Bowman International, a renowned manufacturer and distributor of bearings as well as precision-engineered components, has made significant advancements in enhancing its quality control processes. The company’s unwavering dedication to a quality-first philosophy, accompanied by substantial investments in state-of-the-art technology, has played a crucial role in its successful growth within both domestic and international markets. Over the years, this commitment has translated into tangible improvements in their inspection capabilities and overall production efficiency.
Strategic Investment in Advanced Technology
In recent years, Bowman International has strategically invested in the latest technology to bolster its inspection capabilities. A pivotal acquisition in this journey is the new coordinate measuring machine (CMM) from LK Metrology, designed to address the limitations of the previous CMM. The former machine, acquired back in 2016, was unable to keep pace with the increasing workload and had basic, time-consuming reporting processes. Recognizing the need for an upgraded solution, Bowman’s quality manager Owen White and Managing Director Paul Mitchell assessed potential replacements from five different sources.
After meticulous evaluation and observation of metrology trials at LK Metrology’s factory, the team opted for the LK Altera 10.7.5 model. The superior performance demonstrated during these trials showcased the machine’s exceptional capabilities. This strategic decision not only promises a significant boost in inspection efficiency but also ensures more robust and advanced reporting processes, aligning with Bowman’s commitment to excellence in quality control.
Enhancing Inspection Capabilities
The introduction of the new CMM has markedly improved Bowman International’s inspection processes, especially for those bearings that are manufactured in-house. These products necessitate extensive checks to ensure consistency, consuming a substantial portion of CMM capacity. Capability studies and the 100% inspection of safety-critical bearings exemplify the high precision required. This shift was imperative to maintain the quality and integrity of critical components, ensuring they meet rigorous industry standards.
To accommodate the new CMM, Bowman revamped their quality control room. This upgrade involved installing an air conditioning unit to maintain a stable temperature environment, crucial for accurate measurements. Additionally, the CMM’s accuracy is verified daily using a UKAS calibrated ring gauge. The meticulous positioning of samples on a granite table, equipped with laser-cut retainers and an adapted lathe chuck, further underscores the company’s commitment to precision. These changes collectively contribute to a more reliable and efficient inspection process.
Advanced Features and Efficiency Gains
A significant upgrade in the new CMM is the implementation of scanning probes along with conventional touch-trigger probes. The Altera is equipped with an SP25M scanning probe, alongside a range of conventional probes, all mounted on a P#0M Plus motorized indexing head. This innovative setup, combined with LK Metrology’s CAMIO 2024 R1 multi-sensor software, allows for tactile scanning and sophisticated data analysis. The new system’s ability to capture over 100 points on a 20 mm diameter bearing in a shorter time compared to the previous 12-point measurement setup highlights the efficiency gains.
This comprehensive data collection enables Bowman International to improve the accuracy and understanding of the part’s form. These enhancements lead to more efficient and reliable quality control processes, aligning with the company’s quality-first philosophy. The detailed capabilities of the CMM ensure that every product meets the stringent quality standards that Bowman International is known for, thus fostering trust and reliability among its clients.
Integration of 3D Printing and Future Potential
Bowman International has also embraced 3D printing technology, integrating two Hewlett-Packard plastic 3D printing machines installed on site. These printers serve not only as an additive manufacturing bureau service but also aid internal parts production. Considering the potential to incorporate a laser scanning sensor into the metrology system, facilitated by the indexing head and software, would provide significant advantages, particularly for inspecting complex parts produced by these 3D printers.
The overall impact of the new CMM on Bowman’s quality control activities cannot be overstated. Enhancements across the process chain, from ID/OD checking to verification of concentricity, circularity, flatness, and feature position, have been notable. Programming in CAMIO is now significantly faster and measuring cycles have become shorter, fostering quicker and more efficient inspection processes. These improvements collectively ensure that Bowman International remains at the forefront of quality in bearing and precision component production.
Training and Support
Bowman International, a well-known manufacturer and distributor of bearings and precision-engineered components, has achieved notable progress in enhancing its quality control processes. The company’s steadfast dedication to a quality-first approach, combined with significant investments in cutting-edge technology, has been instrumental in its successful expansion in both domestic and international markets. This commitment over the years has led to substantial improvements in their inspection capabilities and overall production efficiency. The adoption of advanced technologies has allowed Bowman International to refine its inspection methods, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards of quality and reliability. This emphasis on quality is evident in the meticulous care taken during every step of the manufacturing process, from initial design to final production. By prioritizing quality and investing in state-of-the-art technologies, Bowman International has positioned itself as a leader in the industry, continually setting new benchmarks for performance and reliability both at home and abroad.
