CASE STUDY: VISION METROLOGY – MAKING MACHINES SEE BETTER
Metrology is the science of measurement, where precision is paramount. In manufacturing, vision metrology, or “machine vision,” is essential for quality control in mass production, allowing computer-controlled devices to rapidly inspect and measure items on a production line. This success story shows how Boca Bearings delivered a custom solution for the extreme accuracy required by a leading vision metrology product.
THE SITUATION
Customer Overview: The world’s largest vision metrology company was developing a multisensory probe for coordinate measuring systems used in dimensional inspection. Manufacturers worldwide rely on its products to assure the quality of their own products and processes.
Problem: The company had invested considerable R&D experimenting with compounds and materials to achieve the consistency and precision needed for its ultra-high tolerances and production supply needs.
THE ACTION
Bearing Selection: Through rigorous research and testing, an ultra-precise ball of approximately 3/8 inch in a high-purity ceramic material was identified as the right solution.
Application: The 3/8" Si3N4 balls were fitted to the end of the probe of the dimensional measurement system.
Implementation: Boca Bearings’ purchasing team, with more than 35 years of experience, aligned its vendor community to secure the exact product at volume with consistent, dependable production and distribution.
THE RESULT
Solution: Working with the customer’s mechanical and application engineers, Boca Bearings supported development of a 3/8" silicon nitride ball manufactured in a contracted factory under strict quality control from inception to delivery.
Impact: The new ceramic ball improved measurement consistency and reduced the system failure rate from 27% to 3%, while reducing downtime by 80%.
Outcome: Under a fully developed procurement and distribution strategy, handpicked factories continue to meet strict production volume and quality control criteria.
At Boca Bearings, we don’t just solve problems; we engineer solutions that perform.
For additional assistance, contact one of our bearing experts at Info@bocabearings.com or call (561) 998-0004.