Owning a Nikon system is just the beginning…

Since its founding in 1917, Nikon has harnessed the power of lenses to contribute to the advancement of imaging culture and sciences, as well as the development of industry, creating breakthrough technologies and products in the process.

With the acquisition of Metris in 2009, Nikon enlarged its portfolio with optical 3D measuring instruments. The “Nikon Metrology” division today offers the broadest range of metrology solutions for applications ranging from miniature electronics to the largest aircrafts. Nikon Metrology’s innovative measuring and precision instruments contribute to a high performance design-through-manufacturing process that allows manufacturers to deliver premium quality products in a shorter time.

The product lines available in the Nikon Metrology portfolio provide best-in-class precision equipment and metrology solutions for dimensional measurement and inspection for use on coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and portable arms. Adopting an ‘absolute-accuracy’ policy, Nikon Metrology systems measure internal and external geometry efficiently in a non-destructive process.

Nikon Metrology now offers the most complete and innovative metrology product portfolio including state-of-the-art vision measuring instruments complemented with optical inspection and mechanical 3D metrology solutions. These reliable and innovative products respond to the advanced inspection requirements of manufacturers active in consumer, automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical and other industries.

Systems and solutions include coordinate measuring machines, CMM laser scanning, handheld/portable laser scanning, metrology software, large scale metrology, robot metrology, X-ray and CT inspection, video measuring instruments, measuring microscopes, industrial microscopes and other metrology services.

Nikon Metrology multi-sensor technology provides manufacturers with greater measurement flexibility and a better understanding of product conformance while increasing CMM throughput. The interoperability across CMM platforms, sensor technology and manufacturing sites, is a unique advantage.

Coordinate measuring machines / portable arms
Nikon Metrology provides best-in-class precision equipment and metrology solutions for use on CMMs and articulated arms CMMs. Optical CMMs are portable, handheld coordinate measuring machines, with a proven track record in engineering, preproduction and quality control applications.

Laser scanning
Next-generation digital LC and XC laser scanners confirm market leadership for CMM-based laser inspection, offering full surface and feature measurement. Digital ModelMaker 3D scanners are ideally suited for use on articulated measuring arms, serving a variety of inspection and reverse engineering applications. The HN-C3030 multi-sensor 3D metrology system provides fast, high-precision, non-contact inspection of complex shapes with tactile accuracy.

X-ray and CT inspection
The X-ray and CT inspection systems provide detailed insight into the internal structure of parts. Typically used for inspection of loaded PCBs, compact castings and plastics, these imaging systems facilitate the detection of connectivity failures, material defects and assembly issues.

Video microscope measuring
CNC video measuring systems from Nikon Metrology’s cover precision optical and digital imaging systems for inspection and non-contact surface inspection, reconciling high precision with maximum productivity.

Microscope systems
Measuring microscopes focus on industrial measuring and image analysis, designed for complete digital control for maximum measuring accuracy. Industrial microscopes (stereo, upright, inverted) serve a wide range of visual inspection application. Recently added to the microscopes portfolio is the portable ShuttlePix enabling users to simply grab the instrument and take images and measurements anywhere needed.

Rugged optical comparators are built to provide bright crisp images of an incredible range of specimens, whereas autocollimators provide exceptional measuring accuracy and reliability in demanding measurements, such as flatness or height by simple geometry.

Large volume applications
The Laser Radar is a top large-scale metrology solution available to the manufacturing industry, performing fully automated, non-contact measurement and inspection up to 60 metres. The iGPS is a modular, large-volume tracking system used in manufacturing and assembly, enabling factory-wide localisation of multiple objects with metrology accuracy.

Nikon Metrology also provides a full range of complementary software solutions for CMM and point cloud based inspection and reverse engineering applications. The product portfolio is completed with a vast range of support, metrology and integration services.

With 100 years expertise in the field, Nikon has achieved a level of optical excellence unrivalled by any other. Combined with innovative technology and intuitive software you can be reassured that your Nikon equipment is second to none.

B&R Metrology Solutions
“While many companies invest heavily in CNC machine tools and related equipment, the implementation of new metrology strategies tends to happen more slowly. However, today the call for more accountability when manufacturing large or small components is getting louder. In fact it is reaching a crescendo because of ISO requirements, traceability, CE marking and many other regulatory rules and standards that are the norm rather than the exception as they were in the 20th century,” explains Bryn Labuschagne, Sales Director of B&R Metrology Solutions.

B&R Metrology Solutions are the Gauteng agents for Nikon Metrology Systems and Solutions. WD Hearn Machine Tools represent Nikon Metrology in the rest of South Africa.

“Additionally, price pressures and the ability to supply more accurate components are testing even the most competent engineering companies.”

“For these reasons manufacturing companies are having to rethink their metrology plans and in many cases are having to fast track their purchases for their metrology departments.”

“On the other hand companies wanting to make purchases of advanced and accurate metrology equipment have been hamstrung in their ability to make decisions on what to purchase. Shopfloor CMM, inspection and metrology technology has advanced a great deal over the years such that highly accurate measurements can now be attained in most environments. That’s largely because today’s devices combine hardware and software elements that cancel out the influence of a facility’s fluctuating ambient temperature.”

“However, unlike machine tool suppliers who will generally have a machine tool and in most cases more than one on their showroom floor to carry out live demonstrations for prospective buyers, metrology equipment suppliers have been reluctant, or more accurately reticent, to have equipment in stock and ready to show the machines capabilities. There are many forms of measuring and metrology equipment, whether it is hand-held, portable or a stand-alone unit, so you can understand why.”

“Additionally, no two companies are the same and have different requirements when it comes to measuring or inspection.”

“Since its inception B&R Metrology Solutions has focused on supplying cost-effective metrology equipment for the manufacturing industry while providing metrology professionals with the knowledge, confidence and support that empowers them to make the critical decisions required in the role of quality management.”

“We specialise in CMMs, portable inspection, portable scanning, reverse engineering and planar inspection equipment.”

For further details contact B&R Metrology Solutions on TEL: 082 852 6371 or 072 392 4934 or visit www.brmetrology.co.za