Category Archives: In-Place Machining

In-Place Machining Company’s new Measurement & Alignment Services Division, comprising Exact Metrology, OASIS Alignment Services and ECM: Global Measurement Solutions, has just released its new brochure and website page, showcasing the benefits of having one source for precision measurement and alignment solutions in plant and process operations.

These new resources highlight the innovative dimensional metrology, machine alignment, measurement tooling calibration, training and certification capabilities of these three highly respected industry suppliers. Providing an integrated approach benefits IPM customers with improved collaboration between a much larger team of experienced metrology engineers and technicians with skills, using a broader range of highly accurate and innovative 3D metrology tools and technologies.

With state-of-the-art measurement technology, cutting edge design and ISO 9100 & AS9100 Rev D certification, the 3D scanning facilities of the IPM Measurement & Alignment Services Division can capture measurements from objects as small as a medical heart stent to areas as large as a football field.  Using a fleet of innovative metrology solutions, this new division offers precision machine alignment, resulting in reduced downtime, improved product quality and minimized waste for many in the manufacturing and process industries. Calibrating 3D measurement systems such as laser trackers, portable arms etc. on a schedule will maximize the accuracy and clarity of the data. Highly trained metrology professionals help when clients need to ensure equipment precision and accuracy to boost their bottom line.

Capturing information using 3D scanning methods to find measurements of thickness, accuracy, porosity and more, is achieved with the Data Capture software. It’s compatible with short range, long range, computed tomography (CT) and coordinate measuring machine (CMM) scanners as well as laser trackers. Additionally, post-processing solutions are tailored to fit the needs of myriad IPM client applications.

Proper machine alignment involves more than just data collection. Experienced staff from all the participating companies have the skills, tooling and knowledge not only to provide highly accurate alignment inspection data, but also to make the necessary mechanical adjustments. This saves considerable time and money during planned outages, emergency shutdowns, rebuilds and installations. Using advanced alignment solutions, IPM helps clients increase operating efficiency through alignment inspections and diagnostics, mechanical adjustments, alignment planning and technical reports.

Calibration services can be performed onsite at the client’s facility or at one of the IPM ISO/IEC  17025 Accredited Laboratories. The Measurement & Alignment Services Division provides calibration for a wide array of applications including ISO/IEC 17025 accredited lab, comprehensive reporting, on-site calibration, ASME standards evaluation, cleaning and firmware upgrades, portable instruments and stationary CMMs.

For those who prefer keeping their measurement processes in-house, the company provides training and certification services. These include CMS metrology certification, geometric  dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T), dimensional metrology, equipment and maintenance and measurement software.

Users in a wide variety of manufacturing and process industries will benefit from the collaborative capabilities of the IPM Measurement & Alignment Services Division.

Consolidation of IPM, Exact Metrology, and OASIS Alignment Services in single location strengthens synergy of divisions for enhanced service to aerospace, power generation, heavy manufacturing and other industries 

In-Place Machining Company (IPM) is pleased to announce the addition of Exact Metrology at the company’s newly expanded IPM Ohio industrial facility, located at 6665 Creek Road in Blue Ash, Ohio. Centralizing the Ohio divisions of IPM, OASIS Alignment Services, and Exact Metrology will allow for improved collaboration and a more integrated approach to industrial solutions in this key region.

Speaking from IPM corporate headquarters in Milwaukee, WI, IPM President & CEO Dean Flint said, “We see this move as a classic case of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts.”

Flint went on to explain the synergy of having three prominent suppliers to industry in the Ohio area. “In IPM, we have a leading force in precision industrial machining services plus large-scale wire cutting and drilling. Coupled with the machine alignment expertise of OASIS Alignment Services and the dimensional metrology and onsite scanning capabilities of Exact Metrology, we can now provide faster assessments on potential projects, situation analyses, service execution, and 3D measurement data capture solutions.”

“This unified team will represent a formidable partner to our existing and potential customers in the region,” Flint continued, noting the collaboration of the three companies at one location will enhance customer service, while utilizing shared resources and staff capabilities.

