Bowers Supplies Unical Caliper For Measuring Tasks

Welding Units has purchased an advanced Unical Universal Digital Caliper from Bowers Metrology. Welding Units' quality manager, Len Marsh, said: 'As the flexible new Bowers gauge is able to be fitted with a selection of optional accessories, we are able to quickly set up the instrument to undertake a wide range of dedicated measuring tasks.

He added: 'Although the Unical has the same measuring capacity as some of the company's existing calipers, as it is manufactured from advanced composites, it is only a fraction of their weight, this enables our staff to achieve higher levels of accuracy. Designed to accurately perform a variety of measuring tasks, Bowers' multi-purpose Unical digital gauges are available in standard 300, 600 and 1,000mm capacities, with larger versions available on request.

Designed for harsh shopfloor use, Unical features tough yet lightweight reinforced composite beams. Further advanced features include a large digital display, a preset facility, a constant measuring force, a metric inch conversion and an RS 232 data-output port.

3D Measuring Software Available For Faro Gage

Faro and Aberlink have signed an agreement under which the Aberlink 3D software is available as an option for the Faro Gage. Aberlink 3D can now be employed with portable measuring arms and was designed around an intuitive user interface that creates an interactive 3D image of the component as it is measured.

The software package represents an intelligent measuring system that is able to automatically recognise and define the various features being measured. Software features developed specifically for Faro measuring arms ensure the on-screen image is always correctly orientated to match the measured part. Other innovations allow the arm to be used to control mouse functionality and the arm buttons to retake points and accept features.

High-speed scanning enables a standard fixed probe to be used to collect a high density of touch points using time- and distance-based point spacing.

Vision Launches Video Measuring MicroscopeL

Vision Engineering is launching the Falcon three-axis non-contact video measuring system. Designed to be simple, powerful, accurate and affordable, Falcon is suitable for both multi-user shop-floor use and advanced manufacturing inspection applications. It employs high-resolution indexed zoom optics (up to 100x magnification) to provide enhanced component edge definition, with an indexed camera iris control to reduce depth of field, increasing accuracy and repeatability of Z-axis results.

As a compact unit with a small footprint, Falcon incorporates advanced features designed to simplify operation and increase accuracy, including surface and substage iris aperture control, motorised Z-axis movement, controllable quadrant LED illumination, plus high- and low-magnification lens options as standard. Vision Engineering's precision measuring stages provide a measurement capacity of up to 150mm x 150mm x 115mm (X, Y, Z) and include factory-completed NLEC calibration, as standard.

An intuitive touch-screen colour display means that expensive training costs are minimised, with automatic video edge detection ensuring reproducible measurement results, irrespective of the operator. Pre-launch introductions of Falcon will be held at Control in Stuttgart, Germany; MTA in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and NPE in Chicago, US.

Ph Measuring System Simplifies Installation

The Burkert 8201 pH measuring system's enamelled stainless steel finish provides nonstick performance for maximised hygiene while pH values are measured. The 'fit-and-forget' design of Burkert's 8201 pH measuring system enables the sensor to stay in process, even during CIP purification. This feature saves users both time and cost, by removing the requirement for sensor removal, cleaning and recalibration. The nonbreakable sensor also obviates the problems of fracturing with glass sensors.

Its enamelled stainless steel finish provides nonstick performance for maximised hygiene while pH values are measured. The hygienic design and robust, glass-free construction of the sensor mean that the unit is particularly suitable for use in high- end hygienic processes; for example, in the production of foods and active ingredients where the pH value of liquid mediums is measured. The 8201 provides long service life in these processes and high levels of accuracy with its ability to measure absolute pH values between pH 0 and pH 12, at medium temperatures up to 140C and process pressures up to 6bar.

The sensor is a highly integrated device, operating as a single-rod measuring cell, with the measuring electrode and reference electrode combined in one element. The sensor probe is a stainless steel tube, which also houses a Pt 1000 for temperature compensation. It is coated with an ion-sensitive enamel layer, providing an extremely smooth surface that prevents media from sticking during measurement, making the sensor very easy to clean.

During cleaning operations and CIP purification the sensor stays in the process. This saves time and money and means that expensive fittings can be dispensed with. Unlike many glass probes which have electrolytes that dry out in air, the 8201 sensor can be left dry for extended periods without any drying out or loss of performance.

The electrolyte itself is 3-molar KCI. This is stored in a separate electrolyte vessel and permanently connected to the electrode via a hose. The pressure of the electrolyte vessel is maintained slightly above process pressure by means of an attached pressure controller.

Burkert's 8285 modular process analysis system provides analysis of the measured values from the 8201 pH sensor. Designed to measure and process liquid analysis parameters, the 8285 is housed in a polished stainless steel enclosure, enabling its use in the field of biotechnology and the pharmaceutical and food processing industries. The 8285 sensor also suits the chemical industry, environmental engineering, water and waste-water treatment and power plants.