The future of metrology: Big data & small machines

The company will be exhibiting its range of metrology and force measurement solutions, along with a selection of precision hand tools.With over 900 international exhibitors from 32 countries and a predicted 25,000 visitors, Control is widely regarded as the world's leading trade fair in the industrial quality assurance sector. Hosting a range of speakers and presentations, the fair is a great networking opportunity for OEMs, retailers, and distributors.

Starrett will be exhibiting its range of profile projectors, video measurement and force measurement machines that have been designed to provide reliable and quality measurement for a variety of applications as well as offering the ability to utilise a big data approach.

"Big data is changing the way the world around us functions, so metrology and measurement should be no different," explained John Cove, Marketing Manager, Starrett. "One of the unique things about our force measurement machines, apart from reliable rigid granite bases and graphical reporting capabilities, is the software we have developed, which saves engineers a lot of time and effort on the plant floor.

"Instead of performing individual test routines one at a time, our software simultaneously collects measurements and tests to provide wide ranging data that can be analysed and interrogated retrospectively – the big data way of working. Not only is this more effective from a time management perspective, it also increases accuracy levels. Compared to other metrology software on the market, our system is not proprietary, running on Microsoft Windows, making it easier than ever to network and export data."

In response to feedback from Starrett’s distribution network, which demonstrated demand for smaller force measurement machines, the company will also be helping distributors visiting their stand at Control to specify more adequately sized machines for their customers. Not all applications require machines designed for force measurement in the hundreds of kilonewtons, so Starrett hopes to raise awareness across the value chain that there are more cost effective, smaller units available.

The metrology expert is also looking to take advantage of the platform this exhibition offers to expand its distribution network, seeking to connect with distributors in sectors and regions that the company is not currently serving. To this end, technical specialists will be available on the stand throughout the show to offer in-depth demonstrations and practical insights into equipment and industry trends.

Starrett will be exhibiting at Control between April 26-29^th, 2016 on stand 1940 in hall 1 of Messe Stuttgart.