Reliance on Accretech precision

In addition to the innovative operating principle enabling the efficient measurement of workpiece roughness and contour at the same time, the new technology delivers high levels of precision. After recently purchasing an Accretech Surfcom NEX 100 measuring instrument, Reliance Precision is gaining significant advantages from the use of the new high-accuracy, high-resolution technology.

With a heritage stretching back over 100 years, the Huddersfield, West Yorkshire-based business designs and manufactures custom-built, high-reliability, precision instrumentation. Reliance also publishes a catalogue featuring high-quality standard products that provides a one-stop shop for design engineers.

Serving customers from a diverse range of global markets, including the life science, medical, aerospace, defence, subsea and semiconductor sectors, the company’s range of capabilities include design, development, prototyping, manufacturing, assembly and inspection.

The understanding of metrology and test and their effective application is a core part of the business’ philosophy. A First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) is carried out on each new item to validate the manufacturing process and to ensure that all features have been included and meet specification. Each company engineer takes responsibility for the inspection of everything they produce so in-process inspection remains a core part of component manufacturing.

The measurement of workpiece surfaces, forms and contours are major aspects of Reliance Precision’s inspection requirements. Although the company’s legacy system remained within specification, as the instrument being used to inspect these important attributes was no longer supported by its manufacturer, a search was recently made for a suitably precise replacement.

Reliance’s head of metrology David Torr explains: “Quality permeates every aspect of Reliance Precision’s activities. For example, in addition to providing staff with first-class metrology equipment we also offer in-depth, practical training in its use. Also, each relevant engineer holds their own individual certificate showing the scope of their skills. As a further safeguard, training is validated to confirm that each engineer can demonstrate the necessary understanding of what is being measured and importantly - why.

“Zeiss Industrial Metrology products deliver the levels of precision that we need and as the company also provides excellent levels of service, we have enjoyed a successful relationship for several years.”

Reliance Precision has an expanse of metrology and inspection equipment from Zeiss including two high-accuracy bridge-type CMMs, multiple shopfloor CMMs and a range of validation microscopes.

Mr Torr continues: “When the need arose for a new surface roughness and contour measuring instrument, once again we made contact with Zeiss – but we also considered products from several other metrology manufacturers.

“Although a couple of the alternatives had some of the features we were looking for, a demonstration of Zeiss’ recommended option, an Accretech Surfcom NEX 100, convinced us that this was the right choice.

“Whenever possible, when we purchase metrology equipment we look for instruments that are able to increase our inspection efficiency levels. Now in regular use, the NEX 100 can measure surface roughness and contour in a single pass so it’s ticking all the right boxes.

“The new kit was purchased through Zeiss with installation and operator training provided by Accretech UK. Even though the Surfcom NEX 100 is very advanced and flexible, it was unable to measure the surface roughness and form of some of our difficult to access bores and small undercuts. The staff of Accretech soon solved this problem with the design and supply of a minute bespoke stylus.”

The Accretech Surfcom NEX instrument delivers three high-precision functions: roughness, contour and roughness/contour measurement. NEX machines can be supplied with a range of sensors covering all functions or with detectors dedicated only to a user’s specific needs.

The machines are designed to remain futureproof as detectors can be added as inspection requirements change. For example, if a customer’s original need is for a general roughness measurement, a machine is able to be purchased fitted with a roughness detector only. Detectors can then be retrofitted that allow the precision measurement of other parameters. When used across a range of disciplines, detectors can be quickly and easily interchanged.

Further aiding flexibility and speed of inspection, Surfcom NEX series machines are now available with the world's first hybrid detector featuring dual sensor technology (as specified by Reliance Precision).

Unlike conventional detectors, this new technology has a high-accuracy linear Z scale for wide-range measurements and high-resolution differential inductance for narrow-range measurements. The system’s Z-axis has an indication accuracy of ± (1.0 + |2H|/100)μm which represents a 60% improvement for first term accuracy when compared to Accretech’s previous models.

Describing the cooperation between Zeiss Industrial Metrology and Accretech in the UK, Accretech SBS regional director North Europe, Tim Wood says: “The recent sale of a Surfcom NEX instrument to Reliance Precision demonstrates the close relationship that Accretech has with Zeiss. Accretech staff were pleased to assist Zeiss with the installation and subsequent training.”

Accretech UK www.accretech.eu