As the global manufacturing market continues to get more competitive, it is important to ensure that the factory is running at a peak level of efficiency. Any downtime due to process related malfunctions is considered nonvalue-added downtime directly impacting company profitability.

In materials and component testing the range of applications where extensometers are used is extremely diverse. As a result, the technical requirements for these devices are multifaceted, and there is no single device that satisfies all needs.

Many advances in CMM technology have occurred over the decades, including the development of portable CMMs. Portable CMMs provide all the benefits of traditional CMMs but with added flexibility.

Multisensor measurement systems are capable of collecting geometric data from 3-D parts using various combinations of measurement technologies. For the most part, such systems are based on vision systems made more versatile by the addition of tactile probes as well as lasers, white light and other devices.

A toothpaste manufacturer finds in-process machine vision inspection advantageous for high-volume toothpaste tube filling and final processing.

A metal fabricator has increased production 250% through the use of a portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM).

A tutorial tool offers recreational golfers the possibility to analyze and improve their swing using advanced vision technologies.

Volume 6, Issue 17 QUALITY HOME | PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS | COMMUNITIES | CALENDAR | CLASSIFIEDS In this issue of Quality Magazine's UPDATE:  - 2009 Awards of Excellence in Metalforming Announced - ISO/TS

Visual inspection systems have been used in automotive engineering for the last 20 years. However, not until the introduction of in-process solutions did the systems feature the required durability to withstand ambient impacts.

Companies are awakening to the fact that in order to stave off any issues associated with production processes and procedures, systematic, enterprisewide controls must be put in place. Tightly integrated, comprehensive systems work to control document access and revisions across the enterprise from within a single, centralized department.