Product category:
QC and QA systems
News Release from: OGP UK | Subject: OGP Flash system
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 25 May 2004
Goods inwards inspection system solves
problems
An OGP non-contact optical dimensional measurement system has produced substantial time and operational benefits for a manyfacturer of electro surgical devices
A leading designer and manufacturer of electro surgical devices with a production facility in Cardiff, Wales, has gained substantial time and operational benefits from an investment in an OGP non-contact measurement system Gyrus Medical, a leading name in endosurgical devices and the company behind the PlasmaKinetic range of appliances, has a number of production facilities across Europe and America
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 3 May 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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Its instruments are used in a variety of critical operations where accuracy and precision can make the difference between success and failure, including arthroscopy, gynaecological procedures, prostate reduction and soft palate reduction as well as ENT and other procedures.
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The St Mellons, Cardiff manufacturing plant of Gyrus produces RF generators and precision electrodes for the company's electro-surgical appliances.
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A number of EDM-machined, moulded, folded and etched parts including ceramics, plastics and alloys, are brought in to the facility to be incorporated into connector cables, interfaces and footswitches.
With typical tolerances of 50 microns, repeatability of measurement is an absolute requirement to ensure that parts are compatible, well-fitting and fit for use over a long, trouble-free life.
For almost four years the company's OGP non-contact measuring system, a Smartscope Flash 200 with dual sensor technology, has delivered the peace of mind needed to maintain full product confidence on goods inward inspection.
"We knew what we needed and looked around the market for an inspection system that would meet our standards," said Steve Patterson, Manufacturing Engineering Manager at the St Mellons facility.
"We evaluated accuracy, repeatability and speed of throughput in four competitive systems and the OGP system came out well ahead".
He goes on, "The software has been easy to understand and programming relatively simple, considering the complexity of some of the workload.
In addition, the training and service from OGP UK has been excellent and our inspectors trust the machine and its results".
Using the OGP system, Gyrus is able to measure more than ever before so that process efficiency, as well as inspection cost benefits have been apparent.
"On one part, we never had sufficiently consistent measuring results to identify a recurring problem, but as soon as we received the Flash unit, the accuracy allowed us to see what was happening and we immediately changed the process at the supplier".
In another case, one of Gyrus' suppliers was so impressed with the OGP system, it bought the same machine and the parts it produces now go directly into stock at Gyrus without the need for incoming inspection.
"Where a supplier is using the OGP system, we can have absolute confidence in the parts it produces".
Although the system purchased by Gyrus is dual sensored - it incorporates a touch trigger probe system - Gyrus has found that the machine's optical capabilities cover the vast majority of applications.
Steve goes on, "The probe is useful but not a must-have for us.
Non-contact inspection using the OGP image analysis software is fast and very capable, we seldom use the probe".
Steve Patterson is unequivocal about the company's choice of inspection system.
"Our initial thoughts and conclusions about OGP systems have been fully justified by the performance of the Flash.
I would have no hesitation in buying another should the need arise.".
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