Can Automation Save American Manufacturing?
In the latest episode of our podcast, Innovating the Industrial World, Cross CEO John King sits down with former Automation Group President Lynn Crump to discuss challenges facing manufacturing plants in America as they compete to stay in business.
Discover how automation and collaborative robots are future-proofing jobs and driving innovation in the manufacturing industry. From addressing labor shortages, misconceptions of robots, strengthening the economy, and much more, don’t miss out on this insightful episode as we talk about paving the way for a more resilient manufacturing sector in the U.S.
Legal-for-Trade Scales: Are Yours Meeting All the Requirements?
Any scale which is used for commercial transactions, where products are bought and sold based on weight, must be legal-for-trade. But what does legal-for-trade really mean? And how can you make sure that your scale is compliant?
In the United States, Handbook 44 outlines the requirements for legal for trade scales. When a scale meets the standards set by Handbook 44, it ensures that the scale is capable of providing accurate and consistent measurements repeatedly. In turn, this prevents disputes and ensures fairness in transactional situations.
All legal-for-trade scales must be clearly marked with a sticker, metal plate, or alternate form of identification displaying that the scale is NTEP approved. If the scale is not appropriately marked, it is not considered legal-for-trade and cannot be used in commercial transactions involving weight.
One other requirement for being trade approved is that the scale has been inspected by a calibration service provider for the requirements of HB44. They then submit paperwork to the State Weights and Measures department, although the state reserves the option to retest the scale to verify accuracy.
What's New at Cross
Measure X Tips and Tricks Video Series
Measure-X metrology software from Cross partner OGP is the powerful, yet easy-to-use software on OGP’s OGP’s Smartscope E Series and StarLite video systems, C-Vision optical comparators and SNAP Large Field of View video systems. From fast walk-up measurements to robust multisensor routines, Measure-X’s flexibility is unmatched.
In his latest video series, Product Specialist Chris Johnson shares his tips and tricks to get the most out of Measure-X in a production environment
Using ZONE3 from OGP? Chris also has an excellent series of tips and tricks for that software too!
Did you know?
Understanding Traceability and Calibration Uncertainties in ISO 9001
Section 7.1.5.2a of ISO 9001:2015 focuses specifically on the importance of performing calibrations and verifications of measuring instruments against standards that are traceable to national or international standards. While these are certainly important, it’s also important to understand two critical concepts and how they relate to this requirement: traceability and uncertainties. Both of these principles are vital to ensure the accuracy and reliability of calibrations or measurements, making them fundamental to quality management systems like ISO 9001.
Traceability refers to the property of a measurement result allowing it to be connected to a reference standard through a well-documented and unbroken chain of calibrations. This continuous chain ensures that each step in the process is able to be traced back to a recognized and consistent standard. According to ISO 9001:2015, section 7.1.5.2a, organizations must ensure that calibration is performed against standards traceable to recognized measurement systems. If no such standard exists, the basis for calibration must be documented.
Uncertainties are parameters characterizing the range of values that could reasonably be attributed to the quantity being measured (referred to as the measurand). To put it simply, uncertainties ask “How far off could we be in our measurements?” This concept is central to the accuracy of any measurement system. ISO 9001 requires measurement to be traceable utilizing calibrated devices. Calibration, as defined by the measurement community, includes quantifying the measurement uncertainty.
Calibration Provider Not Getting Your Equipment Back Fast Enough?
Calibration is an essential part of compliance in the consumer products industries, almost a cost of doing business. But if your calibration provider isn’t getting your equipment back to you in a timely manner, you have the extra cost of purchasing and maintaining spare equipment while it’s out.
Cross Precision Measurement is a full service, ISO 17025-accredited calibration provider with twenty labs across the Southeast and Midwest, including our newest labs in Atlanta and Charleston. We are accredited in over 150 different parameters and can perform NIST-traceable calibration on literally thousands of types of equipment. Critically, 90% of the equipment we calibrate is turned around in 7 days or less.
Don’t carry the cost of spare equipment because your calibration provider is too slow. See how Cross Precision Measurement can help!
Cross Provides Tangible Value for You
Improve Efficiency
Tired of your freight bill not being accurate due to charge backs? Getting dinged with non-compliance fees by your carrier? An iDimensioning system from Cross Partner Rice Lake may be the answer! This system integrates a 5×5 ft floor scale with a 5,000 lb capacity and advanced dimensioning technology, ensuring accurate weight and dimensional data in under two seconds.
With a high resolution camera and simple network interface, package weight, dimensions and an image can be sent directly to your ERP or shipping system to improve your efficiency and ensure accurate billing.
Improve Efficiency
Need precision measurement on your production floor? Consider the FREEDOM arm from Cross partner LK Metrology. Choose from three models and levels of accuracy which best suits your application.
All models are completely portable with wireless connectivity and battery power. They’re lightweight, with the largest model weighing less than 25 pounds, with infinite rotation and zero-G counterbalance to reduce user fatigue while maintaining accuracy.
Improve Efficiency
7th axis robot transfer units (RTUs) are becoming essential for expanded reach and flexibility for robotic systems. Cross partner Bell Everman’s ServoBelt™ Linear Drive supports multiple, independently controlled carriages to operate multiple robots on the same motion axis, enhancing productivity and flexibility.
The system also supports unlimited travel lengths, making it possible to design long RTU axes that accommodate several robots working simultaneously. Built using standard, off-the-shelf components, these RTUs minimize costs and meet aggressive lead times without the complexity and expense of custom solutions.
