Quality articles from August 2002

Quality archives from August 2002

Bottom-line quality.(Brief Article)(Editorial)
August 1, 2002... Holy corporate accounting scandal! For the good of American capitalism, let's hope that dastardly deeds of the kind uncovered recently at companies such as Enron and Worldcom are much more the exception than the rule. But while large-scale...

Coming events. (Industry News).
August 1, 2002... September * IMTS 2002, Chicago, Sept. 4-11. IMTS, (703) 893-2900. * ISO 9001: 2000 Transition Training for RAB-Certified QMS Auditors, Chicago, Sept. 9-10. European Quality Institute, (412) 782-3383. * Internal Auditor Training...

Juran calls for quality manifesto. (Industry News).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Noted quality expert Dr. Joseph M. Juran is proposing a new, multimillion dollar research effort that could serve as the basis for a "manifesto" on quality leadership. "The research I envision would require teams to visit a sample of...

Zeiss opens new headquarters. (Industry News).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... Amid fanfare that included a laser show and acrobatics, Carl Zeiss IMT Corp. recently unveiled its new U.S. headquarters before more than 300 attendees. The Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology Technology group has moved to a new...

Zbikowski Business Initiatives. (Business News).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Zbikowski Business Initiatives (Toledo, OH) has earned ISO 9001: 2000 registration.

Zontec Inc. (Business News).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Zontec Inc. (Cincinnati) has entered into an OEM agreement with Intuitive Manufacturing Systems Inc. (Kirkland, WA). Under the agreement, Zontec's Synergy 2000 SPC software will be bundled with Intuitive's enterprise resource planning...

Automated Machinery Inc. (Cincinnati) has become an authorized reseller of Applied Production Inc. (Business News).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Automated Machinery Inc. (Cincinnati) has become an authorized reseller of Applied Production Inc.'s (Milford, OH) ProFab Elite CAM software for turret punch presses.

Intertek Testing Services. (Business News).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Intertek Testing Services (ITS, Boxborough, MA) has finalized an agreement with the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) that allows ITS to provide clients with the benefit of a single compliance audit for A2LA ISO/IEC 17025...

Motion Industries Inc. (Business News).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Motion Industries Inc. (Birmingham, AL) has received the Supplier of Excellence Award from Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia. The award is given to the top four suppliers as determined by Toyota West Virginia's evaluation process in...

Howmet Laval Casting. (Business News).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The Howmet Laval Casting plant (Laval, Quebec, Canada) has been certified AS9100 compliant.

DataFlux Corp. (Cary, NC), a SAS Co. and developer of data management solutions, has signed the Center for Data Insight (Flagstaff, AZ) and Synapse Technology (Charlotte). (Business News).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... DataFlux Corp. (Cary, NC), a SAS Co. and developer of data management solutions, has signed the Center for Data Insight (Flagstaff, AZ) and Synapse Technology (Charlotte), to the DataFlux Alliance Program as software partners.

Valeo Engine Cooling. (Business News).(award)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Valeo Engine Cooling (Auburn Hills, MI) was honored by Honda for its quality and delivery performance. The company earned the double award for quality and delivery by maintaining 0 parts-per-million performance for the 12-month period.

Citect. (Business News).(formerly Ci Technologies)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Ci Technologies has changed its name to Citect (Sydney, Australia). The company also is restructuring its brand architecture.

Morgan Marshall Industries Inc. (Business News).(opens manufacturing plant)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Morgan Marshall Industries Inc. has opened a new manufacturing facility in San Bernardino, CA.

E-exchange for PPAP documents. (Industry News).(Production Part Approval Process manual)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The automotive industry's Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process has always looked good on paper. But that has been one of the problems. The process--developed in 1994 by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) as a systematic...

Ram to share Wilcox's vision. (Industry News).(Ram Optical Instrumentation Inc. in contract with Wilcox Associates Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Ram Optical Instrumentation Inc. (Tempe, AZ) has signed an agreement with software manufacturer Wilcox Associates Inc. (Danville, CA) to incorporate Wilcox's PC-DMIS Vision metrology software on Ram's optical products. PC-DMIS Vision is...

IOtech. (People News).(personnel appointment)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Fran Paez is the vice president of worldwide sales at IOtech (Cleveland).

