In this article, I show that the conventional method for calculating uncertainty is not always reliable. In fact, it is generally only exact when the measurement can be represented by a simple linear equation and the input uncertainties are all normally distributed. Whenever the measurement is more complex, there will be errors in the way uncertainties are combined. I then show that simulation can be a much more reliable approach. Read the full article, published on engineering.com…
Using CAD to Synthesize Mechanisms
When I’m designing a linkage mechanism I often have some particular motion that I need to achieve. In this article I explain the first step in this process, defining the joint positions and linkage lengths required to produce a particular motion. I have found that the constraint-based sketcher within SolidWorks provides an ideal tool for this job. This enables you to constrain the mechanism in a way that represents your design intent while leaving the unknown variables, such as the length of joints and the position and orientation of pivot axes, to be solved by the geometric constraint solver. The two examples in this article each take a step-by-step approach to synthesizing a mechanism, using SolidWorks. Read the full article published on EngineersRule.com…
NPL Brings Frequency Scanning Interferometry to Large-Scale Manufacturing
Frequency scanning interferometry uses a tunable laser to provide highly accurate distance measurements. It was first developed by researchers at the University of Oxford who were working on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. The UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has taken this state of the art technology and developed it into a much more practical and versatile measurement system, addressing the needs of large-scale manufacturing. Read the full article, published on engineering.com…
VDA-5: Combining Uncertainty Evaluation with Gage Studies
The VDA-5 standard is a big step forward for the evaluation of industrial measurements. It combines the practicality of gage studies with a rigorous uncertainty evaluation approach. This is definitely heading in the right direction, although the methods it uses can still miss some important sources of uncertainty, as I will show towards the end of this article. Read the full article, published on engineering.com…
Developing Automated Assembly & Inspection Technology for Aircraft Structures
A new £8 million research project, led by GKN Aerospace and backed by the UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), is focusing on developing and demonstrating robotic and digital technologies required for the next generation of aircraft wing manufacturing. Read the full article, published on engineering.com…
Manufacturing a Carbon Revolution
There has been huge excitement in recent years about new forms of carbon such as graphene, carbon nanotubes and Buckminsterfullerene (buckyballs). This article looks at the new forms of carbon, such as nanotubes and graphene, and considers whether we may be on the verge of a carbon revolution. Read the full article, published on engineering.com…
3D Scanner Designed for Fully Automated Inspection Begins Testing
A novel optical 3D scanner called the Hexagon Blaze 600A has been developed to overcome conventional issues with the noncontact measurement of composites. The system is designed to be integrated with a robot to provide fully automated inspection. Read the full article, published on engineering.com…
AI closes the loop for composites manufacturing
Researchers are developing ways of using machine learning to adjust process parameters in automated composites manufacturing. This is removing the need for human intervention and improving quality. Read the full article, published on SAE.org…