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CT scan of Xbox Controller

CT Scanning Impacts Industries – Most Notably Aerospace

John Legleu, Exact Metrology Product Manager, provides insights into the advancements and benefits of CT technology, especially as it relates to the future of the aerospace industry

John LegleuExact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, a comprehensive 3D metrology service provider and hardware sales company, through its product manager John Legleu, details the uses of CT scanning technology across various industries, highlighting especially how CT serves additive manufacturing and how it will change the aerospace industry.

Computed tomography (CT), also known as industrial x-ray and industrial imaging, is used to obtain 3-dimensional (3D) results by placing an object on a rotational stage between an x-ray tube and x-ray detector, rotating the object 360 degrees and capturing images at specific intervals—such as every degree or half degree.  For its services to clients, Exact Metrology uses CT technology in almost every industry, including aerospace, automotive, medical, injection molding, plastics, additive manufacturing and electronics.

Its most often used scanners are the ZEISS METROTOM 6 scout and GE V TOME XM 300Kv. The METROTOM 6 scout digitizes complex parts including the internal geometries at the finest level of detail. Users obtain a complete 3D image for GD&T analysis or nominal-actual comparisons. The metrology CT excels in digitizing very small plastic parts. The GE V TOME scanner is a versatile X-ray microfocus CT system for 3D metrology and analysis with up to 300 kV / 500 W.

According to Legleu, the technology offers numerous benefits, such as higher accuracy/resolution, non-destructive ways to obtain true dimensional data and scanning multiple parts in a single scan. In addition, CT scanning requires very little time to capture data and troubleshoot parts and also offers multiple uses with one scan (void analysis, inspection, volume, porosity, reverse engineering etc.). In contrast to conventional tactile coordinate measurement techniques, a CT acquires all surface points simultaneously —on even the most complex objects.

The technology does bring challenges with it, namely due to high-density materials that are difficult to scan. In addition, parts that have more than one material are challenging to surface. The size and weight of parts are also limited.

Legleu points out how CT has already evolved in the rapidly emerging additive manufacturing industry, making scanning faster, with higher resolution and better accuracy.  Although used primarily in additive manufacturing to find porosity or unformed materials within printed parts, CT scanning can also be used to analyze the raw material for 3D printing, such as powdered metals or filaments.

He concludes by stating, “I predict that aerospace will begin to use CT exclusively to inspect all additive manufactured parts. Presently, CT is considered an “emerging technology” in aerospace but that is likely to change within the next few years. All predictions show a growth rate of 7.5% between 2021 and 2028, increasing from $460 million to $765.8 million.”

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, is ISO9001, AS9100 Certified as well as ITAR Registered. 

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, with facilities in Cincinnati, Ohio, Moline, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, plus affiliated offices throughout the country, is a comprehensive metrology services provider, offering customers 3D and CT scanning, reverse engineering, quality inspection, product development and 2D drawings. The company also provides turnkey metrology solutions, including equipment sales and lease/rental arrangements.   

 

In-Place Machining Company: On-Site Machining Solutions In-Place, Any Place in the World.

In-Place Machining Company, with seventeen locations across North America, is the premier provider of high-precision engineered on-site machining, in-shop industrial machining, metrology solutions, machine alignment, and large scale cutting & drilling services for a wide range of renewable energy, aerospace, industrial manufacturing, marine, and military customers throughout the world.

For more information, please contact: 

John Legleu
11575 Goldcoast Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45249
Phone: 513-813-4207
Mobile: 513-504-8092
www.exactmetrology.com
johnl@exactmetrology.com

 

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Absolute Arm with AS1 Scanner

Exact Metrology Set to Display New Technology at MetalCasting Congress

Besides showcasing the ATOS Q and Absolute Arm, the company will present the new T-SCAN hawk 2

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company and a comprehensive 3D metrology service provider and hardware sales company, will be exhibiting at the MetalCasting Congress and present innovative solutions from ZEISS, GOM and Hexagon in booth 815.

Produced by the American Foundry Society, this unique event is taking place between April 25-27 at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The program offers exhibits, interactive demonstrations, and a direct connection with metalcasters, top suppliers and service providers. Present at the Exact Metrology booth will be Dean Solberg, Vice President of Metrology Sales and Services, Darin Sherry, Regional Sales Manager and David Nichols, Applications Engineer. The advanced metrology instruments that will be demonstrated in the Exact Metrology booth are the T-Scan hawk 2 from ZEISS, the GOM ATOS Q, and the Absolute Arm from Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence.

