On the blocks superior scanning

If you speak to anybody from the world of motorsport about engines and transmissions, there is one name that is immediately associated with casting design and rapid prototyping – Grainger & Worrall.

If you speak to anybody from the world of motorsport about engines and transmissions, there is one name that is immediately associated with casting design and rapid prototyping – Grainger & Worrall.

The company’s experience in F1 and WRC championship engine and transmission programs can be demonstrated by the fact that all 20 cars on the LMP2 grid at Le Mans in June 2018 were using Gibson GK428 engines, cast by the company.

However, motorsport is only one part of its expertise, as the company offers clients extensive knowledge in casting design and engineering, tooling design, machining and prototyping. Grainger & Worrall’s specialist prototype aluminium foundry approaches product development by adding value, delivering successful high integrity precision sand castings for automotive engines, aerospace components and other industrial markets.

As the world is demanding ever-lighter, ever more efficient means of propulsion, this results in increased prototype demands and increased quality control requirements. To meet the demands of approximately 300 new product introductions including niche volume and motorsport supply annually, Grainger & Worrall recently purchased a Creaform HandyScan 700 from Measurement Solutions.

Although already equipped with traditional gantry CMMs, industrial CT scanning (Computed Tomography) and white light scanning systems, the increasing complexity and persistence to push the limits of possibility has driven a need for both increased capacity and capability. The requirement to spend time preparing surfaces of castings with powder spray, which has always been difficult with projected light scanners, all served to drive the decision to purchase the Creaform HandyScan 700.

David Lang, who was integral to the decision-making process, comments: “The HandyScan ticks many boxes for us. Not requiring powder spray is an obvious benefit in terms of time saving, both before and after scanning. We were spending several thousand pounds annually on spray, which is an inefficient and unnecessary cost, and you can add to that the associated costs incurred during the shot blasting process to clean the castings after scanning.”

The HandyScan 700 utilises 14 red laser lines which offers a large field of view and a capability to capture data rapidly. Mr Lang continues: “After testing the HandyScan it was obvious to us the 14 laser lines feature allowed for very fast data capture, with the addition of a single laser line to capture areas within deep pockets. We also found the HandyScan to be of high accuracy and comparable to our existing equipment.”

In house quality management ensures the effective design of processes which verify the customer’s needs. This has helped to ensure that Grainger & Worrall is known globally as a principal supplier of prototyping services in structural powertrain components, and an expert supplier of castings and machining for specialist low volume cast components. It is these evolving processes that have provided the company with opportunities to continually assess and upgrade its equipment needs.

As is often the case with new technologies, once in process, users get to explore the full benefits on offer. Mr Lang adds: “As we assessed the product further, additional benefits came to the forefront. The ability to scan with a handheld portable solution was significant. The fact the HandyScan and all accessories fit into a small carry case means it is quick and simple to take to the shopfloor and start inspecting. Whether it be a large piece of tooling or a sand mould-pack being assembled, we can now take the scanner on location, set-up and be finished within the hour.”

As with any company constantly investing in new technology, the availability of training, system implementation and aftersales support is a very significant part of any decision to purchase. Aftersales support has always been a huge part of Measurement Solutions’ DNA and a key to its success, having recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Andy Warriner, area sales manager for Measurement Solutions comments: “The team at Measurement Solutions provide a complete training course, ranging from two to four days depending upon the application, either inspection or reverse engineering. Additionally, we have applications engineers dedicated to Creaform products, who are always on hand to add further support if required after the initial training.”

Measurement Solutions https://measurement-solutions.co.uk

Grainger & Worrall www.gwcast.com

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