17 May 2010
Compact cameras survive the elements
With several company-owned facilities and a network of global suppliers, Boeing Research and Technology is responsible for the implementation of advanced machining technology for commercial airplanes. Conditions inside the machines are brutal - cutters are bombarded with coolant, and chips from the titanium and aluminum parts fly at high velocities. These hazardous environments limit engineers' visibility of the machining processes - forcing them to speculate causes of problems when they arose. The company sought a way to monitor processes for improvement opportunities and to enhance efficiency by more accurately identifying the causes of parts issues when they happen.
Problem: Extreme conditions impede monitoring of machining processes
| Images from the CCTV help engineers quickly pinpoint problem areas in the machine control programme |
With several company-owned facilities and a network of global suppliers, Boeing Research and Technology is responsible for the implementation of advanced machining technology for commercial airplanes. Conditions inside the machines are brutal - cutters are bombarded with coolant, and chips from the titanium and aluminum parts fly at high velocities. These hazardous environments limit engineers' visibility of the machining processes - forcing them to speculate causes of problems when they arose. The company sought a way to monitor processes for improvement opportunities and to enhance efficiency by more accurately identifying the causes of parts issues when they happen.
Problem: Extreme conditions impede monitoring of machining processes
- Machining titanium and aluminum parts produces extremely harsh, wet environments
- Inability to observe machining processes resulted in imprecise diagnosis of problems
- Conditions unfit for people make monitoring through CCTV equipment essential.
- Rugged NEMA 4X rated enclosure protects against ingress of liquid and prevents corrosion from harsh chemicals
- Tough design is strong enough to withstand flying debris
- NEC Class I, Division 1 certification assures safe operation in hazardous locations
- Compact size allows for effective surveillance in tight spaces
- Precision optics delivers outstanding video imaging
Solution: Bosch's EX70 withstands brutal surroundings
Results: Improved machining processes
- Cameras record processes inside machines and operator consoles
- Images captured help engineers quickly pinpoint problem areas in the machine control programme
- Cameras installed at company and supplier facilities help improve the quality of parts when a problem exists