EDITOR ’ S CHOICE LATEST NEWS FROM METLASE
METLASE
MetLase launches ‘ smart ’ products to connect and increase speed of manufacturing processes
One of the UK ’ s leading specialists in tooling , intelligent fixturing and components is launching a new range of ‘ digital ’ solutions that will connect manufacturing processes and enable easier , faster automation .
MetLase , a joint venture between Unipart and Roll-Royce , commissioned a dedicated team to develop ‘ smart ’ products , including the Digital Gauge ( conducting a digital dimensional inspection process ), Smart Bench ( ensures no-fault forward in the assembly process as well as connecting up-front supply chains ) and Smart Cell .
The latter covers multiple manufacturing processes and can enable human interaction with cobots and robots . This means tasks , including stock control and direct-to-bench supply of components , can be more easily automated .
Engineers at the Rotherham-based firm haven ’ t stopped there , taking a similar approach to Smart Machining by creating a smart fixture that can gather critical data
This is just the start . More and more customers are switching on to the benefits of digital manufacturing in the overall process .
from a component such as clamping forces , vibration , temperature , and dimensional measurement . This provides better process control and ongoing improvements .
Richard Gould , Business Development Manager at MetLase , commented : “ Our digital products have to deliver bottom-line benefits to our clients , who operate in the automotive , aerospace , construction and renewables sectors .
“ This involves taking traditional manufacturing principles focusing on assembly , bonding , measuring , workholding and assembly workstations , and exploring how we could digitise them in a way that would allow them to provide their core function whilst also gathering data .
“ For us , digital manufacturing is not a standalone entity . Instead , it should be a critical aspect of the process and operation , and it should revolve around data and , specifically , digestible , actionable data .”
He continued : “ With these new products , we have been able to demonstrate how easily and cost effectively data can be harvested , automatically digested and analysed , and then put to use immediately , in order to get the maximum benefit from it .”
MetLase ’ s digital products are already having an impact on industry , with one of the most striking examples being a project with Kautex Unipart Ltd and a leading supercar manufacturer to support in-line composite pre-form measurement .
22 PECM Issue 47