Article supplied by RGC Engineering
RGC Engineering has been a beacon of innovation in providing quality solutions and equipment for Dimensional and Non-destructive testing and Tooling for the South African manufacturing engineering landscape since its inception in 1960.
Originally established as a precision engineering manufacturing company, RGC Engineering has evolved into a leading Precision Metrology and Inspection Equipment provider.
Over the decades, we have not only grown but also solidified our position in the industry through strategic partnerships with industry giants such as Mitutoyo, Marposs and GOM, now Zeiss GOM Metrology. These partnerships are a testament to our unwavering commitment to our core values: Quality, Precision, Efficiency, Service and Expertise, and they have significantly contributed to our ability to provide top-notch solutions and equipment.
Our mission is not just about providing quality solutions for the manufacturing sectors in South Africa. It’s about empowering our workforce through education and training, both for our personnel and customers, on the use of advanced inspection systems. At RGC Engineering, we believe that investing in the best and most efficient technology is not enough. We also invest in our people, because we know that they are the key to achieving our goals and maintaining our commitment to excellence.
Zeiss GOM Metrology – ScanBox 5130: Revolutionizing Automated Inspection
The ScanBox 5130 is a game-changer in automated inspection and digitization. Designed to handle complex parts such as hang-on parts, assemblies, and airfoils, the ScanBox 5130 stands out as an all-in-one solution. It optimizes series inspection and provides full-field measuring results for CAD comparison in record time. This capability is crucial for visualizing deviations from GD&T standards accelerating production, maintenance and repair processes.
One of the standout features of the ScanBox 5130 is its ability to operate autonomously. This feature significantly increases machine utilization, reduces measuring cycles and allows our clients to obtain quicker and better results, allowing them to deploy their staff more efficiently. The ScanBox 5130 is not just a tool but a vital component that enhances productivity and ensures precision in every measurement.
GOM Scan 1: Compact Precision with Advanced Technology
The GOM Scan 1 from Zeiss GOM Metrology is a testament to how advanced technology can be packaged into a compact and robust design. Featuring Blue Light Technology and the stereo camera principle, the GOM Scan 1 delivers exact 3D data, making it indispensable for quality control.
The lightweight solution allows you to capture 3D data intuitively. Easy to operate, GOM Scan 1 is the specialist for simple and fast measurements of small to medium-sized parts – even in confined spaces. This synergy ensures that quality control is not only precise but also efficient. The GOM Scan 1’s advanced capabilities and user-friendly design make it a perfect fit for R&D, enabling reverse engineering of parts with remarkable accuracy.
Mitutoyo Solutions: LH600F, MiSTAR 555, and Measurlink Software
Mitutoyo LH600F: The LH600F height gauge is an advanced tool offering easy operation through a keypad and touchscreen navigation, making it suitable even for beginners. It boasts a best-in-class accuracy of ± (1.1+0.6L/600) μm. The LH600F is used for various measurements, including 2D and perpendicularity measurements, with enhanced data output functions that simplify measurement data management. The contextual guidance on the large-screen touch panel supports operators, ensuring they understand each step in the measurement sequence, making it easy to obtain accurate and repeatable measurements.
Mitutoyo MiSTAR 555: The MiSTAR 555 is a cornerstone of our precision inspection capabilities. Known as the shop-floor CMM, it can be used next to or even on the production line. The MiSTAR 555 combines inline and near-line precision measurements with easy usability, unprecedented versatility, and a space-saving design. Its three-sided open architecture simplifies moving workpieces on and off the measuring table, reducing operator workload and enhancing efficiency.
Mitutoyo Measurlink Software: Coupled with Measurlink software from Mitutoyo, we have transformed our data management and analysis processes. Measurlink supports real-time data collection with live SPC charts to alert operators and additional analysis tools and reports for quality control and operations. Its customizable interface allows for the addition of photos and videos, guiding operators on specific measurements. Designed with Industry 4.0 and Smart Factory in mind, Measurlink provides the scalability and interoperability needed in today’s factories.
Marposs Inline Inspection Equipment: Ensuring Real-Time Quality Control
At RGC Engineering, real-time quality control is paramount, and Marposs’ inline inspection equipment plays a critical role in achieving this. Marposs offers various inspection equipment for industrial inline, next-to-line, or during-production analysis. Currently, the M1 Star gauges are the most used equipment for internal bore diameter measurement. Coupled with the Merlin gauge computer, measurements can be seen directly, and the part can be evaluated and processed on the spot.
The Marposs M1 Star gauges, with the Merlin gauge computers, are widely used in the automotive industry to measure the finest tolerance bore diameters. These probes provide real-time dimensional feedback while simultaneously machining the part. The probes also enable parts to be marked correct or incorrect on the spot before they move to the next production stage.
Integration and Future Vision
Each piece of equipment has its own role in inspection, but when combined, they enable a comprehensive overview of the production process from start to finish. At RGC Engineering, we strive to help customers achieve the best quality end products by training their operators or inspectors on using the instruments or helping them set up a metrology inspection area. Our new building renovations include a state-of-the-art metrology, training, and inspection area, complete with the ScanBox 5130, Mitutoyo Crysta Apex models, and the Mitutoyo MiSTAR 555, alongside all Zeiss GOM scanning systems and Marposs gauges.
RGC Engineering is not just about providing cutting-edge equipment and solutions. We are also about building a brighter future for the industry. That’s why we are in the process of establishing a training institute where Inspection Instrument Operators and Metrologists can enrol in training to use their tools and understand their measurements thoroughly. This initiative is a clear demonstration of our commitment to improving workforce skills and maintaining high-quality standards in production, and we are confident that it will contribute significantly to the industry’s growth and development.
In conclusion, RGC Engineering remains dedicated to advancing the quality standards of production in South Africa. Through our strategic partnerships and unwavering commitment to innovation, we are excited to continue leading the way in precision engineering and inspection.
For more information, please contact RGC Engineering – Tel: 011 887-0800.