The ZEISS T-SCAN hawk 2 is the next generation lightweight portable 3D scanner with metrology-grade precision and ease of use. Working distance can be controlled with a new projection mode. Furthermore, the satellite mode can scan up to multiple meters, eliminating the need for classical built-in photogrammetry with coded markers. The T-SCAN hawk 2 features four buttons to start and navigate the workflow directly. Seamless adjustments for resolution and field of view are applied for fine details, large objects, deep pockets, confined spaces, or hard-to-reach areas.  This scanner supports scanning on a wide range of materials and surfaces, delivering precise 3D data.

GOM ATOS Q is a flexible 3D scanner for complex measurement and inspection tasks in different industries. The scanner delivers fully traceable measurement results, especially in harsh conditions. It captures quality information quickly and with a high degree of detail, providing a reliable basis to easily interpret the information. ScanCobot, a mobile automated 3D scanning system, easily integrates with ATOS Q.

The Absolute Arm from Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence has an IP54 protection rating, a market first for portable measuring arms. It features an environment-related improvement that sees the system’s maximum operating temperature increased to 45°C.  There are also improvements to the functionality of the Absolute Arm wrist display, now upgraded to a touchscreen, and the RDS software that drives it.

Besides the mentioned products, Exact Metrology also offers dimensional metrology services, including post processing options of reverse engineering and inspection. With First Article Inspection, which is a design verification process, measurements for each manufactured feature of a part are generated.  Thus, a manufacturer can ensure all specifications are to design specifications before manufacturing a part.

Visit Exact Metrology in booth 815 during MetalCasting Congress.


In-Place Machining Company: On-Site Machining Solutions In-Place, Any Place in the World.

In-Place Machining Company, with facilities in Wisconsin, Washington, Virginia, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada, is the premier provider of high-precision engineered on-site machining, metrology, and large scale cutting & drilling services for a wide range of renewable energy, aerospace, industrial, and military customers throughout the world.          

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, is ISO9001, AS9100 Certified as well as ITAR Registered.

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, with facilities in Cincinnati, Ohio, Moline, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, plus affiliated offices throughout the country, is a comprehensive metrology services provider, offering customers 3D and CT scanning, reverse engineering, quality inspection, product development and 2D drawings. The company also provides turnkey metrology solutions, including equipment sales and lease/rental arrangements.

GOM GmbH

GOM, a company of the ZEISS Group, specializes in industrial 3D coordinate measuring technology, 3D computed tomography and 3D testing. From product development to production and worldwide distribution, GOM offers machines and systems for manual and automated 3D digitizing, evaluation software, training and professional support from a single source. In industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy and consumer goods, more than 17,000 GOM system installations are in use internationally. At more than 60 locations and with more than 1,200 metrology specialists, GOM guarantees profound advice and first-class service. Since mid-2019, GOM has been a part of the ZEISS Group and has formed the Center of Excellence for optical metrology. With more than 31,000 employees in 50 countries and annual revenue totaling more than 6.4 billion euros, ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics.

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Leica RTC360 used in plants

Exact Metrology Attends POWERGEN

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company and a comprehensive 3D metrology service provider and hardware sales company, exhibited at POWERGEN International together with In-Place Machining Company (IPM), Oasis Alignment Services: A Division of In-Place Machining Company and East Coast Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company in booth 3014. Representatives were on hand to offer solutions for the thermal, hydro, nuclear, wind and diesel industries.

Leica RTC360 used in plants

Leica RTC360 used in plants

The show was recently held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. POWERGEN is the largest networking and business hub for generators and solution providers engaged in power generation. Power producers, utilities, EPCs, consultants, OEMs and large-scale energy users gather to discover unparalleled education, peer-to-peer networking and solutions from top providers.

Exact Metrology displayed its Leica RTC360. Manufactured by Leica Geosystems, these portable coordinate measuring machines are designed to measure large-scale objects. The RTC360 3D Reality capture scanner is ideal for professionals managing project complexities with accurate and reliable 3D representations. This scanner effectively combines a high-performance 3D laser scanner with Leica Cyclone Field 360, a mobile device app for edge computing that automatically registers scans in real time and Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360, an office software that integrates the 3D model into the workflow. Additional features include capturing scans, including enriching HDR imagery, in less than two minutes, automatically recording moves from station to station and augmenting data capture with information tags.

Dean Solberg (left), Rob Ellington (middle) and Noel Brekas (far right)

Dean Solberg (left), Rob Ellington (middle) and Noel Brekas (far right)

Measurement services displayed by OASIS Alignment Services included 26 power plant (hydro, steam and gas) jobs performed in 2020. Most jobs involved metrology support, with two including mechanical work. In 2021, the total number was 37, most of which were metrology supported, with six jobs including mechanical work. Last year, 29 power plant jobs were performed, two including mechanical work.  To date in 2023, 10 jobs have been accomplished, three involving mechanical work.  Examples of mechanical jobs in the power industry typically include cooling tower fan alignment, pump alignment, replacement of turbine bearings, generator alignment, new coupling installment, gearbox alignment, circular pump alignment, repair of broken shaft and solar generator alignment.  Some metrology alignment jobs comprised inspection of turbine components, monitoring of components during a rebuild, structural movement studies, flatness inspections and others.

