PRODUCT REVIEWS
An eye on manual assembly operations
Founded in 2003 , InspecVision is a pioneer of metrology solutions for the sheet- metal industry . Its commitment to continuous investment in research and development has provided innovative solutions for optimising efficiency and ensuring quality control throughout production processes .
InspecVision is now launching its latest innovation : the Guidance and Verification ( GAV ) system . Designed to enhance the efficiency and quality control of manual production tasks , this system leverages machine learning , artificial intelligence and augmented reality to guide manual assembly operations and ensure that they are performed correctly . Potential applications include welding , aircraft assembly and wiring looms .
“ The GAV system can direct operators on where to place inserts and verify correct placement . It also provides instructions for assembling and welding parts while ensuring each step is accurately completed . With its ability to see in 3D , the system learns how to
The GAV system .
perform manual operations by observing an operator build a part correctly , step by step . It can also be trained using a CAD file and will flag any inconsistencies between the CAD file and the physical part ,” said the company .
Once trained , the system guides operators in building additional parts by projecting each step onto the workpiece and verifying the accuracy of the assembly . The 3D vision capability enables the system to highlight errors , such as by projecting a red light onto areas where mistakes occur . The system requires no computer interaction or CAD files for operation . It is designed to be userfriendly and suitable for welding bays .
Meet InspecVision on stand B119 in Hall 11 for a demonstration of the system during the EuroBLECH exhibition in Hanover , Germany ( 22-25 October 2024 ). n
www . inspecvision . com
MES software for plant product management
BLM GROUP USA has announced the rebranding and revamping of its ProTube Enterprise Manufacturing Execution System ( MES ) software as “ Prometheus ”, now extending beyond the company ’ s tube laser machines by adding compatibility with its line of sheet lasers .
“ The implementation of Prometheus allows BLM GROUP tube and sheet laser machines to be integrated seamlessly with all machines on the floor . It is also fully compatible with any customer software and ERP systems that the machine may be using . This is a significant advance to support production floor managers by streamlining job management for all machines on the floor into a single planning system with a single monitoring dashboard ,” explained the manufacturer .
“ Fabrication machine manufacturers typically create custom software for each individual machine to streamline the user experience , but this diversity in software can increase complexity for floor managers ,” explained Kenny Criger , Applications Manager , BLM GROUP USA .
“ Prometheus aims to simplify the process by creating a single MES interface for tube laser , sheet laser , five-axis tube benders and cold saws in a single application — adding the most value to customers who are operating multiple BLM GROUP machines .
Prometheus will work in unison with any ERP software being used . Floor managers can control the workflow seamlessly : blocking off scheduling on machines that are undergoing maintenance and sending the jobs to other running machines from one application , on one screen ,” he added .
The software evolution to Prometheus was conceptualised to deliver greater ease of use , a fast and direct interface , as well as optimised synergy between software and machines .
“ In addition , the inclusion of a live efficiency analysis system allows estimates based on
real statistical data to be provided for new job orders , ensuring accurate timeframes and cost estimates for production ,” concluded the company .
BLM GROUP is a global specialist in tube and sheet metal machine solutions . Its product portfolio includes tube lasers ; five-axis lasers ; sheet lasers ; press brakes ; tube benders ; wirebenders ; end-formers and cold saws . n
www . blmgroup . com / enus / blm-group-usa
112 | ismr . net | ISMR September 2024