Solid Height - Spring Manufacturers Institute

Product Conformity Program
TUV Rheinland of North America has introduced
a service, designed in conjunction with TUV Rheinland
Arabia, to help companies have their products
comply with Saudi Arabia’s Conformity Program
operated under the authority of the Kingdom’s
Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The Conformity
Program covers all consumer goods and is
intended to protect the health and safety of Saudi
consumers, provide for national security, protect
the environment, prevent deceptive practices, and
protect religious and public morals. TUV Rheinland
of North America can work in partnership with all
involved parties, from importers to exporters, and
advise whether their goods fall into the scope of the
conformity program. For information, contact TUV
Rheinland by phone at (888) 743-4652 or Web site
at www.us.tuv.com.
Micro Spring Pitch and OD Measurement
SAS Inc. has developed a means for achieving
accurate and repeatable determination of the pitch
and OD of micro medical springs and coil bodies,
such as those
used in medical
catheters.
The testing
technology uses
interpolative
edge detection
combined with
differential nonlinear
spatially
filtered pitch
measurement
numerical schemes. The resulting in-production
quality assessments of micro-coil spring geometry
conformance can now be performed by non-skilled
operators. The technology provides an objective
means for product-quality assessment according
to industry standards. Previously, variations
among quality control personnel have made these
measurements unreliable, resulting in product
inconsistencies at the manufacturer and the end
user. The process for determining the pitch and
OD is now automated and can be performed at
the touch of a button after the initial setup of
the part in the machine. For information, contact
Forming Systems, SAS’s North American representative,
by phone at (269) 679-3557 or e-mail at
info@formsystemsinc.com.
Laser Alignment System
Pinpoint Laser Systems has introduced a
Microgage Laser Alignment System for use in manufacturing
plants and production facilities. The
52 SPRINGS July 2006
Microgage’s uses include
aligning CNC machine
tools, webs and rolls, and
shafts and drive assemblies.
It consists of a
compact laser transmitter
that forms a straight reference
line over 150 feet long. A small digital reader
picks up the laser beam, and a handheld display
shows the position of the reader within 0.0001 in.
(3 microns). It can be positioned to form a straight
reference line for checking machinery straightness,
runout and other parameters. A rotating laser base
swings the laser in a full circle, defining a precise
plane for checking. With different adapters, the
Microgage can attach to any machine. For information,
contact Pinpoint Laser Systems by phone at
(800) 757-5383 or Web site at www.pinlaser.com.
Inspection System
Dunkley International Inc. has introduced a
speeded-up version of its Cyprovision turnkey vision
inspection system for flat and dome washers, and
other fasteners. The system handles up to 3,000
units per minute (depending on size) in real time.
The fasteners are fed from a bowl to the Cyprovision
cameras for inspection. The bowl has adjustable
guides to accommodate various size units. Unacceptable
parts are sent down a separate chute, which
incorporates a sensor to verify that these parts have
been rejected. A tower light on the machine signals
a malfunction or that the system is out of parts to
inspect. For information, contact Ernest Kenneway,
Dunkley International Inc. by phone at (269) 343-
5583 or e-mail at ekenneway@dunkleyintl.com.
Microhardness Testing System
Newage Testing Instruments has introduced
a Multi-Specimen Microhardness Testing System
Model CAMS-MSO. The system handles up to six
mounted samples with a 1.25
in. diameter and up to 24 traverse
sequences in a single test
routine. A sample fixture, motorized
positioning tables, focusing
capabilities and software were
developed to provide the required
capabilities. The six-piece fixture is designed with a
quick-release mounting system and provides self-leveling
capability for the mounts. The optical encoders
enable a system that is not subject to error from
frictional wear on the screws. Another feature is the
focusing capability. Systems making measurements
over six samples need far more focusing range. For
information, contact Newage by phone at (800) 806-
3924 or Web site at www.hardnesstesters.com.