Present at the event were Dean Solberg, Vice President of Metrology Sales and Services at Exact Metrology, IPM Sales Managers Noel Brekas, Ronnie Onofry and Rob Ellington, Paul Parry, Director of Sales-Field Machining and Ulises Uscanga, Head of Industrial Plant Solutions at Leica Geosystems.

Dean Solberg highlighted the importance of having East Coast Metrology at the show. “The recent acquisition of East Coast Metrology allows IPM Measurement Group to provide nationwide coverage with metrology services to complement its field machining capabilities. We are excited to continue serving our customers’ needs as their one-stop shop.”

IPM discussed its recent acquisition of East Coast Metrology, which now afford the company nationwide coverage with metrology services to complement its field machining capabilities.


In-Place Machining Company: On-Site Machining Solutions In-Place, Any Place in the World.

In-Place Machining Company, with facilities in Wisconsin, Washington, Virginia, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada, is the premier provider of high-precision engineered on-site machining, metrology, and large scale cutting & drilling services for a wide range of renewable energy, aerospace, industrial, and military customers throughout the world.

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, is ISO9001, AS9100 Certified as well as ITAR Registered.

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, with facilities in Cincinnati, Ohio, Moline, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, plus affiliated offices throughout the country, is a comprehensive metrology services provider, offering customers 3D and CT scanning, reverse engineering, quality inspection, product development and 2D drawings. The company also provides turnkey metrology solutions, including equipment sales and lease/rental arrangements.

OASIS Alignment Services: A Division of In-Place Machining Company

OASIS Alignment Services: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, provides 3-Dimensional Metrology Services, Precision Alignment Inspections and Diagnostics and Mechanical Services across a wide range of industries including aerospace, automotive, power generation, shipbuilding, pulp and paper, converting, printing, plastics, textiles and more. OASIS has completed thousands of successful projects since its inception in 1982 and continues to set industry standards in alignment procedures, specialized tooling and reporting techniques. OASIS operates service centers in New Hampshire, North Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin, California, Washington, and Ontario and Québec, Canada. For more visit www.oasisalignment.com

East Coast Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company

East Coast Metrology is a globally recognized full-service contract measurement company specializing in 3D scanning and modeling, reverse engineering & design, training and certification, instrument calibrations, equipment rentals, integration & alignment services. Headquartered in Topsfield, Massachusetts, ECM hosts an ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Laboratory where they perform instrument calibrations, repairs, and CMM part inspection and programming. For more visit www.eastcoastmetrology.com

 

For information, please contact:

EXACT METROLOGY, INC.
Dean Solberg
20515 Industry Avenue
Brookfield, WI 53045
Local: 262-533-0800
www.exactmetrology.com
deans@exactmetrology.com

EXACT METROLOGY, INC.
Steve Young
11575 Goldcoast Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45249
Local: 513.831.6620
Toll Free: 866.722.2600
www.exactmetrology.com
stevey@exactmetrology.com

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In-Place Machining Company Acquires Western Machine Works, LLC

Strategic Partnership Expands Industrial Machining and Repair Capabilities and Strengthens Commitment to Providing Customer Service Excellence

March 15, 2023 | Milwaukee, WIIn-Place Machine Company, LLC (IPM) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Western Machine Works, LLC (WMW) as part of a long-term growth strategy to expand reach and service offerings to customers and prospects across the U.S. and Canada. Globally recognized as the premier provider of high-precision industrial solutions, IPM has long been the leader in on-site machining, diamond wire cutting and drilling, and alignment and measurement services. Adding the expertise in engineering and precision machine shop services of WMW to the extensive field machining capabilities and solutions of IPM, greatly enhances the benefits to customers across a multitude of industries.

“IPM could not be happier about Western Machine Works joining our great Team,” said Dean Flint, President and CEO of In-Place Machining Company. “Their highly skilled, experienced group of engineers and machinists is committed to providing exceptional service to heavy industrial markets such as pulp & paper, marine, steel, and wind & hydro power generation.” Mr. Flint added, “WMW has a reputation for being the best of the best. Their location, end markets and service offerings, as well as their company culture, make them an outstanding fit for our customers, and for our overall growth strategy.”

