PRODUCT REVIEWS
Hexagon unveils VISIUS optical CMM
Hexagon has introduced VISIUS, an optical coordinate measuring machine( CMM) that is designed to support high-mix, high-volume production environments.
“ As manufacturers across Europe face increasing pressure to deliver high-quality components while managing a widening skills gap, the need for intuitive metrology solutions has never been greater. VISIUS addresses these challenges by running on our Metus metrology software. This platform ensures ease of use and requires minimal training, allowing operators of all skill levels to efficiently set up and program the machine. This accessibility empowers manufacturers to maintain rigorous quality standards without relying solely on specialised metrologists,” commented measurement technologies specialist, Hexagon.
“ For too long, manufacturers have faced a tough choice in quality inspection”, added Khader Ghattas, Product Manager Optical CMMs, Hexagon.“ They either invest in expensive, precise tools requiring skilled operators or rely on affordable manual methods like callipers and micrometres which lack the precision for consistent results. That is why we developed VISIUS— advanced technology in a user-friendly design, enabling manufacturers to achieve exceptional results without overspending.”
VISIUS combines ISO 10360 standardcompliant accuracy, non-contact vision measurement with optional touch probe and chromatic white-light sensor capabilities. It integrates with Visual Detection, Hexagon’ s
AI-based tool for automated surface defect detection, enabling users to quickly set up automated analyses that identify surface irregularities alongside dimensional inspection.
For more information, visit: https:// hexagon. com / products / visius n
https:// hexagon. com
Low-headroom lifting beam for steel coils
The Caldwell Group Inc. has engineered a 7.5-ton capacity, low-headroom, multiple spread lifting beam that is helping JEC Service Company, Inc. handle steel coils with greater safety and precision. Designed for use belowthe-hook of a top-running double-girder crane system, the Model 20S beam is part of a fully integrated lifting solution supplied by Mass Crane & Hoist Services, Inc.
“ Measuring 77 inches in length and featuring a custom single-pin bail, the beam is purpose-built to safely load 60-inch sheet metal coils into a Vicon coil processing machine. At JEC’ s sheetmetal fabrication facility, where ductwork for the HVACR industry is produced, safety was the driving force behind the investment,” commented The Caldwell Group Inc.
“ Our entire mission in purchasing this system was safety— minimizing hazards and keeping material handling contained within a controlled area,” said Al Seelig, Head of Sheet Metal Operations, JEC.“ This beam delivered exactly what we needed.”
Each coil cradle handled by the crane weighs approximately 10,000 lbs., requiring consistent, reliable lifting performance as production demands shift. With limited headroom in the facility, maximizing vertical space was essential— not just for efficiency, but for safe operation.
“ We engineered the crane system complete with columns and runways, but the challenge was ensuring that JEC could safely manoeuvre coils within a confined space,” said Ryan Sullivan, Project Manager, Mass Crane.“ Caldwell’ s low-headroom beam allowed them to maximize hook height, making it possible to lift and position coils safely— even stacking one over another on the rack.”
To further enhance performance, Caldwell collaborated with Mass Crane to ensure seamless integration with the hoist system, modifying the connection point from a standard lifting eye to a single-pin bail to gain additional headroom where it mattered most.
At JEC, the beam feeds into a Vicon coil line, which is a semi-automatic system that de-coils, punches, notches, shears and rollforms sheet metal into finished ductwork components. With each lift supporting both material and equipment, capacity and reliability are essential.
“ The beam had to account for the weight of the coil, the spindle and the lifting device itself,” Seelig added.“ It’ s a critical part of keeping our operation running safely and smoothly.”
“ There are 150 sizes in the Model 20 / Model 20H family, with additional options for placement of holes, faspins, extra hooks, bail type, shackles etc. This means that users can get thousands of combinations in a standard beam, eliminating the need to source a custom solution from the drawing board,” concluded The Caldwell Group.
Founded in 1954, The Caldwell Group, Inc., builds Caldwell lifters and Renfroe lifting clamps at its Rockford facility, while partnering with the RUD Group of Germany to distribute lifting points to U. S. and Canadian markets. It supplies lifting beams; coil grabs; sheet lifters; fork truck accessories; construction lifters; jib / gantry cranes; load rotators; lifting clamps; lifting points and ROV hooks in addition to custom-built solutions for lifting or materialhandling requirements. n
www. caldwellinc. com
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