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.

New at M2M!

Ready to start your own quality assurance department?

We've seen a need for quality CMM equipment. There are a lot of great machines out there that just need a little TLC—so that's what we're doing. We now rebuild CMM equipment for our customers; we can even do all the programming for you ahead of time.

Check out the before-and-after shots of two of our latest projects:

 

2003 IMS Impact, completely stripped down and redone.

1985 Ferranti Maxi Check, also completely stripped down and redone—all the parts, paint, and even the probe!

Interested? Learn more on our rebuilt CMM equipment page on our website, or give us a call at 847-718-1680.

P.S. If you haven't yet, check us out on Facebook and Twitter!

Measure 911

We picked our alternate identity, Measure 911, for a reason. Our emergency measuring services have helped many clients out of tight spots at the last minute.

Like last month.

Sometimes things slip through the cracks during the holidays. When a client called on December 22 with a looming deadline, they were feeling a little panicked. Luckily, we were there to help!

We always try to put our customers' needs first, and that day was no exception. We were able to meet the super-tight tolerances needed on their project and get their product back to them on time with everything they needed. So, running behind on schedule and need something fast? Don't hesitate to give us a call!

Always ready to help!

It's all fun and games....

Precision measurement probably seems like a very technical discipline. And it is. When you're working with numbers down to the .0002", accuracy is crucial, and you need tools far beyond just "eyeballing it." Math, computer science…you draw on these daily. But measurement isn't something just relegated to a far-off world of formulas and programs, either. It touches everything, from little gears you've never heard of to things you enjoy on a regular basis.

Like on this day.

Popular experience arcade Dave & Buster's came to us with this bowling ball for one of their latest games. With touch probe scanning, we were able to measure the spherical curve of the bowling ball and confirm its readiness in the hands of virtual bowling champions nationwide.

And it might just give us an idea for our next company outing, too.

Why is precision so important?

"Take from all things their number and all shall perish." St. Isidore of Seville

Pretty stark words…but think about it. Wouldn't you feel a little uncomfortable learning that the brake gears in your car fit together "okay"….but not particularly well? Or one of the jet engine components in the plane you're taking to your sister's wedding wiggles around a bit at high altitudes? Or the holes in your plastic toothbrush from the dentist are a little too big….and you have fibers stuck between your teeth on company picture day?

Okay, that last example wasn't exactly life-threatening. But think about everything—and we mean everything—you use on a daily basis. We've measured toothpaste caps. Chapstick. Martini glasses. Car floor mats. Slushee machines. Brake gears. The list goes on. Everything is measurable. Everything needs to be measurable.

That's why precision is so important to us here at M2M. Lack of precision on a tube of chapstick means a messy purse. Lack of precision on a brake gear means a fatal accident. That's why we so strongly believe in what we do here. We believe in the importance of quality.

"We measure what you make...so you can make it better."