CIE Components in Electronics
Goudsmit Magnetic Supplies, part of the Goudsmit Magnetics Group of Waalre (NL), recently acquired an optical 3D scanner and a handheld XRF Analyser. These offer customers added value by providing insight into the material properties, dimensions and behaviour of a permanent magnet in a particular environment or assembly. For example, the three dimensional measurement data from the GOM Atos scanner can show where modifications need to be made to moulds or other tools. In contrast to measuring individual coordinates, as was done with a traditional static CMM machine in the past, the complete geometry and basic shape of an object can now be accurately defined in a polygon mesh. This allows the company to save much more data that is relevant for both their own use and that of their customers.
Optical 3D scanner
By laying the image scanned in the GOM Atos over the CAD file the company can see at a glance where modifications are required to moulds or other tools. A colour presentation, labels and cross-sections reveal any deficiencies on the scan. These images are not only clearer – much better than long tables of figures – but also more precise, because information is provided about the entire product. Moreover, any fitting problems can be detected before assembly and mass production, seeing as how the products under development can be pieced together virtually, in the software. An additional advantage is that the measurement time is just a quarter of what it used to be, which speeds up the testing process and results in a greater volume of valuable data. This creates a springboard for discussion with the customer while the development process is still underway.
Handheld XRF Analyser
The ElementCheck handheld XRF Analyser the company recently began using makes it possible to conduct spectrum measurements for material analysis using electromagnetic radiation. XRF, which is short for ‘X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy’, is a specific type of atomic spectroscopy. This is a process in which a magnet is irradiated with X-ray radiation. This radiation excites the electrons in the elements that are present. When the electrons fall back into their orbits energy is emitted. The released energy, which is characteristic for each element in the magnet, and the quantity of energy are measured to determine the concentration of the elements that are present.
The benefits are clear: The QA/QC engineer obtains the desired information in a matter of seconds, as there is no longer any need to send samples to an external lab for analysis. This all takes place in-house, without damage to the product. Moreover, the XRF Analyser gives the company the ability to check and safeguard the quality down to the molecular level.
Quality process
The purchase of this measurement equipment provides greater added value with respect to the analysis of material properties dimensions. In addition to the equipment already available within the company, such as a permagraph, a 3D coordinate measuring machine, a variety of coils used in combination with an electronic flux meter and a magnetisation/demagnetisation machine, the optical 3D scanner and handheld XRF Analyser offer customers new valuable insights and provide a guarantee for the quality process in branches such as the automotive industry.
Image caption: The measuring equipment the company recently began using offers customers added value by providing insight into the material properties, dimensions and behaviour of a permanent magnet in a particular environment or assembly.