Darcor Ltd. (People News).(personnel appointment)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Rob E. Hilborn has been promoted to president of Darcor Ltd. (Toronto). Bob Pearce has assumed the duties as vice president, corporate development.

Pilgrim Software Inc. (People News).(personnel appointment)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Juergen Hahn has been appointed vice president of services and support at Pilgrim Software Inc. (Tampa, FL).

Six Sigma Qualtec. (People News).(personnel appointments)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... David Steckel and William Woolfolk have joined Six Sigma Qualtec (Tempe, AZ) as business development executives.

DL Technology. (People News).(Richard Massero Jr.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Richard Massero Jr. has joined DL Technology (Haverhill, MA) as worldwide engineering manager. Corey Fugere has joined the company as technical applications engineer.

Ametek Inc. (People News).(Mark G. Jantzen)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Mark G. Jantzen has been elected vice president, global floor care at Ametek Inc. (Paoli, PA), a producer of air-moving electric motors for the floor care industry.

Sartorius North America Inc. (People News).(personnel appointment)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Mary Lavin has been appointed president and managing director of Sartorius North America Inc. (Edgewood, NY).

Santa Barbara Infrared. (People News).(personnel appointment)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Jay B. James has joined Santa Barbara Infrared (Santa Barbara, CA) as director of business development.

A frame up: finding the root cause of assembly problems. (Sophronia's solutions).
August 1, 2002... Everyone who has faced a production problem with a need to solve the problem by using production data can relate to the notion of a brain teaser. The brain teasers presented here are based on real-world situations that are encountered, by...

In the center of things. (Quality innovations).(CenterMax coordinate measuring machine from Carl Zeiss IMT Corp.)
August 1, 2002... It's hot. It's dirty. It's a through-feed production line and it's no place for a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). At least, not until now. Introduced at Quality Expo Detroit in June, the CenterMax CMM from Carl Zeiss IMT Corp....

Laser measurement takes hold: U.S. automakers are expanding their use of laser-based dimensional measurement systems to help close the quality gap against foreign competitors. (Measurement, Test & Inspection)(Cover Story).
August 1, 2002... In the early 1980's, North American automakers were feeling the effects of increased competition from their Japanese counterparts. Of particular concern to U.S. manufacturers was a perceived quality gap between U.S.-built cars and Japanese-made...

Training to go: computer-based training can help workers learn new standards and business procedures--all without leaving the office. (Software & Analysis).(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... There is an ISO conversion seminar in Baltimore in August and another one in September in Chicago. A Lean Management seminar is scheduled for the end of August in Cincinnati and a TS 16949 training session is set for September in Detroit. But...

Six Sigma brings control to the shop floor: the ability to achieve breakthrough improvements, meet new standards and consistently maintain high levels of performance depends upon the effectiveness of controls. (Controlling The Manufacturing Process).
August 1, 2002... "Last but not least," may be a cliche, but in the world of Six Sigma manufacturing, it's an expression that surely holds sway. Consider the five phases of Six Sigma--Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control. While all are important, a...

The ins and outs of ballbar calibration: here's a look at the technology behind this key machine tool diagnostic device, and how two manufacturers are using it. (IMTS Special Report Improving Machine Tool Accuracy).
August 1, 2002... Determining a machine tool's capabilities prior to post-process part inspection greatly reduces the potential for scrap, and can eliminate downtime spent searching for sources of errors. This is where a compact and portable tool known as a...

IMTS 2002: the New Manufacturing age. (IMTS Special Report Product Showcase).
August 1, 2002... Dubbed "a manufacturing marketplace," the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) is a gathering place for the world's manufacturers to view the largest and most complete display and demonstration of manufacturing technology ever...

CMM. (IMTS Special Report Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The Phoenix DCC coordinate measuring machine is suitable for harsh environments. Features include hardened ground ways, mechanical bearings and a dual beam bridge. The motorized system is outfitted with a PMAC controller, computer system and...

Electronic calipers. (IMTS Special Report Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The 799 Series Calipers have a slim, streamlined profile, simplified function buttons and an easy-to-read LCD. Features and functions include instant inch/millimeter conversion, retention of the last measuring position after the caliper is shut...

