Next generation

As we've mentioned before, we were privileged to be one of the featured employers at NIU's College of Engineering job fair at the end of February.

Here are some pics from the afternoon:

We met some promising future engineers that day!

Burning up the large scale CMM!

The big projects have been rolling in! Thanks to our large-scale CMM on-site, we're able to handle anything from tiny screws to 25,000 lb. pieces of manufacturing equipment. Check out three of our latest projects:

Subject: 14,000 lb. shafts for wind turbines
Goal: Make sure the mating surfaces are in spec

Subject: Large tractor housing
Goal: Check true position and diameter—determine if it's in tolerance *rush job!*

Subject: Rigid spool for the gas turbine industry
Goal: Dimensional inspection for circular runout, total runout, and true position *10-ton crane required to lift this onto our heavy-duty granite-plate table!*

Top 8 Reverse Engineering FAQs

Measuring isn't just about finding the rough spots. It's also about coming up with a plan to fix them. That's why, in addition to our wide range of metrology services, we also offer reverse engineering services. We take your existing product and go from end to beginning, comparing the parts to the original plan, and helping you develop a better product as the end result.

Here are our top 8 frequently-asked questions for our reverse engineering department:

What are the best applications for reverse engineering and laser scanning?
These processes are ideal for product design, inspection, prototypes, machining, tooling, analysis, and quality control.

Is my physical part in spec with my CAD model?
The 3D laser scan creates a model of the existing part, which is then compared to the original CAD through CAD deviation analysis to see where they differ.

Does what my part is made out of affect scanning?
3D laser scanners can have trouble with black, translucent, or reflective objects. These can be sprayed with a flat white talc powder, however; it is rare that we cannot scan an object because of its material.

Can I get parametric data from a 3D laser scanner?
No; however, our engineers can reverse engineer fully parametric models based on the 3D scan data.

What is color mapping?
Color mapping communicates design deviations, showing the differences between your actual part and the computer-designed part.

Why do you need PTC Creo?
The CAD program doesn't understand point cloud files; there's no mathematical relationship between any of the points. This software converts the points into mathematical data that CAD can understand. Some manufacturing processes work directly with point cloud data (sla, cam, machining); others don't.

Do you scan on-site at my facility?
Unfortunately, we do not at this time; everything is done in our Arlington Heights lab.

Why should I choose Made to Measure?
We analyze your objectives, needs, and the physical part. We figure out what methods to use, what type of output is needed, and all the other details in partnership with you, the customer, to make sure you're getting what you need, when you need it.