Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services


Close tolerance measurements on all injection mouldings ensure perfect connectors

16 July 2003 Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services

To ensure that only acceptable tolerance connector mouldings are produced in its factory, Erni uses a 3D measuring instrument especially developed by C E Johanssen of Sweden in conjunction with Optical Gaging Products of Rochester, USA.

Measurements are made by means of an optical CID (charge injection device) area array transistorised camera that has an image field capable of registering more than 60 000 pixels. Analysis of picture information is done by a microprocessor that also controls the camera functions. Maximum bandwidth errors are: 0,005 mm for the X-Y axis, and 0,012 mm for the Z axis.

Lighting via collimation lenses ensures a sharp picture that clearly highlights any undulations and pores in the mouldings being measured. Four-quadrant light sources using fresnel lenses and fibre-optics are used to measure individual planes. All imperfections are measured, recorded and subsequently used as a basis to modify the moulding tools. Only when 100% perfect mouldings are produced from a particular tool is this then finished and released for production purposes.

The drawing dimensions are programmed into the system whereafter the instrument is completely automatic. Two levels of measurements are performed:

* Every dimension is measured before a new tool with one or more cavities is released for production. The same applies as soon as any repairs or changes are made to tools.

* A reduced number of dimensions are measured from each production batch, particularly the dimensions that are influenced by tool erosion (caused by glass fibres mainly), by injection pressure, or by temperature tolerances.

All these dimensions are saved to disk and used to track production data on a continuous basis. Initially over 400 measurements are taken on a 96-way connector moulding to ensure that it is perfect.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

The ultimate range for design and repair
RS South Africa Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Whether adapting existing systems or maintaining essential equipment, design and repair play a crucial role in ensuring efficiency and longevity.

Read more...
Next-generation SPI and AOI series
Techmet Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Saki Corporation has launched its next-gen series for SPI and AOI featuring a modular design for enhanced inspection efficiency and automation.

Read more...
Yamaha’s Advanced Safety Package eases factory-safety
Truth Electronic Manufacturing Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Yamaha Robotics SMT Section has extended availability of the Advanced Safety Package, which contains optional features to elevate printer and mounter safety above and beyond mandatory levels.

Read more...
Clearing the Static: Conductive foot, heel and shoe grounders
Actum Electronics Circuit & System Protection
Conductive foot, heel and shoe grounders are used in electrostatic discharge protected areas to provide a path to ground for static electricity.

Read more...
Case Study: Siemens Valor automation solution
ASIC Design Services Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Electronics manufacturer BMK used Siemens Valor to enhance accuracy and speed up bill-of-materials quotations.

Read more...
The factory beat
Electronic Industry Supplies Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Change is the only constant across today’s complex manufacturing landscape. The surge of digital transformation, spearheaded by Industry 4.0, has redefined how factories operate, build, and evolve.

Read more...
Reliable X-ray inspection system
MyKay Tronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Inspecting long PCBs that are often used in sectors like telecommunications, automotive, and energy, where high reliability is required, presents several unique challenges.

Read more...
G-Tera high-speed SMT printer
Techmet Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The new generation of automatic printing presses from GKG, the all-new G-Tera, is equipped with a 3,0-megapixel LIGHT-Bolt CCD camera, an upgraded conveyor system, and an enhanced printing system.

Read more...
Extending AI assistance in AOI
Yamaha Motor Europe N.V. Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Artificial Intelligence is renowned for image recognition and classification skills, suggesting a great fit with the objectives of automatic optical inspection.

Read more...
Design & Repair range from RS Pro
RS South Africa Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The launch of the new RS PRO Design & Repair range caters to a wide array of industries, including discrete and process manufacturing, energy & utilities, facilities management, and intralogistics.

Read more...