Schlumberger Metflex installs Smartscope MVP

Citation

(1999), "Schlumberger Metflex installs Smartscope MVP", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771aad.013

Schlumberger Metflex installs Smartscope MVP

Schlumberger Metflex installs Smartscope MVP

Keywords Disc GB, Inspection

Specialist in rubber moulded components Schlumberger Metflex has selected the non-contact OGP SmartScope 250 MVP co-ordinate measuring machine to semi-automate its component inspection facilities. By doing so, the Blackburn-based company reports that it will improve inspection productivity and thereby increase the scope of its quality assurance programme.

Supplied by Disc GB of Hatton, Derbyshire, the SmartScope computer controlled machine uses advanced colour video-based measuring technology yet maintains straightforward "teach-and-repeat" programming. It can measure to a resolution of one micron and Schlumberger plans the machine will replace a manually operated optical gauging system.

Mike Hartley, quality manager at Schlumberger comments: "Once the SmartScope is fully programmed automatic inspection will improve our productivity. Non-contact measurement is essential given the flexibility of the materials we process. We are anticipating significantly faster inspection cycles to be combined with high levels of repeatability and accuracy".

Schlumberger manufactures a wide range of precision rubber moulded parts for a diverse range of industry sectors including gas, automotive, aerospace and hi-fi. Available processes include compression, injection and transfer moulding while the company has the capacity to formulate specialised rubber compounds to suit particular customers' requirements.

While component diameters range from 2mm to 1,800mm and batch quantities vary from as small as 20 to several thousand, the majority of parts to be measured will be able to be accommodated within the SmartScope measuring volume of 300mm by 150mm by 150mm.

With the machine installed, the speed and repeatability of the OGP SmartScope will, according to Schlumberger, ultimately enable it to expand its use of SPC with the objective of precisely controlling diameter and width tolerances, some of which are tied down to tolerances of 0.05mm.

Mike Hartley concluded how they selected the SmartScope MVP as providing the most cost-effective solution. "While its accuracy is well in excess of our requirements, the MeasureMind MVP software and other controls satisfied our needs for flexibility and ease of use", he said.

For further details contact Disc (GB) Limited. Tel: +44 (0) 1283 520127; Fax: +44 (0) 1283 520130.