“This is a very exciting time for WMW”, said Greg Allen, SVP and General Manager of Western Machine Works. “It was very important to us that we partner with a company that excels in machining and has experience in the industries we serve. IPM’s onsite machining capabilities and experience are unmatched and complement the services we provide to create a unique benefit to our customer base.”  Mr. Allen added, “I am confident that our employees and our customers, will benefit greatly from this new venture.”

Based in Portland, Oregon, Western Machine Works, LLC is a highly respected in-house machining and engineering firm that specializes in the repair and refurbishment of large scale, precision components, including pulp and paper rolls, wind turbine main shafts, hydro-electric components, and more. Founded in 1985 to provide precision roll grinding, balancing and general machining services for the pulp and paper industry, WMW leveraged their expertise to provide engineered solutions to the wind power, hydro-electric, steel manufacturing, marine and other heavy industries.

In-Place Machining Company continues to grow and strengthen its capabilities by adding the leaders in industrial solutions to its team. With the newest addition of Western Machine Works, LLC to the IPM Machining Services Division as well as its strong Measurement & Alignment Services Division of OASIS Alignment Services, Exact Metrology, and East Coast Metrology, IPM brings a level of experience, knowledge, tooling, and service that is unrivaled in the industry.

In-Place Machining Company: On-Site Machining Solutions In-Place, Any Place in the World.
With seventeen facilities across the United States and Canada, In-Place Machining Company is the premier provider of high-precision engineered on-site machining, large scale cutting & drilling, 3D scanning, and measurement and alignment services for a wide range of industries including renewable energy, aerospace, industrial, and military customers throughout the world. For more visit www.inplace.com.

Western Machine Works: A Division of In-Place Machining Company
Western Machine Works, LLC helps companies improve production efficiency by providing engineering and precision machine shop services including industrial repair, shaft manufacturing, precision roll grinding, thermal spray services, and roll manufacturing. Located in Portland, OR, WMW provides services to heavy industries including pulp and paper, wind and hydro power generation, marine, steel and more. For more visit www.westernmachine.com.


Corporate Contacts

Dean Flint
President & CEO In-Place Machining Company, LLC
3811 N. Holton Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212
414.562.2000
DFlint@inplace.com

Greg Allen
Sr VP & GM, Western Machine Works, LLC
12005 N. Burgard Road
Portland, OR 97203
503.286.7791
GregA@westernmachine.com

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RV8 plane point cloud image

Aerospace Industry Benefits from Advancements Made in 3D Scanning

Greg Groth, Exact Metrology Division Manager, provides insight into aerospace industry trends and the benefits of recent metrology developments

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, a comprehensive 3D metrology service provider and hardware sales company, has recently seen an uptick in requests for scanning large aerospace components.  Greg Groth, Division Manager at Exact Metrology’s Brookfield, Wisconsin location shares his thoughts on this development.

Greg Groth

Greg Groth, Division Manager at Exact Metrology, Brookfield, Wisconsin

It is widely known that the aerospace industry has long been a driver of 3D scanning and the implementation of this technology into quality systems.  When speaking of the surge in interest in scanning from aerospace customers, Groth said, “As the scanning technology’s accuracy has improved and data collection has become much faster, the viability of scanning full vehicles or component level parts has seen a dramatic increase in demand.”

For example, scanning an airplane exterior can now be completed in a matter of days when, in the past, it would take up to a week. Additionally, data processing has also become much quicker with advancements made in software and data handling. Groth added that he has seen the number of full aircraft scans nearly triple in the last year at his company.

For scanning projects of this size, Exact Metrology uses a combination of laser trackers and long-range scanners. The use of these high-precision metrology instruments allows quick scanning of large volumes as well as control of the scan-to-scan for fit and accuracy. Additionally, the alignment challenges that have long been present in the aerospace industry have been greatly reduced with the innovative capabilities of both laser trackers and today’s long-range scanners.

With aluminum continuing to be the most often used material in manufacturing aerospace skins and components, advancements made in metrology instruments now allow for highly accurate scanning both indoors in an environmentally controlled condition and outdoors when conditions are less than ideal. Newer technology can combat both the high reflectivity of chrome finishes and material expansion.

Due to scale, the metrology instruments used by Exact Metrology can vary.  Groth commented that the same level of precision may not be required for a full body scan as the required specifications for panels or component level details. For these tight tolerance areas, Exact Metrology will use higher precision scanners such as PCMMS (Portable Coordinate Measurement Machines) or Structured Light scanners.

RV8 plane point cloud image

RV8 plane point cloud image

Fastening of components and structure sections is also critical. Exact Metrology specialists can leverage several different pieces of equipment with the current bandwidth of metrology hardware. For example, if off-vehicle and internal structural information is needed, CT scanning can be used.  CT scanners have the ability to assess a clogged fuel line or a small manifold, for example, including evaluation of cracks or manufacturing imperfections such as porosity.

