate the latest technologies and products within portable CMM systems. The AIMS business unit markets the AIMS software solutions developed jointly by The Boeing Co. and Metronor. This software solution enables interoperability between measurement systems. Representatives from Metronor's AIMS business unit will demonstrate associate analysis software products live in the booth.

 

Multi Metrics Inc.
www.multimetrics.com

Multi Metrics is a world leader in GD&T technology and corporate implementation. Through its SmartGD&T technology-powered software and training/consulting products, Multi Metrics enables companies to actually realize the promise of GD&T—namely, achieve significant reductions in new product ramp-up times and manufacturing and inspection costs, leading to increased profits. At CMSC, Multi Metrics will launch e-GAD software, a multilingual, e-learning/support software suite. Attendees who activate a free trial at the show also get a free copy of the SmartGD&T Pocket Guide.

 

NDI
www.ndigital.com

Perform both dimensional measurement and high-speed, real-time tracking with NDI's advanced Optical Tracker, which combines the benefits of many technologies into one versatile, solid-state platform. The Optical Tracker enables true walk-about, noncontact scanning and wireless tactile probing for both inspection and reverse engineering. Also perform time-based 3-D and six-degree-of-freedom motion measurement for applications that track vibration, velocity, acceleration, displacement, and deformation.

 

New River Kinematics
www.kinematics.com

NRK is an engineering software development firm specializing in spatial transformations and computer graphics. In 1995, NRK introduced the Spatial-Analyzer, a 3-D graphical metrology software designed to enhance the use of precision portable measuring instruments. SpatialAnalyzer makes it easy for users to build, inspect, and reverse-design large parts and tools with any combination of portable measurement technologies. SpatialAnalyzer's graphical environment allows the user to download the CAD model, make all measurements, and perform the analysis (including GD&T) right on the shop floor.

 

Northwest Laser Tracking LLC
www.northwestlasertracker.com

The Northwest Laser Tracking rental program is a great way to gain quick access to laser trackers and other portable metrology systems to solve short- and long-term equipment needs. Northwest Laser Tracking rents FARO laser trackers on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Although renting is typically available only to customers with trained operators in-house, Northwest Laser Tracking offers the same option to companies that lack measuring expertise. Its comprehensive training programs and on-the-job training can make your operators productive on task-specific applications in very little time.

 

QMC LLC
www.qmc.com

The market leader in product quality validation, QMC provides leading-edge metrology and measurement information solutions, enabling global manufacturers to address common fit and quality issues early, before they become larger production problems. At CMSC, QMC will exhibit its award-winning CM4D software and fully integrated dimensional gauging solutions.

 

Rapidform Inc.
www.rapidform.com

Rapidform is the most advanced software for 3-D scan data processing. Rapidform XOR allows you to create parametric solid and surface models from scan data, and take them into Pro/E, SolidWorks, UG NX, and CATIA V5. Rapidform XOV is the most repeatable, most accurate point-cloud inspection software on the market today.

 

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers
www.sme.org

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the world's leading professional society supporting manufacturing education. Through its member programs, publications, expositions, and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies. The society, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2007, has members in more than 70 countries and is supported by a network of hundreds of technical communities and chapters worldwide.

 

Sokkia Co. Ltd.
www.sokkia.com

Sokkia is a leading manufacturer of precision measuring systems, with a diverse product line of complete measurement solutions for surveying, mapping and GIS, industrial measurement, and construction applications. Sokkia is introducing the new NET1 3-D station at this year's CMSC. The NET1 is based on Sokkia's cutting-edge, advanced design of its SRX series of fully robotic total stations. It joins the NET1200 as a part of Sokkia's 3-D coordinate measuring system specifically designed for measurement of large structures and objects. Application software will also be demonstrated.

 

Spectrum Metrology
www.spectrum-metrology.co.uk

Spectrum Metrology promotes and sells the Taylor Hobson range of electro-optical equipment worldwide, including alignment lasers, telescopes, levels, and other angle measurement devices such as clinometers. The company is also the exclusive representatives for the Brunson product line in the United Kingdom. On display at CMSC will be digital inclinometers, levels, laser alignment equipment, and the Alignment Telescope. With the advent of new technology such as CCD cameras, the Alignment Telescope becomes invaluable for a whole series of additional critical measurements.

 

SPG DATA 3D
www.spgdata3d.com

At CMSC, SPG DATA 3D will present a high-end 3-D positioning vision system developed for automated laser repair of SX turbine blades. The system is used today by one of the biggest and most advanced OEMs in the industry. It is based on close-range digital photogrammetry and it is mounted on the arm of the welding robot. The system allows for acquisition of fast, accurate, and repeatable 3-D coordinates necessary to automate repair of different blade types.

 

Verisurf
www.verisurf.com

Verisurf provides the most complete and modern software solution for large-volume and other measurement metrologies. Model-based definition is becoming standard methodology for aerospace, marine, automotive, and other industries, and Verisurf has been pioneering the process since its early days on laser trackers, CMMs, portable CMM arms, and other technologies.

 

Virtek iLS Integration
www.virtek.ca/products_iLS.asp

Virtek's iLS Integration group is an advanced technology integrator that specializes in manufacturing cell automation. It works with clients to incorporate and customize measurement and laser projection technology for large-scale, laser-assisted manufacturing processes. At CMSC, the Virtek iLS team will exhibit sample components and subsystems that demonstrate how it has applied its design expertise to deliver laser and metrology-guided assembly systems capable of addressing the problems of measuring the accurate position of parts or assemblies over a large volume.

 

W.N.B.C. in L.A. Inc.
www.retrotargets.com

W.N.B.C. in L.A. Inc. manufactures targets with a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing. Our targets are used the world over in a wide range of applications that include thermal studies, reverse engineering, aerodynamic testing, quality control, digitizing clay models, and by some NASCAR teams.

About the author
Dirk Dusharme is Quality Digest's editor in chief.