Global turbine service provider Alba Power has invested in ground-breaking new technology that will pass on cost savings to clients and partners with the addition of the Faro-Arm to its base in Scotland.
The robotic installation, which acts as a portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM), allows easy verification of product quality by performing ground-breaking 3-D inspections, tool certifications, CAD comparison, dimensional analysis, reverse engineering and more.
The hi-tech tool will be used to support the inspection team on site in Aberdeenshire and will offer further support services to Alba Power customers worldwide.
As an efficient, stress free and all-in-one machine, the FaroArm reduces the need for many hand tools, and provides accurate measurements with the ability to measure almost anything with the hard-touch probe or the laser scanner.
The intelligent and user-friendly tool can also create custom programs and input tolerances so that when specific components are measured, the software will generate PASS or FAIL reports.
Since implementing the machine in Aberdeenshire, the FaroArm has already saved an average of £32.5K per year with 75% less time spent on the dimensional aspects of inspection.
Set up in 1997 by Managing Director Terry Alderton, Alba Power is based in Netherley, Aberdeenshire and operates overseas bases in Houston and North Carolina, USA.
Chris Field, Production Manager, explained, “We decided to look for a measuring technology that would both enhance our accuracy capability and further increase our inspection throughput speed and have been delighted with the results of the FaroArm.”
“Following an intense training period, our team of inspectors were able to quickly understand the FaroArm’s uses. All are now extremely proficient in the FaroArm’s use and we have seen it continue to add value and quality to our work on a day-to-day basis, allowing us to maximise efficiencies and improve processes.”
This cost saving has been further supported by investment in a new machinery shop. Having previously outsourced any repair and development of special tooling parts, the new onsite machinery includes a Colchester VS 2500 centre lathe, a Jacobson Surface Grinder, a Bridgeport Milling Machine and a J Archdale Radial Arm Drill.
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