Discussing the importance of having highly precise and accurate inspection data for the aerospace industry, Groth said, “The precision we’re achieving on scans allows for more accurate duplication in reverse engineering applications, while the precise representation increases the confidence in part validation on the inspection.  Accurate representations allow for more improved virtual testing such as FEA (Finite Element Analysis) or any flow based testing.”


Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, is ISO9001, AS9100 Certified as well as ITAR Registered. 

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, with facilities in Cincinnati, Ohio, Moline, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, plus affiliated offices throughout the country, is a comprehensive metrology services provider, offering customers 3D and CT scanning, reverse engineering, quality inspection, product development and 2D drawings. The company also provides turnkey metrology solutions, including equipment sales and lease/rental arrangements.

 

In-Place Machining Company: On-Site Machining Solutions In-Place, Any Place in the World.

In-Place Machining Company, with facilities in Wisconsin, Washington, Virginia, Ohio, California, and Ontario, Canada, is the premier provider of high-precision engineered on-site machining, metrology, and large scale cutting & drilling services for a wide range of renewable energy, aerospace, industrial, and military customers throughout the world.

 

For more information, please contact: 

Greg Groth
20515 Industry Avenue
Brookfield, WI 53045
Phone: 262-533-0793
www.exactmetrology.com
gregg@exactmetrology.com

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Scan data example of uses of GOM Inspect software

Exact Metrology Now Leases ZEISS METROTOM 1 CT Scanner

Performing complex measurement and inspection tasks all in one compact system, the METROTOM 1 is in stock and ready for delivery

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, a comprehensive 3D metrology service provider and hardware sales company, is leasing the ZEISS METROTOM 1 CT scanner. The METROTOM 1 allows users to measure and inspect hidden defects and internal structures that can’t be detected with tactile measuring systems.

The CT system offers several advantages, including easy handling, precise measurements, small footprint and fast return on investment. Installation is a simple process with very little training required. With the ability to measure and evaluate complete parts, accurate nominal/actual comparisons, dimensional checks and wall thickness analysis can be performed. The compact CT system fits into any metrology lab, allowing users to carry out in-house metrology measurements and quality assurance without external measuring services. Besides low acquisition costs, the cost of ownership is also kept low thanks to system components.  ZEISS METROTOM 1 requires maintenance just once a year.

ZEISS METROTOM 1 CT system now makes reliable X-ray technology and non-destructive quality assurance available to everyone. Whether medium or small sized parts, plastic or light metal, the scanner can inspect a variety of parts such as connectors, plastic caps, aluminum parts and more.

Equipped with the operation and inspection software GOM Volume Inspect, the software combines all stages of the CT process from scan set-up and reconstruction to data evaluation and reporting. Geometries, shrinkage holes or internal structures and assembly situations can be evaluated precisely. With just one software, users can load volume data from several components into a project, perform a trend analysis, compare the captured 3D data with the CAD model and more.

Call Exact at 866-722-2600 or visit our “Contact us” page to speak to a metrology specialist and find out how to incorporate this CT technology.

 

 


In-Place Machining Company: On-Site Machining Solutions In-Place, Any Place in the World.

In-Place Machining Company, with facilities in Wisconsin, Washington, Virginia, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada, is the premier provider of high-precision engineered on-site machining, metrology, and large scale cutting & drilling services for a wide range of renewable energy, aerospace, industrial, and military customers throughout the world.          

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, is ISO9001, AS9100 Certified as well as ITAR Registered.

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, with facilities in Cincinnati, Ohio, Moline, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, plus affiliated offices throughout the country, is a comprehensive metrology services provider, offering customers 3D and CT scanning, reverse engineering, quality inspection, product development and 2D drawings. The company also provides turnkey metrology solutions, including equipment sales and lease/rental arrangements.

GOM GmbH

GOM, a company of the ZEISS Group, specializes in industrial 3D coordinate measuring technology, 3D computed tomography and 3D testing. From product development to production and worldwide distribution, GOM offers machines and systems for manual and automated 3D digitizing, evaluation software, training and professional support from a single source. In industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy and consumer goods, more than 17,000 GOM system installations are in use internationally. At more than 60 locations and with more than 1,200 metrology specialists, GOM guarantees profound advice and first-class service. Since mid-2019, GOM has been a part of the ZEISS Group and has formed the Center of Excellence for optical metrology. With more than 31,000 employees in 50 countries and annual revenue totaling more than 6.4 billion euros, ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics.


