their CAD drawing across the entire stage travel, as opposed to just within the opti- cal field of view. Te digital comparator can be set up so that it automatically pulls up the correct overlay when the operator scans in the barcode on the router that ac- companies the parts. Also, part changeover and part-settings recall can be done with a single mouse click. And the system’s Auto-Align tool, which automatically lines up the CAD data to the part in seconds, speeds things up tre- mendously. According to Dahms, “In a job we just completed, first-article inspection was reduced from up to one and a half hours to only 10–12 minutes with the digital comparator. Since our machines aren’t running during first-article inspection, every minute counts.” “Our recent purchase of the VisionGauge equipment has
Three stainless bone rasps made at Oak View Tool.
can also export all of its measurements, statistics and results to other applications, such as Microsoſt Excel. With traditional comparators, it took two OVT opera-
been a huge cost savings for us,” said Dahms. “Te use of electronic overlay versus Mylar overlay is extremely efficient. We are able to compare a part to its CAD data in real time and completely automated by using the CAD Auto-Align and
tors approximately 20 minutes to change the lens. With the new digital optical comparator, lens changes are not required. Dahms said, “Te ability to simultaneously have multiple elec- tronic overlays and fixtures on the VisionGauge comparator for multiple-part inspection, with no overlays or power lens changes, is extremely productive.”
“First-article inspection was reduced from one and a half hours to 10–12 minutes with the digital comparator.”
Auto Pass/Fail tools. Te results are repeatable, accurate and completely operator independent, drastically reducing our inspection times. We estimate conservatively that we have saved approximately $120,000 [in 2012] by using the digital comparator. Shops like ours have got to have one of these comparators, if not two or three.” Documentation is improved because the VisionGauge
comparator can be used to capture a high-resolution image of a part with its CAD overlay, as well as capture an image showing automatically computed deviations from nominal, the Auto Pass/Fail result and measurements of critical dimen- sions and annotations. Tis image can be time/date stamped and easily linked to job and lot numbers. Te VisionGauge
Due to its ease of use, the transition to the VisionGauge
was simple and straightforward for operators. Dahms feels the company is presently just scratching the surface of this machine’s capabilities. He is certain that OVT will continue to increase productivity using the VisionGauge comparator as it keeps using and learning more about the system. “Te addition of the comparator allowed us to substantially
improve our quality control process, accuracy, reliability and throughput, which in turn will help us expand our business in demanding market sectors such as medical,” Dahms said.
Edited by Yearbook Editor Michael C. Anderson from information provided by Methods Machine Tools Inc.