Every so often I return to the subject of quality check. The question I’d like to ask you today is this: have you ever wondered whether it’s better to invest in a specific purpose machine or in a flexible use machine? I do and that’s why I decided to dedicate a post to the subject, not least because – as is often the case when discussing the mechanical industry – the answer is never black or white. But let’s start at the beginning…
Generally the aim of the entrepreneur that has to invest in machinery and technologies is always to do so in flexible instruments, i.e. in those able to perform more than one function. In relation, therefore, to quality control, we mean a hybrid device, i.e. one that is able to take measurements using both optical technology (which measures the workpiece through focusing of the various parts) and contact technology that, using a probe, touches the various points of the piece, thus obtaining from it the actual dimensions.
There are some cases – and precision micromechanics is one of these – in which the measuring machines used are so sophisticated that it is difficult to compromise on them. That’s why I would say that I am somewhat critical of hybrid devices.
Let me explain what I mean. On the one side, flexible instrumentation can be an advantage because – as you can imagine – with just the one machine it is possible to perform both types of measurement. This becomes essential when dealing with certain mechanical parts characterised both by extremely small dimensions, where it would be better to measure optically, and by larger dimensions where instead it would be better to perform measurements using contact technology. In cases such as these a hybrid device represents a saving not only in terms of the cost of the equipment itself but also in relation to the dedicated specialist personnel. On the other hand, however, this choice is also accompanied by certain limitations that cannot be ignored; by this I mean primarily dimensional ones.
This is also the reason why the most important manufacturers tend to make machines dedicated to one technology or the other, allowing themselves the option, however – for almost primarily commercial purposes – of also selling hybrid equipment.
So, returning to the original question: is it better to invest in a specific purpose machine or in a flexible use machine?
For me quality is important and mustn’t be compromised and therefore I would be more inclined to choose a machine that is able to reach the highest operational level possible. On the subject therefore of quality control, I think it is better to opt for specific purpose equipment.
But this is a highly personal opinion. Therefore I would ask you the same question: a specific purpose machine or a flexible use machine for quality control?