For more information, please contact:

EXACT METROLOGY, INC.
Kelly Baldasare
11575 Goldcoast Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45249
Local: 513-831-6620
Toll Free: 866-722-2600
www.exactmetrology.com
kellyb@exactmetrology.com

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In-Place Machining Company Acquires East Coast Metrology, LLC

Strategic Partnership Expands Precision Field Service Capabilities and Strengthens Commitment to Customer Service Excellence

Milwaukee, WIIn-Place Machine Company, LLC (IPM) is pleased to announce the acquisition of East Coast Metrology, LLC (ECM) as part of a long-term growth strategy to expand reach and service offerings to customers and prospects across the U.S. and Canada. Globally recognized as the premier provider of high-precision industrial solutions, IPM has long been the leader in onsite machining, diamond wire cutting and drilling, and alignment and measurement services. Adding the experience, knowledge, precision metrology and calibration expertise of ECM increases the capabilities IPM’s Measurement and Alignment Services Division and exponentially enhances the benefits to customers across a multitude of industries.

“IPM could not be happier about East Coast Metrology joining our great Team,” said Dean Flint, President and CEO of In-Place Machining Company. “Their experienced high caliber group of engineers and expertise in the metrology and calibration space, as well as their company culture and dedication to customer service, make them a perfect fit for our customers and for our growth strategy.”

“This is a very exciting time for East Coast Metrology”, said Gary Confalone, former owner and President of East Coast Metrology. “It was very important to me that we partner with a company that understands the many benefits of metrology and calibration and is committed to investing in the technology and more importantly, in our people.” Mr. Confalone added, “I firmly believe we found the right partner in IPM.”

East Coast Metrology is a highly respected full-service contract measurement company specializing in 3D scanning and modeling, reverse engineering and design, training and certification, instrument calibrations, equipment rentals, integration and alignment services. Headquartered in Topsfield, Massachusetts, ECM hosts an ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Laboratory where they perform instrument calibrations, repairs, and CMM part inspection and programming. ECM has an additional Midwest Regional Office in Wixom, Michigan and capabilities in Canada and Mexico.  

ECM joins Exact Metrology and OASIS Alignment Services in IPM’s growing Measurement and Alignment Services Division. Exact Metrology, an ISO 9001:2015 and AS 9100 Rev D certified company, also provides contract measurement and 3D scanning services, as well as metrology equipment solutions, and hardware and software rentals. OASIS Alignment Services is the leader in highly accurate precision machine alignment and mechanical services.

With the acquisition of East Coast Metrology, all IPM customers will not only benefit from expanded precision measurement and onsite machining services, but closer proximity to these services from sixteen locations strategically located across North America.

“The combination of East Coast Metrology, Exact Metrology, and OASIS Alignment Services as divisions of IPM give our great company a breadth and scale of high-end metrology capabilities that are unmatched in the industry,” noted Mr. Flint.

Please note: East Coast Metrology is committed to a seamless transition, and we are very excited about the additional industrial services this partnership provides our customers. Know that we remain dedicated to providing the high level of service expected of us, and that the ECM representatives that you currently work with, and trust do not change. If you have any questions or want to learn more, please do not hesitate to contact us.


In-Place Machining Company: On-Site Machining Solutions In-Place, Any Place in the World.

 With facilities across the United States and Canada, In-Place Machining Company is the premier provider of high-precision engineered on-site machining, large scale cutting & drilling, 3D scanning, and measurement and alignment services for a wide range of industries including renewable energy, aerospace, industrial, and military customers throughout the world. For more visit www.inplace.com.

 East Coast Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company

East Coast Metrology is a globally recognized full-service contract measurement company specializing in 3D scanning and modeling, reverse engineering & design, training and certification, instrument calibrations, equipment rentals, integration & alignment services. Headquartered in Topsfield, Massachusetts, ECM hosts an ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Laboratory where they perform instrument calibrations, repairs, and CMM part inspection and programming. For more visit www.eastcoastmetrology.com

Corporate Contacts

Dean FlintGary Confalone
President & CEO In-Place Machining Company, LLCPresident, East Coast Metrology, LLC
3811 N. Holton Street428-A Boston Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212Topsfield, MA 01983
414.562.2000978.887.5781
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Exact Metrology Organized #HandsOnMetrologyFair

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, a comprehensive 3D metrology service provider and hardware sales company, hosted their #HandsOnMetrologyFair in Brookfield, Wisconsin, Cincinnati, Ohio and Moline, Illinois. The fair featured discussions, presentations and demonstrations on several 3D scanning solutions available in the GOM #HandsOnMetrology tool kit including ATOS Q, T-SCAN hawk and Scan 1.

