Why manual measurement techniques could be holding you back

In quality control, there’s more than one way to skin a cat – and that can be a big problem.

Manufacturers using manual part measurement methods such as shadowgraphs, micrometers and Vernier gauges to inspect their parts have a hard time guaranteeing accuracy for one simple reason: every individual does it differently.

It’s simply human nature. Does one tired and stressed member of staff on a Friday afternoon get the same results as his bright-eyed and bushy-tailed colleague on a Monday morning, for example?

This lack of certainty – or repeatability – brings with it the very real risk that inaccurate parts will be signed off and shipped, only for the whole batch to be returned once a disgruntled customer has established that there’s an issue.

Reputationally, sending out parts fit only for the scrap bin can be hugely damaging and is unlikely to do much for a repeat order book. The cost of rework is also significant – not only must the parts be remade, but other orders need to be put on hold while the job is being done, with a negative impact on profit margins.

Thankfully, there is a simple – and cost-effective – way of addressing such inefficiencies and, once manufacturers have discovered it, they never look back.

Combining world-leading optics, sensors, lasers and probes in a single system, OGP UK’s multi-sensor metrology solutions have set a new quality control standard in British manufacturing.

Replacing time-consuming and subjective traditional methods, an OGP machine performs measurement tasks more quickly and accurately than has ever been possible before.

Irrespective of the complexity of a component, the combination of multi-sensor technologies on a single SmartScope unit delivers automated three-dimensional results in seconds, on a huge variety of part features.

The technology is backed up by software offering full 3D CAD-based programming to automatically and effortlessly generate measurement routines. By being able to access real-time statistics from a single reference point, operators gain a much tighter control of the production line as any issues can be identified and addressed immediately.

The geometric tolerancing capabilities simply cannot be achieved via manual measurement.

Ultimately, an investment in an OGP machine is an investment in repeatability and accuracy. From day one, businesses know they will be able to offer their customers top-quality, right-first-time products without the risk of wastage, driving up their productivity.

What might once have been considered a barrier to company growth is immediately removed, as an increased level of confidence in the production process allows extra work to be taken on and completed without fear of bottlenecks.

Want to find out more? Request a free demo and let us demonstrate the full capabilities of our machines, with one of your own parts.

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