When Mohamed Abdelhafiz formed Dimensional Measurement Inc. (Wixom, MI), he knew the level of core measuring capability that was required to compete as a contract dimensional measurement service. Abdelhafiz has a master’s degree in science, ASQ CQE and CQA certifications, and has spent more than 20 years in the metrology, quality and measurement areas managing some of North America’s inspection shops.

“The key to success in contract measuring is to be able to program fast and have equipment that can run parts with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability,” says Abdelhafiz. “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 (coordinate measuring machine) measuring.”

When he decided to start Dimensional Measurement, Abdelhafiz looked for a CMM equipment supplier that could quickly deliver a complete solution and provide the service required to get his new company up and running. He chose Xspect Solutions Inc. (Wixom, MI) because of the access to a 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.

Keith Mills, president of Xspect Solutions says, “Dimensional Measurement Inc. presented a unique opportunity for us. Because 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 by 1,000 by 700 millimeters) with a Renishaw PHlOM/TP200 probe and OpenDMIS software. This CMM is one of Wenzel’s LH series that consists of six different machine sizes. The LH8.10.7 accommodates the accurate measurement of small- to medium-size manufactured parts, typical of the area -ofbusiness that Dimensional Measurement has focused their business strategy.

These types of machines are equipped with an air-bearing guideway system in all axes to provide frictionless and wearfree operation. The X bridge and Z ram are manufactured of dark granite to achieve identical thermal behavior of all axes.