One of the demonstrations involved a GOM ATOS Q structured light scanner on a cobot mounted to a portable cart that can be taken wherever it’s needed. ATOS Q is a flexible 3D scanner for complex measurement and inspection tasks in different industries. The scanner delivers fully traceable measurement results, especially in harsh conditions. It captures quality information quickly and with a high degree of detail, providing a reliable basis to easily interpret the information. ScanCobot, a mobile automated 3D scanning system, easily integrates with ATOS Q.  Combined with an automated robotic arm, the GOM ScanCobot is cost-effective and easy to use. Ideal for a machine shop looking to automate their metrology lab, it doesn’t require a robot programmer to run the unit.

GOM T-SCAN hawk is a compact hand-held scanner that’s designed to capture data whenever needed. It includes technical features such as: photogrammetry of large objects, multiple laser sources and three scanning models. This makes it the perfect solution for fine detail. Thanks to the GOM Inspect onboard, the T-SCAN hawk offers a complete solution to simplify your entire workflow from scanning to evaluation and reporting.

 The GOM Scan 1 is a low-cost high-quality scanner with rotary table. It allows users to have some level of automation at an affordable cost.  The sensor is built to deliver 3D data with high precision. Easy to operate, the scanner is ideal for simple and fast measurements of small to medium-sized parts, even in confined spaces. With pre-installed GOM Inspect software, users can generate precise meshes and obtain 3D data easily and quickly.

Dean Solberg, Vice President of Metrology at Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining, believes there are many options for shops, regardless of budget. “We have a full spectrum of high quality scanners at affordable prices. Automated 3D scanning is within reach of the smaller shop reducing labor costs and the need for the skilled inspector.”


In-Place Machining Company: On-Site Machining Solutions In-Place, Any Place in the World.

In-Place Machining Company, with facilities in Wisconsin, Washington, Virginia, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada, is the premier provider of high-precision engineered on-site machining, metrology, and large scale cutting & drilling services for a wide range of renewable energy, aerospace, industrial, and military customers throughout the world.                                  

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, is ISO9001, AS9100 Certified as well as ITAR Registered.

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, with facilities in Cincinnati, Ohio, Moline, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, plus affiliated offices throughout the country, is a comprehensive metrology services provider, offering customers 3D and CT scanning, reverse engineering, quality inspection, product development and 2D drawings. The company also provides turnkey metrology solutions, including equipment sales and lease/rental arrangements.

GOM GmbH

GOM, a company of the ZEISS Group, specializes in industrial 3D coordinate measuring technology, 3D computed tomography and 3D testing. From product development to production and worldwide distribution, GOM offers machines and systems for manual and automated 3D digitizing, evaluation software, training and professional support from a single source. In industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy and consumer goods, more than 17,000 GOM system installations are in use internationally. At more than 60 locations and with more than 1,200 metrology specialists, GOM guarantees profound advice and first-class service. Since mid-2019, GOM has been a part of the ZEISS Group and has formed the Center of Excellence for optical metrology. With more than 31,000 employees in 50 countries and annual revenue totaling more than 6.4 billion euros, ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics.

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Exact Metrology Trains the Next Generation of Workers

The company’s biggest challenge is not only finding people to work, but finding those with enough knowledge to operate the equipment

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company and a comprehensive 3D metrology service provider and hardware sales company, provides extensive training to both customers and operators, from the basic to the most advanced operation.

Dean Solberg, Vice President of Metrology at Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining, believes there are several challenges facing the industry today.  With the older workforce retiring, it is no longer a problem of finding new workers to take their place, but more about finding people who want to work and have the necessary skills to work.  

When detailing training, Solberg mentioned that they offer customers “everything from basic operation of the equipment we offer for sale all the way to high level programming and operation of the equipment/software we sell.” Additional training options include DMIS, PolyWorks, Geomagic Design X and Geomagic Wrap. Training is available for the operation of anything from handheld metrology (Artec) to CT systems, geospatial systems, laser trackers and arms.

The company frequently partners with educational institutions, being present at career fairs and visiting colleges. They recently held a trade fair with the Milwaukee School of Engineering, presenting the latest in scanning technology to a consortium the school drives for additive manufacturing. The consortium is funded by a group of larger manufacturers based in Wisconsin. 

According to Solberg, the biggest challenge the company faces is “finding people with enough knowledge and understanding to operate the equipment.” He added that in their “classroom” environment, there are plateaus of knowledge. Thus, attendees with advanced skills get bored because there are also those that are less knowledgeable.  All training is in-person and dedicated to the customer.

While training hasn’t changed much in the last few years, Solberg finds that many manufacturers of equipment are trying to simplify the software they offer in order to appeal to lower skilled operators.  He states that the wage issue drives a lot of the lower level operators, saying, “You can’t afford to hire a scanner operator and pay then $30.00/hour.  So you dumb the operation of the software down and hire a $20.00/hour operator.

