Newcomb Spring Corp has developed its own camera gauge system that provides highly-precise, image-based length measurements, with data recording and reportable order details.
The system measures compression springs as they are manufactured, capturing and saving a digital image of each part and recording part dimensions. If part measurements approach maximum tolerance levels, the system’s computer program automatically triggers an adjustment in connected wire coiling machinery, causing the equipment to recalibrate and comply more closely to nominal specifications. When the order is complete, a report and digital record is available for download.
With its high-speed, automated operations, the Newcomb Camera System allows the company to efficiently produce extremely precise compression springs and to provide a complete production report, accounting for all parts manufactured.
The system was designed and built by the company’s research and development department.
“I feel this is the best spring length quality control system in the industry,” said Don Jacobson, chairman of Newcomb Spring.
“Not only is it extremely precise and automatically adjusts in real-time, but the large display and high-resolution graphics provide a user-friendly way to confirm production accuracy, even at very high speeds. The system lets us compare parts to on-screen data, confirming that the springs are being manufactured within allowable tolerances, and it allows us to export a full report of the order details. Customers have asked for more accountability, as their designs and part applications become more and more complex. We can download a report showing literally every single spring that we formed, and the part length data for each part.
”With a high-resolution 10X macro camera lens, the system compares dimensional image data to a pre-set tolerance range. If parts fall outside of that range they are rejected, and sorted into “too long” or “too short” holding bins. At the end of the run, rejected parts are manually counted and compared to the system’s report, confirming all data is correct.
“The Newcomb Camera System greatly improves dimensional quality controls, especially when compared to traditional probe gauges, or systems that display part data as a graph on a very small screen,” said Mr Jacobson.
“With this system we have combined multiple advanced technologies and built a quality control process that I believe is better than others in the market. When customers see the recorded data in the order report, they realize just how accurate and accountable this spring manufacturing process is. By automating and digitizing the process, we can serve compression spring customers with complex needs better than ever before.”
A video showing the Newcomb Camera System in operation is available on at the Newcomb Spring web site quality control page, at http://www.newcombspring.com/advanced-quality.html , or on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08pqQ2ya6vU