Measurement and inspection software. (IMTS Special Report Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... PC-DMIS v3.5 measurement and inspection software has a fully configurable, intuitive graphic user interface (GUI) for operators of all skill levels. The customizable GUI features icon-enhanced tool bars that can be modified or deleted to...

Digital micrometer. (IMTS Special Report Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The 40 EX digital micrometer can measure to within 0.00005 inch. The flat anvil micrometer is equipped with a ratchet hand drive and spindle lock. The tool can be "zeroed" within the range of the barrel or used with a preset for comparative...

Metrology optics. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... SmartScope Quest 600 is a multisensor dimensional metrology system for precision measurement of small parts, carriers full of small parts or parts as long as 24 inches. The system includes a TeleStar zoom lens designed specifically for...

Surface roughness gage. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... Lasercheck, a noncontact laser surface roughness gage, is a portable, handheld controller with an ad LCD. Pushbutton operation makes the unit easy to use in any shop floor environment. Optional electronics allow complete automation of...

Laser system. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The JK700TR Series of pulsed Nd:YAG laser systems feature a twin-rod oscillator design to increase efficiency and decrease heat input to the rods. The systems also include a power supply, which enables higher peak powers--up to 10 kilowatts--as...

Calibration software. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... Gagetrak 5.5, the latest version of this calibration software, has several new features including, electronic signatures and advanced audit trail, as well as a custom report writer. CyberMetrics Corp. (800) 777-7020 Booth D-4457 ...

Leveler. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The LevelCaster, a mount and caster, offers the flexibility of a caster while encompassing the full vibration isolation of a mount. Constructed of cast metal, the unit is lightweight, yet has the ability to handle load capacities from 25 to...

Data acquisition products. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... GageWay interfaces connect one or two digital gages to a single RS232 serial port. The MPX-4S multiplexer provides flexibility with user-installed digital or RS232 input modules. The MPX-4G is equivalent to the 4S model with one 4G module...

Electronic chamfer gage. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... This gage requires no external power source and directly reads the major diameter of chamfered, countersunk, tapered or straight holes. Inserting the gage into the part instantly displays its true size. Gage resolution of 0.0004 or 0.0002 inch...

Measuring center. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The CenterMax Production Measuring Center is a scanning CMM that can be used right next to machining centers. The temperature resistant frame consists of carriers made of invar, making it resistant to extreme shop floor conditions. The...

Measuring solutions. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... Measuring solutions for material removal include a wide range of rugged, yet accurate measuring systems including the V-10 amplifier and Pulcom gage heads. The units can help meet preprocess, in-process or post-process requirements for inline...

Scanning probe. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The SP600Q, an ultra-compact scanning probe, allows digitizing and profile scanning on CMMs with limited working volume. The unit is 98 millimeters in overall length and mounts directly to the quill of the CMM. With a wide range of styli and...

CNC CMM. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The Crysta Apex Series 700/900 features real-time temperature compensation that will maintain accuracy at temperatures from 60.8 to 78.8 E Temperature sensors can be located on each CMM axis while two other sensors monitor the part temperature....

Measurement software. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... Inspect internal and external spur and helical gears on a Sheffield CMM using MeasureMax+ software. The operator inputs the gear parameters from a selectable toolbar. Checks include lead, profile, topograph and spacing, as well as the ability...

Height measurement. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The Mestra and Mestra-Touch Trimos height measuring instruments measure ranges of up to 50 inches and have a resolution of 0.0001 millimeter and a repeatability of 0.5 micrometer. Measuring functions of the Mestra include surface distances,...

Open-architecture metrology. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... XactCOM version 1.3, an enterprisewide, open-architecture metrology and applications suite, is designed to drive and analyze the collection of manufacturing measurement data. The suite includes XactMeasure for CMMs, XactCNC for in-process...

Measuring tools. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... Two products have been added to the Nexiv line of measuring tools--the VMR-3020 tabletop model and the VMR-6555 bridge-design model. The video measuring series is designed to deliver fast and accurate performance. With increased speeds in stage...

Metrology digital readouts. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The NVP200 QC series of quality assurance metrology digital readouts not only have a fiber optic edge detector to ensure precise, 2-D measurements, they have a memory for programs and results. They can measure points, lines and circles. The...