Regarding the future, the metrology industry follows the trends of the machine tool business (although metrology is about ten years behind). However, Solberg is optimistic given that “You are now beginning to see more automation in the metrology field with more coming every day.  An example is cobots, even robotically loaded CMM and CT scanners. Plus, you’re seeing more GO/NO GO gauges on the shop floor”.  He concludes that as time progresses, there will be more process control tools on the shop floor, making quality more predictive than reactive.


In-Place Machining Company: On-Site Machining Solutions In-Place, Any Place in the World.

In-Place Machining Company, with facilities in Wisconsin, Washington, Virginia, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada, is the premier provider of high-precision engineered on-site machining, metrology, and large scale cutting & drilling services for a wide range of renewable energy, aerospace, industrial, and military customers throughout the world.                                  

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, is ISO9001, AS9100 Certified as well as ITAR Registered.

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, with facilities in Cincinnati, Ohio, Moline, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, plus affiliated offices throughout the country, is a comprehensive metrology services provider, offering customers 3D and CT scanning, reverse engineering, quality inspection, product development and 2D drawings. The company also provides turnkey metrology solutions, including equipment sales and lease/rental arrangements.

For more information, please contact:

EXACT METROLOGY, INC. 
Dean Solberg
20515 Industry Avenue
Brookfield, WI 53045
Local: 262-533-0800
www.exactmetrology.com
deans@exactmetrology.com

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Bruce Williams analyzing scan data

Bruce Williams Starts New Chapter at Exact Metrology

Formally the president of Accurate Pattern Inc., a Wisconsin pattern-maker, Williams works as a trainer for the company’s educational initiative

Bruce Williams analyzing scan data

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company and a comprehensive 3D metrology service provider and hardware sales company, has hired Bruce Williams at their Brookfield, Wisconsin location to help customers with their metrology applications.

His educational background includes attending Milwaukee Area Technical College and Phoenix University (Brookfield, Wisconsin). Williams’ first job was in 1974 at J.P. Pattern Inc. (Butler, Wisconsin).   For eleven years, he had several roles in the company including patternmaking journeyman, sales and supervisor.  In 1985, Williams started working at Premold Corporation (Oconomowoc, Wisconsin), working sales and as a general manager.  From 1985 to 2021, he was the founder/president of Accurate Pattern Inc. (Butler, Wisconsin). They specialize in wood, metal and plastic patterns. Although Williams decided to retire in 2021, he works as a manufacturing adjunct instructor at Waukesha County Technical College (Pewaukee, Wisconsin).

Once he decided to “retire,” Williams reached out to Greg Groth, Exact Metrology applications engineer and Dean Solberg, vice president of metrology, both of whom he has had long business relationships with.  He commented that “I have always admired Dean and Greg in their technical expertise and the culture they promote.”  He is excited to work as an Exact Metrology trainer, specializing in 3D Systems Design X reverse engineering software.

Exact Metrology offers training options on all hardware and software options related to digitizing, reverse engineering, measurement and metrology. In his role, Williams will lead the recently implemented educational initiative for the company.  This will involve working with schools of all types as well as multiple trade associations to help educate the current and future workforces on the application of advanced metrology, especially robots and cobots, CT technology and advanced laser scanning in the quality area at all types of companies across America.  The educational initiative means that, “The training is specific to each customer with small in-person classes. The instructors are experts in the field and use practical examples including the customer’s own parts and data.”

Describing the experience, Williams commented, “This is a great place to share my years of pattern/tooling experience in combination with the latest technologies in metrology and modeling. It is satisfying to see customers and colleagues succeed as we help each other.”

In the future, he plans to keep learning and growing with others through his teaching, work at Exact Metrology and industry involvement.


In-Place Machining Company: On-Site Machining Solutions In-Place, Any Place in the World.

In-Place Machining Company, with facilities in Wisconsin, Washington, Virginia, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada, is the premier provider of high-precision engineered on-site machining, metrology, and large scale cutting & drilling services for a wide range of renewable energy, aerospace, industrial, and military customers throughout the world.                                  

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, is ISO9001, AS9100 Certified as well as ITAR Registered.

Exact Metrology: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, with facilities in Cincinnati, Ohio, Moline, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, plus affiliated offices throughout the country, is a comprehensive metrology services provider, offering customers 3D and CT scanning, reverse engineering, quality inspection, product development and 2D drawings. The company also provides turnkey metrology solutions, including equipment sales and lease/rental arrangements.

For more information, please contact:

EXACT METROLOGY, INC. 
Dean Solberg
20515 Industry Avenue
Brookfield, WI 53045
Local: 262-533-0800
www.exactmetrology.com
deans@exactmetrology.com

Continue reading