The move is part of a long-term growth strategy at IPM to expand industrial service offerings from single integrated sources and enhance its regional strengths across the U.S. and Canada. To that end, IPM has created two divisions with multiple service locations across North America – the IPM Machining Services group consisting of IPM and newly acquired Western Machine Works, LLC, and the IPM Measurement & Alignment Services group of Exact Metrology, OASIS Alignment Services, and ECM: Global Measurement Solutions. As Flint notes, “Being a ‘local’ company has significant benefits beyond the operational strengths of the partners.”

Recognized for significant contributions to the science of inspection and the advancement of the inspection profession. 

East Coast Metrology (ECM): A Division of In-Place Machining Company is pleased to announce that Gary Confalone is the recipient of the 2023 ASQ Hromi Medal. Each year the American Society for Quality (ASQ) Hromi Medal committee recognizes individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to the science of inspection and/or the advancement of the inspection profession. Recipients of the award have contributed to the profession throughout their career by delivering products and processes to advance the state of inspection through test, calibration, cost reduction, and professional development.

Mr. Confalone’s contributions to the science of inspection began more than 30 years ago when he started his career as a Systems Integration Engineer at Sikorsky Aircraft. It was during his time at Sikorksy that his passion to improve the industry with more efficient technology was ignited. After joining the American Helicopter Society, he delved into the research for the production of the Army’s RAH-66 Comanche Helicopter and later received the Inventor’s Recognition Award from Sikorsky Aircraft for the development of a laser boresight system. A publication titled Laser Based Alignment, Advanced Manufacturing Techniques, detailing the advantages of this system can be obtained on the VTOL website.

After a decade of working to develop and improve laser-based metrology, he moved on to further advance the inspection sector of the developing laser tracker system through his work with Spatial Metrix Corporation. With a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master of science in mechanical engineering, Mr. Confalone founded East Coast Metrology (ECM) in Topsfield, Massachusetts, an engineering firm offering a variety of metrology solutions to a wide range of industries. ECM has since experienced exponential growth spanning the globe over the last 20 plus years.

In 2009, Mr. Confalone joined the newly formed Certification Committee of the Coordinate Metrology Society (CMS). This committee is comprised of industry volunteers who would work to later develop the industry’s first standardized metrology certification exam for both portable and stationary coordinate measuring machines. In 2021 he assumed the volunteer position of Chairperson of the Certification Committee devoting his spare time to assessing the industry requirements needed for achieving better standardized metrology processes.

In 2010, Mr. Confalone was elected to the CMS by his industry peers where he served on the Executive Committee assisting with the annual Coordinate Metrology Society Conference. The CMSC combines technical presentations from industry experts, hands-on workshops, and unprecedented training opportunities on the highest quality hardware and software in the field of metrology. In 2017, Mr. Confalone was elected Chairperson of the Executive Committee. This was a three-year voluntary commitment which involved Gary heading up the committee to oversee the society and the annual conference.

Mr. Confalone’s track record of contributions to the science of inspection is vast, however his passion for the advancement of the inspection profession lies in educating younger generations coming into the industry. He regularly brings ECM engineers to local high schools and colleges to speak with students about the opportunities in the field of engineering and metrology, including hands-on demonstrations of equipment in hopes of garnering student’s interest in this discipline.

Most recently, Mr. Confalone has co-authored and published 3D Scanning for Advanced Manufacturing, Design, and Construction. This highly educational book

provides a comprehensive introduction to 3D scanning and its applications in both the manufacturing and AEC industries. After establishing the history and basic principles of 3D scanning, it includes discussions of data collection and analysis and the many real-world applications of this technology.  The book is currently available for purchase from Wiley Publishing.

In 2022, East Coast Metrology was strategically acquired by In-Place Machining Company (IPM) and is now part of their Measurement and Alignment Services Division, offering industry professionals one source for industrial metrology solutions. Mr. Confalone currently serves as Vice President of ECM and continues his initiative to advance the inspection industry by combining forces with OASIS Alignment Services and Exact Metrology, creating a powerhouse of metrology solutions from one source and is set to become the #1 metrology service provider in the world.

Mr. Confalone was awarded the Hromi Medal on Sunday, May 7th during ASQ’s Award Ceremony immediately prior to the start of ASQ World Conference on Quality and Improvement in Philadelphia, PA.