Success in contract measuring requires being able to program quickly and having equipment that can run parts with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability, according to Mohamed Abdelhafiz, founder of Dimensional Measurement, Inc. With over 20 years of experience in the metrology, quality, and measurement areas, he knows that "when you can provide high-quality dimensional service at a competitive value, understand the inherent degrees of accuracy of the different types of equipment, and supply the scheduling and timing required to meet the customer's requirements, you have mastered the fundamentals of CMM measuring."

When he started his own company, he needed a CMM equipment supplier that could quickly deliver a complete solution and provide a level of service that would enable him to get his new company up and running quickly. Xspect Solutions, Inc, headquartered in Wixom, MI, was selected, for a variety of reasons.

"With Xspect Solutions we were able to get the best of both worlds," says Abdelhafiz, shown here with a Wenzel machine. "We had the access to a wide variety of rebuilt and remanufactured equipment, the high quality and availability of new Wenzel measuring centers, and direct access to the programming specialists who originally developed OpenDMIS™ software."

"Dimensional Measurement, Inc presented a unique opportunity for us," says Keith Mills, president of Xspect Solutions. "Because Mohamed Abdelhafiz is so experienced with metrology systems, CMMs, and the nuances of the available software, it was very easy to sit down and evaluate the level of business that he was going to pursue with respect to his equipment and software needs. Ultimately we provided four different types of CMM equipment . . . some new and some remanufactured and retrofitted with new OpenDMIS™ software."

The most significant capital expenditure was a new Wenzel LH8.10.7 (800 mm x 1,000 mm x 700 mm) with a Renishaw PH10M/TP200 probe and OpenDMIS™ software. Wenzel's LH series consists of six different machine sizes; the LH8.10.7 is designed to accommodate highly accurate measurement of small to medium size manufactured parts, typical of the business area that Dimensional Measurement targets. The machines are equipped with an air bearing guideway system in all axes to provide frictionless and wear-free operation. The X bridge and Z ram are manufactured of dark granite to achieve identical thermal behavior of all axes.

In addition, Xspect provided two remanufactured machines and an Xspect Solutions X-Centric video CMM to provide noncontact and probe measuring capability for small parts with intricate details. Since Dimensional Measurement's customer base includes the medical industry, this level of capability was necessary. The two other CMMs were a Sheffield RS150 and an IMS Impact machine.

"It's really the CMM software that gives a measuring service like ours the ability to react quickly," adds Abdelhafiz. "We are using two different software versions right now. . . . We prefer OpenDMIS™ for a number of reasons, and have that software on all the machines except the IMS Impact CMM. Ultimately all machines will run OpenDMIS™ because it takes the guesswork out of CMM programming by seamlessly integrating CAD data with the CMM programming and measurement process, providing us with a high level of power, precision, and productivity at the single click of the mouse." There are no confusing popup windows; the software incorporates dynamic, sensitive toolbars, action icons, and context-sensitive work areas. The view port remains freely visible at all times, maximizing operating efficiency.

"Xspect Solutions became a real partner in helping us establish our company," concludes Abdelhafiz. "We were particularly impressed with their overall knowledge, attention to detail, and understanding of our customers' needs and expectations. Today, our core services include broad measurement services for production and prototype parts for automotive OEMs and suppliers, medical manufacturers, and some manufacturers of consumer plastic parts. We also perform certification services for gages and fixtures as well as provide CMM programming and training. Xspect Solutions enabled us to get Dimensional Measurement up and running quickly, with the right CMMs and software, at a very reasonable startup cost."