Over the last decade, Hi-Spec Precision Engineering has experienced a period of remarkable growth. The business has invested in state-of-the-art machinery, and strengthened its position as a trusted supplier of high-precision components.
From its facility in Market Overton, Rutland, Hi-Spec manufactures complex parts for some of the most demanding industries in the world, including automotive, aerospace, and energy. Every component must meet the highest standards, making inspection a critical part of the business.
Seeking to further enhance its inspection capability and support its CNC turning centers, Hi-Spec made the decision to introduce the VICIVISION 614 Prima optical measurement machine.
Director Darren Grainger said: “We’ve always gone for the best machines we can buy on the shopfloor. So why would we not do the same with inspection? Inspection is a critical part of the business.”
Project Brief:
As the business grew, so too did the pressure on its inspection processes. Traditional methods such as handheld gauges and manual measurement were time-consuming and, in some cases, challenged by the increasing complexity of the parts Hi-Spec was producing.
The team was facing bottlenecks in checking intricate turned parts where manual methods required significant time per component. They wanted something more reliable so they knew for sure the data was correct, ensuring that every part leaving the factory met their rigorous quality standards.
At the same time, the demand for increased throughput meant that inspection had to keep pace with production. Meeting those expectations with manual technology was becoming increasingly difficult.
Darren said: “The VICIVISION has been a game changer for that. What used to take us 15 to 20 minutes to check manually is now done in a matter of seconds.”
The Solution:
When it came to finding the right solution, Hi-Spec looked for a system that offered ease of use, intuitive design, and speed of measurement on the shop floor. What stood out about the VICIVISION 614 Prima was its ability to bring lab-grade precision directly into the production environment.
The software quickly won over the quality team, including Quality Inspector Ben Pemberton.
“I think the VICIVISION is one of the most user-friendly machines I’ve ever used,” he said.
“The capability is amazing. Everyone can learn how to use it quickly; it’s just that easy.”
It wasn’t just ease of use that made the difference. The 614 Prima brought with it the ability to measure complex features in one cycle, transforming throughput. The team can now place a part, press a button, and receive a full set of measurements instantly, making it possible to check parts more frequently and with greater accuracy.
The Benefits:
Since integrating the VICIVISION into its processes, Hi-Spec has seen major improvements in both speed and consistency. Parts that once required a lengthy manual setup can now be inspected in seconds, and shopfloor staff are able to carry out checks with minimal training.
The implementation has effectively dismantled the inspection bottlenecks that once hindered production, resulting in a leaner, more fluid shopfloor environment.
Darren said: “It was all about ease of use for us, because we knew the inspector himself wouldn’t always have the time to use it. We needed people on the shopfloor to be able to use the machine as well. It’s saving us a lot of time.”
For the quality department, the biggest benefit has been the ability to guarantee repeatability across every job.
Ben said: “Repeatability is one of the key factors in our workplace. We want to make sure the first part and the 500th part are the same quality. The VICIVISION makes that possible and provides us with total confidence in what we’re making.”
Why VICIVISION UK?
For Hi-Spec, the technology was only one part of the story. The service and support provided by VICIVISION UK, part of the Carfulan Group, has been equally important.
The team noted that the support has been instant and professional, ensuring that the machine was integrated seamlessly into their daily workflow.
Looking back on the decision to invest, Darren sees it as a natural part of Hi-Spec’s commitment to quality.
“I would definitely recommend VICIVISION machines to any other engineering company,” he said. “They give you speed, accuracy, and the ability to provide customers with confidence. For us, it’s been a game changer.”