Lawrence Screw Adds VisionLab 3D Fastener Gauging System
For many fastener-related businesses including manufacturers, distributors and end users, the inspection process has long been an expensive bottleneck demanding high investment in gauges and related tools as well as extensive man hours. The solution is now available in the VisionLab inspection system from General Inspection, LLC. Our company was initially involved in the development of high-speed inspection systems. In collaboration with our customers, we identified the need for technology that could deliver three-dimensional part inspection in a short time and with documentation. The result is VisionLab, a complete, versatile 3D inspection system designed for parts from 1 to 90mm diameter and is available in models that accommodate 75, 150, and 300mm part lengths. A benchtop version is popular for lab use, with an optional shop-floor enclosure the system is equipped to operate in harsh manufacturing environments.
During the inspection process, parts are placed on a stage in an upright position, for parts that cannot stand alone an upper tooling option can be added. A recess bit kit can be added to measure recess depth and recess concentricity. Once the part is placed on the stage it rotates and up to 360 profiles are captured in less than 5 seconds. The first time the part is inspected, a template is created using Gi’s powerful, user-friendly Windows 11® based software. The template can be developed directly from a part, from a CAD file, or print and consists of a graphic representation and numerical specifications. Anchor points are established to delineate all part features. Once created, templates are stored in memory and can be recalled at any time for future inspections. As the part is scanned, a real-time comparison is made to the part specifications, and all data is instantly recorded. The data can be transferred through MySQL or using excel or CSV format. The 100% profile inspection covers all part characteristics including lengths, diameters, radii, tapers, min/max material, hex (flats/corners), threads, lobular threads, straightness, concentricity, TIR, true position, perpendicularity, cylindricity, circularity, angularity, wrenching height, recess depth, first/last scratch thread and first/last full thread.
One of the most critical aspects of inspection involves thread measurements. Thanks to VisionLab’s patented optics with optional slewing the system provides unparalleled accuracy and repeatability for measuring threads. Data for all characteristics including thread count, pitch and pitch diameter, major/minor/functional diameter, lead deviation, flank angle, helix angle, root radius and thread quality results can be viewed in metric or standard measurements within a few seconds.
Supplier Checks Made Easy: Located in the Chicago, IL, USA, suburb of Harwood Heights, Lawrence Screw Products, Inc., has built an international reputation for quality as a distributor of screws, nuts, bolts, washers and rivets. Customers include manufacturers of specialty diesel and gas engines, recreational products and construction components. According to Jason Polley, Quality Assurance Manager, “Despite the fact that we do no manufacturing, we maintain an extensive inspection lab equipped with the latest technology for quality control purposes. We deal with hundreds of suppliers and in a year ship thousands of orders. Traceability is key in maintaining quality, especially on our special-order lots. “We purchased a LaserLab system from Gi back in 2008, we were extremely impressed, it performed beyond expectations so when Gi introduced us to the VisionLab we were blown away by the added capabilities and time savings.” We currently use VisionLab 30 to 40 times per day, it’s fast, easy to operate and its capabilities can be updated on an ongoing basis. When we first installed the unit, I don’t think our team realized the extent to which it was going to change our operations. It has not only replaced a time-consuming and expensive process of manual gauging but saved us time and money as we no longer spend hours recalibrating gauges. Most of all, the ability to quickly produce supplier evaluations helps our vendors improve their quality and enables us to supply the best possible products to our customers.”
The New Standard, Greg Nygaard, VP of Gi said, “we see a bright future for VisionLab. Almost every day our customers use the system for measurements not originally thought possible. Many of the software updates we make come from customer requests and become standard features greatly expanding VisionLab’s capabilities. When an enthusiastic customer base is actively helping you to refine and evolve a product, you know you’re on the cutting edge and it’s easy to see that VisionLab is the new standard for fastener inspection technology.” To find out more about VisionLab or to schedule a demonstration contact General Inspection, LLC at 1-248-625-0529 or visit www.geninsp.com to learn about Gi’s other gauging and inspection solutions.
