Providing a complete turnkey metrology service, it means Verus oversees all aspects of the metrology project from beginning to end. Starting from the design stage, we’re always at the forefront throughout a metrology fixtures’ journey, right through to its installation.
What Is A Metrology Turnkey Solution?
Verus’ metrology fixtures go through rigorous quality-assurance testing once the design and manufacturing processes are complete. Confident with the verification results, the Metrology Engineer releases the fixtures for programming. The fixtures are then ready for packing and shipment.
Many would consider a project completed once it sets sail to its intended destination. However, we believe after-care is one of the most important elements of a complete turnkey metrology service offering. Turnkey to Verus means supporting our clients even after the project has been successfully completed. So should a client request an Applications Engineer to support fixture installation, we are always happy to help.
Communication is the Key to A Superior Metrology Service
Constant communication between teams is key throughout the progression of any project at Verus Metrology. We function alongside our clients to achieve a metrology solution that works. Our partnerships focus on improving their measurement processes in order to accomplish maximum production efficiency. Therefore, without our partnerships, we wouldn’t be providing our clients with the superior metrology service that we continuously aim for.
Having built a solid relationship with BD Sumter through numerous projects since the start of our partnership, Doug first engaged with Verus Metrology as he began to see the benefits of fit for purpose fixturing. Introducing Pat thereafter, both have been instrumental in improving metrology efficiency at BD Sumter. Through their partnerships with Verus, they are ahead of the curve when it comes to production in metrology. Therefore, to date, the Sumter plant has incorporated twenty fixtures into their measurement process.
BD Sumter’s Metrology Fixture Journey
Upon obtaining the required specifications from BD Sumpter, the Verus design team created a metrology solution fit to meet all requirements. Designs approved, the bespoke fixture was manufacture inhouse before Hazel performed a Gauge R&R. Upon achieving the desired fixture qualification result, Hazel subsequently released the inspection fixture for programming.
Metrology Manager Hazel Rooney and COO Michael Nugent visited the Sumter plant, situated in South Carolina, at the end of September to assist in the installation of two bespoke inspection fixtures. Working alongside Senior Quality Engineer Doug Carter and Lead Mould Approval Technician Pat Logan, Verus spent a week in total overseeing the last phase of our latest BD partnership. Hazel and Michael were there to run a Fixture Installation and Measurement System Analysis (MSA) on an IV Shield 96-cavitation and a 32-station Hemograd 13 A Stopper.
The Fixtures
Custom-built to hold components of complex geometries, the 32-station Hemograd 13 inspection fixture was designed for the sole purpose of reducing operator interaction throughout measurement activity at BD Sumter. Previously the components under inspection, 13mm Hemograd Stoppers, were measured using a single-station fixture which was massively time-consuming. Adding to that the heightened level of human intervention, operators were at a high-risk of encountering human error also. The 32-station Hemograd fixture reduced the risks associated with a single-station measurement device. This allowed the engineers to utilise their time more, enabling them to concentrate on other responsibilities.
Designed to hold needle shields in place during an inspection, the 96-cavitation IV Shield fixture facilitates Metrology Engineers in acquiring a speedier measurement process. By lowering the level of repetitive tasks such as loading and unloading the fixture, the engineers can get products to market quicker as more components can be measured at once.
Shipping the fixtures ahead of Verus’ arrival allowed for the swift integration with the inspection machines. Once there, Hazel proceeded to set up the programme, installing both fixtures on an OGP Flash 500 Vision System and running the MSA. To complete the process, Hazel had to adjust the lighting on the Flash 500 to ensure equivalency in the measurement data.
Last Minute Programme Changes
It took just under three days for Hazel to successfully complete the installation and MSA. Last-minute changes were made to the original drawings with the newly written programmes reducing the fixtures running time from 6 hours to 3.5.
With the risk of interference using a regular probe, a feather probe was used for the Hemograd fixture. The feather probe uses vibrations to measure rather than direct contact, therefore removing the possibility of moving parts.
To find out more about our turnkey metrology solutions, contact our COO Michael Nugent on +353 (0)71 91 43506 (ext. 215).