Noncontact measuring system. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The Kestrel 2-axis noncontact measuring system combines quality control laboratory accuracy, repeatability and optical quality with ease of use in a single system. Incorporating Dynascope optical projection technology, the system gives users...

Valve system. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The efficiency of a valve system depends on the quality of the connection between the valve and the valve seat. To constantly monitor the quality of this connection, VGMS can simultaneously measure seat angle, seat width, straightness of the...

Radiator pressure cycle test stand. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... With this test stand, the operator can test up to 10 radiators simultaneously with individually programmable waveforms and cycle rates in two temperature-controlled chambers. Oil is supplied through closed-loop computer-controlled servo...

Thread depth gage. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The Combi Thread Depth Gage checks functional thread size and depth in one simple operation. The high resolution gage checks thread size and depth to a 0.005-inch or 0.1-millimeter resolution and has a locking device that can lock in the...

Length measuring system. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The DMS 680, a 0- to 27-inch internal and external universal length measuring system, has the ability to calibrate thread and cylindrical plug and ring gages, snap gages, gage blocks, micrometers, setting masters, dial indicators and electronic...

Portable CMM arm. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The 1.2-meter 3000i Series arm is portable. The 12-pound arm is accurate to [+ or -] 0.01 millimeter in a single point sphere test. This compact arm is ideal for measuring, inspecting or reverse engineering models, prototypes, subassemblies,...

Surface measurement. (IMTS Product Showcase).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Holomapper, a noncontact 3-D surface measurement system, is capable of measuring parts as large as 24 by 24 by 18 inches and has a field of view of 12 by 12 inches. Up to 1 million data points are captured in each measurement, providing a...

Laser tracker. (IMTS Product Showcase).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The CAM2 product line has been expanded with the addition of a laser tracker that offers portable measurement up to 100 feet. This compact tracker offers high measuring speeds, accuracy and a large working envelope. It enables manufacturing,...

Horizontal beam comparator. (IMTS Product Showcase).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The 1600 Series 16-inch horizontal beam comparator features a 5- by 20-inch nickel-plated stage with 150-pound load capacity; 12-inch X-axis and 7-inch Y-axis travel; 0.00005-inch precision glass scales; quick release on X axis; +15-degree...

Measuring centers. (IMTS Product Showcase).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Excel Measuring Centers employ new technologies to provide high speed and accuracy on measurement systems. The Monorail bearing system, dual encoder servo control and electronics allow these systems to reach 20 inches per second. Advanced...

Ultrasonic scanning system. (IMTS Products Showcase).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... This portable ultrasonic scanning system offers the power of encoded C-Scan imaging in a hand-activated, compact unit. The five correlated axes of the scanner allow the operator to freely move the transducer holder in virtually any position...

Taper testing. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The Taper Check inspects toolholder taper shank wear without interrupting production. The system tests toolholders with components in place, allowing operators to identify and evaluate worn toolholders before tool and spindle damage occurs. The...

Surface finish gage. (IMTS Product Showcase).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... This automatic surface finish gage is designed for crankshafts and camshafts up to 915 millimeters in length. The gage measures crankshaft axial and radial features in six minutes and provides a report of measured results onscreen or in a hard...

Laser marking system. (IMTS Product Showcase).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The LE-300SA is a galvo-driven, turnkey desktop laser marking system with complete gray scaling capability. The marker produces both graphic and alphanumeric marks. It can be used to mark all metals, as well as many plastics. The new system can...

Gage system. (IMTS Product Showcase).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The DD5 Thrufeed Disc Grinder Gage System measures each part as it leaves the grinder. Size data from the gage is processed by a PD6n statistical controller. The gage system provides closed-loop grinder control based on real-time part size and...

Measurlng tools. (IMTS Product Showcase).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... A supplier of measuring tools is promoting its new lightweight, handheld multifunction hardness tester and ultrasonic thickness gages. Included in this promotion will be the flexible borescope, digital durometer and coating thickness gages. ...

Gear reducer. (IMTS Product Showcase).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... RV-C offers a through hole ranging from 31 to 138 millimeters, allowing vacuum lines, wiring harnesses, concentric shafting and cooling lines to be run through the center. The unit offers high torsional rigidity and overload torque capacity at...

