Reliance Invest in Leading-Edge Surface Analysis System
13 January 2017
Reliance are the first UK company to purchase the SmartProof 5 system from German manufacturer Zeiss.
This latest leading-edge system was purchased to strengthen Reliance’s surface analysis and measurement capabilities in its Metrology department.Typically, Reliance’s Metrology & Inspection team had undertaken surface analysis testing using the traditional contacting stylus method. However, the physical touching of the stylus on the part being tested risked the surface becoming damaged in the process. As a consequence, for a number of key projects, where non-contact measurement was required, a rigorous visual inspection had to be undertaken. Recognising the limitations of this process, Reliance identified the need to investigate technologies that would enable them to accurately and effectively evaluate the texture of delicate parts and obtain visual representations to help evaluate any process defects.
After researching the market, the SmartProof 5 system from Zeiss was the system that stood out. As well as being highly efficient, highly accurate and easy to use, it was one of the few systems designed for use in a manufacturing production environment rather than a laboratory testing area.
Zeiss, recognising the learning they could gain from having their system installed in such a highly accurate manufacturing environment, testing a wide range of complex parts, proposed a collaborative purchasing agreement whereby Reliance provide monthly feedback on their use of the system. The experience and expertise provided by Reliance helping Zeiss in the future development of the system.
The SmartProof 5 system has enabled Reliance to characterise and quantify any process defects on critical surfaces, not just on existing projects, but also on new development work. The system enables Reliance to scan the surface optically (leaving no measurement marks) and evaluate the surface against required specifications. The software has allowed them to create templates to perform the analysis, almost fully automated, applying tolerances and providing 3D topographies for visual analysis.
In the context of Reliance measuring defects that are at a scale of 0.5µm to 3µm (microns) in depth, they believe the integration of the system in the manufacturing process will see a reduction in the rework of parts and a further improvement in the quality of the product, meaning Reliance’s customers can be reassured of the high precision nature of the parts they are purchasing.
Zeiss’ Industrial Field Sales Manager, Paul Ashton, comments “Reliance are a long standing customer of Zeiss and we were delighted when they enquired about the SmartProof 5 system. The variety of applications they are involved in, along with their specialist in-house knowledge and expertise, make them the ideal partner to feedback on the technology to help with future improvements and developments.”
Other Press Releases By This Company
- 15/03/2024 - Reliance Plays a Part in UK First
- 12/10/2023 - Reliance Placed 10th in Kirklees Top 100 Companies 2023/24 List
- 16/08/2023 - Reliance Precision Named as Top 50 UK SME Apprenticeship Employer 2023 – #4 in the Manufacturing Sector
- 17/04/2023 - Reliance Employees take on National Three Peaks Challenge
- 13/02/2023 - Reliance Host Apprenticeship Open Evening
- 12/01/2023 - Mayor of West Yorkshire Visits Reliance
- 14/11/2022 - Reliance to Exhibit at Precisiebeurs 2022
- 13/10/2022 - Reliance Invest in Automated Tool Dispensing System
- 13/05/2021 - Reliance’s Range of Linear Actuators
- 13/05/2021 - Reliance Support Project to Create World’s First Liquid Hydrogen Powered Aircraft
- 13/05/2021 - Reliance Change Surface Finish on Reli-a-Flex™ Couplings Range
- 24/09/2019 - Reliance Licence Additive Manufacturing Technology
- 12/06/2019 - Reliance Precision Appoint New Managing Director
- 12/06/2019 - Reliance Open New Life Science Assembly Facility
- 02/08/2018 - Reliance Launch New Miniature Actuator
- 30/05/2018 - Upcoming Life Sciences Events, Conferences and Exhibitions
- 30/05/2018 - Reliance Apprenticeship Accreditation from the IMechE
- 16/01/2018 - Reliance Invest in Leadscrew Inspection Technology
- 16/01/2018 - Reliance Strengthen Ultra High Accuracy Measurement Capabilities
- 02/11/2017 - Reliance Gain ISO 13485 Certification
- 17/10/2017 - Reliance Host Industry Insight Day
- 17/10/2017 - Reliance Welcomes 2017 Apprentices
- 17/10/2017 - Reliance to Exhibit at DSEI 2017
- 19/05/2017 - Apprentices Undertake Army Challenge
- 31/03/2017 - Reliance Success in UK Space Agency Competition
- 06/12/2016 - World’s First Robotic Assisted Eye Surgery
- 04/05/2016 - For New Product Development Meet Reliance at Analytica
- 05/04/2016 - Reliably Automating Blood and Stem Cell Banking
- 05/04/2016 - A UK-First In Gear Manufacturing Technology
- 25/11/2015 - Reliance Precision Appoints Business Manager Life Science
- 19/10/2015 - Apprentice Celebrations At Reliance Precision
- 16/03/2015 - Ventilation Screws from Reliance Precision
- 16/03/2015 - IMechE Accreditation For Reliance’s Apprenticeship Scheme
- 16/03/2015 - Reliance offers Linear Guides for High Load Applications
- 16/03/2015 - Reli-a-Flex® Couplings Survive ‘Robot Wars’
