Carl Zeiss, a leading manufacturer of multidimensional metrology solutions, displayed its new ZEISS SPECTRUM coordinate measuring machine (CMM) at IMTEX 2019. This bridge-type CMM is designed to meet the market's demand for an economical, entry-level CMM with Carl Zeiss machine, sensor and software technology. The company offers solutions such as CMMs, optical and multisensor 

systems and metrology software for the automotive, aircraft, mechanical engineering, plastics and medical technology industries. 

 

With quality standards increasing across the industries, manufacturers need systems to ensure error-free products and production processes. It is here that companies like Zeiss play a big role. “Wherever precision is critical, Zeiss products find application. In electric vehicle, though there is reduction in the usage of number of auto parts, having high-accuracy for those parts is very important. At the same time, auto industry is looking to redesign engine to adopt BS VI emission norms by 2020. To reduce pollution, we have to have precise control that means a lot of quality. We want to promote the concept of metrology integrated manufacturing system. Here, we are not talking about measurement as isolated field, but want to integrate metrology into manufacturing processes. This will enable online inspection, immediate feedback to control quality, capture data (for future requirement), etc. Market for such system is evolving as companies want to embrace novel technologies to up their quality quotient,” said S N Ravi Kumar, Divisional Manager (Industrial Quality Solutions), Carl Zeiss India (Bangalore) Pvt Ltd - a part Zeiss Group.

 

In line with need for Industry 4.0, ZEISS is continuously enhancing its computing software solutions. “While Industry 4.0 has become a buzzword now, we have been working on it for the last 12 years; hence we are at ease to provide solutions. Industry 4.0 is about bringing the data (generated from different systems/machines) on same platform. This is a challenge that we are addressing with our PiWeb software,” said Ravi Kumar.

 

ZEISS PiWeb is a scalable IT solution for quality data management. With the database-supported versions ZEISS PiWeb sbs and ZEISS PiWeb enterprise, the customer can organise the information flow resulting from Industry 4.0 and therefore enhance the quality of the products and productivity.

 

When asked about the importance of Industry 4.0 compliant inspection machines, he said, “For most of the global auto OEMs, component suppliers happen to be from India. If you intend to be a part of international supply chain, then you have to incorporate global best practices in your manufacturing processes. If they (manufacturing companies) don't adopt latest coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), they will not be there in the business for long.” 

 

Coordinate measuring technology is an integral part of industrial quality assurance. One needs to have the knowledge of the machines and measuring technology, as well as a basic understanding of math and physics. This is where the AUKOM training concept comes into play. It conveys extensive knowledge about the machines and analysing the results, physical and mathematical calculations, and basic information on key standards. Zeiss plans to bringing AUKOM training programme in India to provide people an opportunity to increase their knowledge and to improve their measuring skills.

 

"We look at India as a hub to manufacture and export good quality of machines and bringing in global technologies at India's doorstep. To operate high-tech inspection machines, skill set of the employees needs to be developed. For this, we are bringing in new technologies and skill sets into India through AUKOM training programme," informed Ravi Kumar.

 

Some of the other solutions displayed at IMTEX 2019 included traditional CMMs to Cutting Edge Automated 3D Coordinate Measurements; optical and profile measurement solutions; industrial microscopes, and Industry 4.0 Smart Data Management Solutions.