Metrology specialist Measurement Solutions is moving into the fast lane after securing a deal with Shropshire motorsport expert Grainger & Worrall.
Bridgnorth-based Grainger & Worrall is synonymous with motorsport engineering because of its expertise in casting design and rapid prototyping.
Its unrivalled experience in F1 and WRC championship engine and transmission programs is underlined by the fact that all 20 cars on the LMP2 grid at Le Mans in June 2018 were using Gibson GK428 engines, cast by Grainger & Worrall.
However, motorsport is only one part of the company’s expertise. It also offers clients extensive knowledge in casting design and engineering, tooling design, machining and prototyping.
Its high integrity precision sand castings are evident in automotive engines, aerospace components and other industrial markets.
The world is demanding ever-lighter, ever more efficient means of propulsion, resulting in increased prototype demands and increased quality control requirements. To satisfy the demands of approximately 300 new product introductions, including niche volume and motorsport supply annually, Grainger & Worrall has purchased a Creaform HandySCAN 700 from Measurement Solutions.
Although already equipped with traditional gantry CMM’s (Co-ordinate Measuring Machines) advanced 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 their decision to purchase the Creaform HandySCAN 700.
David Lang, who was integral to the decision-making process, said: “The HandySCAN ticks many boxes for us. Not requiring powder spray is an obvious benefit in terms of time savings, both before and after scanning.
“We were spending several thousand pounds annually on spray, which is an inefficient and unnecessary cost, and 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 extremely fast.
Mr Lang added: “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.”
Mr Lang said that as users 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 the shop floor and start inspecting,” he said.
“Whether it be a large piece of tooling or a sand mouldpack being assembled, we can now take the scanner on location, set-up and be finished within the hour.
“Before purchasing the HandySCAN this task would have been much more challenging and usually resulted in moving components to the Metrology room, which often was impracticable.”
Another factor swaying the decision to purchase the scanner was Measurement Solutions’ aftersales service, which has been a huge part of the company’s offer throughout its 20 years in business.
Andy Warriner, Area Sales Manager for Measurement Solutions, said: “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.”