Tool setting system. (IMTS Product Showcase).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The latest generation of the Mida Laser noncontact tool setting system quickly and automatically sets the length and diameter on a rotating machine tool. The Mida system is based on a laser beam transmitting to a high precision photo diode....

CMM retrofit software. (IMTS Product Showcase).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... CappsNT v6 dimensional measurement software is on-line and off-line graphical measurement software for all brands of CMMs, measurement devices and NC machines. Plug-and-play machine interfaces enable CappsNT to retrofit many machines at minimum...

Manual optical measurement system. (IMTS Product Showcase).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Sprint accommodates parts up to 12 inches long. Its high-resolution digital color camera and optics deliver accuracy. Its optical video probe zooms like a microscope to view from approximately 41X to 242X on a 15-inch monitor. The system is...

Gaging products. (IMTS Product Showcase).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... View a line of gaging products, the Laserscale and machine control feedback scales for end-user and OEM applications. DRO products will be on display for hands-on product evaluation. Sony Precision Technology America Inc. (949)...

Cutting machine. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The CS2 features a 2-foot wide cutting window and has the flexibility to cut solid plate and thin wall extrusions up to 8-inches high. This product performs multiple simultaneous cuts with precision tolerances. The saw is fully automatic with...

Boring system. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The CB4 size has been added to the Cri-Bore Modular Boring System, extending the upper range of the system to 7.3 inches. The CB4 is adjustable in 0.001-inch increments on diameter using the micrometer adjustment dial. To extend the bore depth...

Rotary transfer machine. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The CNC rotary transfer system's 24-inch X, Y, Z travel at 1,180 inches per minute complements the 500-millimeter B-axis pallet with a 36,000-position CNC positioning system. Automotive steering knuckles, compressor housings, motorcycle brake...

Laser calibration system. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The MCV-5000 series is designed for a quick and complete volumetric calibration and compensation of large aerospace five-axis machines. Volumetric positioning errors, angular errors, rotary axis errors and dynamic performance can be measured in...

Metals services. (IMTS Product Showcase).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... This company provides services that include precision plate and bar sawing, double disc grinding, Blanchard grinding and twin milling. The company specializes in precision tolerance blanks of both ferrous and nonferrous metals, as well as...

Expert software boosts part quality. (Case studies).(for Williams Tool Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... For Williams Tool Inc. (Chadwick, NY), a small, metalworking job shop, it was becoming painfully clear that some changes were needed. Williams Tool specializes in high precision turning and milling of stainless steel, titanium, brass and...

Automation speeds materials testing. (Case studies).(for Reichold Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... As a major supplier of polyester resins and synthetic materials for the thermoset composites indus|try, Reichhold Inc. (Research Triangle Park, NC) provides a variety of value-added services for its customers. One of those services is...

Data warehouse aids QA reporting. (Case studies).(for Advanced Energy Industries Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Quality Assurance department users at manufacturing company Advanced Energy Industries Inc. (Fort Collins, CO) really could have been jealous. Installation of a SAP R/3 corporate software suite on an HP 9000 computing platform had enabled the...

CAD-to-part measurement. (New products).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... Metrix Build!IT 2.1 software enables 3-D CAD part models to be used on the shop floor for real-time measuring and inspecting with laser trackers and portable CMMs. It interfaces to all leading CAD systems for design geometry and features a...

Environmental test chamber. (New products).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The SL-180 environmental test chamber tests products with small form factors, such as portable electronic devices, handheld communication products, chip-scale packages and fiber-optic components. Temperature change rates can exceed 10 C per...

Scanning probe. (New products).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The SP600Q analog scanning probe is built for small CMMs. It is 98 millimeters in length and mounts directly to the quill of the CMM. In-quill cabling requires no trailing cables. It has a range of styli and 0.1-micron resolution and can be...

3-D CCD camera. (New products).(advertisement)
August 1, 2002... The Optigo 200 is a portable 3-D noncontact measuring system for applications requiring high throughput in harsh environments. With high-resolution CCD cameras, a single exposure collects all the data required to analyze a tool or a part....