Rodwell Powell, a precision machining business for manufacturers supplying aerospace, defense, marine, construction, and other industries, in Basildon, England, invested almost $340,000 in a comprehensive renovation of its product inspection capabilities, the centerpiece of which is two new LK Metrology coordinate measuring machines (CMM.) They are performing with high levels of accuracy and efficiency in support of the shop’s increasingly complex quality control requirements for clients that include Rolls-Royce Aerospace and Caterpillar.
In business for over 80 years, Rodwell Powell recently manufactured some axle systems for a project restoring Spitfire aircraft – work that demand a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques, qualities also evident in its production of high-precision components for Rolls-Royce jet engines, Caterpillar heavy machinery, and other OEM equipment.
It was the growing complexity and size of components that prompted Rodwell Powell to review its inspection department's capabilities. That transformation saw installation of two next-generation LK Metrology Altera C CMMs, enabling the shop to handle inspection of larger, more intricate parts with greater accuracy and efficiency.
The scope of the investment in QC called for creating an ultra-modern environment featuring a newly designed, naturally lit inspection room to enhance inspector focus and comfort. Improved LED lighting and ceiling enhancements ensure optimal visibility for precise measurements. Ergonomic workstations and inspection desks further optimize efficiency.
By providing inspectors with the best possible tools and working conditions, Rodwell Powell is ensuring the highest QC standards. This has been reinforced by its recruitment of an experienced senior quality inspector, who was immediately enrolled onto LK Metrology’s advanced CMM training program. To maximize the potential of the new technology, the rest of the inspection team has also undergone comprehensive training, having completed an intensive, week-long course presented by LK Metrology in Castle Donington, England.
One of the new CMMs is an LK Altera C 10.7.5 equipped with a Renishaw PH10M Plus motorized indexing head, deploying an SP25M probe with an SH25-2 stylus holder. This system can perform scanning for form measurement and reverse engineering as well as touch-trigger probing for accurate geometrical measurements.
Also featured is a 6-port stylus change rack that makes possible unattended completion of complex inspection routines.
The second CMM is a smaller LK Altera C 7.7.5 with PH10M Plus and SH25-2, additionally equipped with a Renishaw TM25-20 touch-trigger probe module. This allows the shop to continue using legacy CMM Manager software alongside LK's latest CAMIO 2024 R2. The latter is CAD-based metrology software underpinning the use of multiple sensors, intuitive programming, simulation and execution, results analysis, advanced GD&T, powerful reporting, and automation. Both CMMs are driven by LK's NMC300 controller, which supports an array of probing systems and sensors and is automation-ready for integration into modern manufacturing environments.
"Our investment in LK Metrology’s cutting-edge CMM technology is a game-changer for us,” explained managing director Andrew Rodwell. “Not only does it reinforce our capabilities in aerospace and defense engineering, but it also ensures that we continue to meet and exceed the highest industry standards. The CMMs allow for increased accuracy, greater throughput and reduced lead times, reinforcing our reputation for uncompromising quality in these highly demanding industries."
The shop’s CMM quality inspector Brandon Sanders added: "With larger and more complex components being manufactured these days, our enhanced inspection capabilities will be critical in maintaining absolute precision for Rolls-Royce, Caterpillar and our Spitfire restoration partners."
LK was selected to provide the new CMMs after careful assessment by the Rodwell Powell quality team, which credited the supplier's UK-based manufacturing and technical support for its choice in new CMM equipment, along with the advanced scanning technology and seamless software integration, plus the ability to provide operator training to ensure maximum efficiency.
The close collaboration between the two companies will ensure smooth implementation of the new technology and ongoing support.
LK is providing not only operator training but also a trial license for Camio Offline, a virtual CMM environment allowing users to create, simulate and optimize inspection programs on a computer, without needing to tie up the physical CMM, thus maximizing machine uptime and streamlining the programming process.
Committed to developing the skills of future generations of engineers, Rodwell Powell has donated its previous LK Integra 6.5.4 CMM to a local training facility in order to provide aspiring engineers with hands-on experience using world-class metrology equipment. This initiative reflects a dedication to supporting education and ensuring that future engineers have access to modern measurement and inspection technology.