Mechanical Technology January 2015

⎪ Computer-aided engineering ⎪

present, nor may male viewers assess a scan of a female employee, and vice versa. The P2000 X-Ray has a number of safeguards and intelligent alerts that facilitate this process, increasing ef- ficiency, introducing greater rigour, and limiting wastage. The P2000 X-Ray, via a tamper proof algorithm hard coded into the system, selects employees at random for scan- ning. To prevent overexposure to radia- tion, the P2000 access control solution interrogates the client’s SQL database system to check previous exposure of individuals. The algorithm then as- sesses the amount of checks required through the rest of the defined period (e.g., per annum), assesses related data and makes a decision whether to scan the individual or to do a dummy scan. Process and X-ray information across multiple machines and multiple sites is synchronised daily, ensuring security staff and the system are basing deci- sions on accurate information. It also makes use of data from access control and CCTV systems (including video analytics) to identify anomalies (e.g., objects dragged or workers en- tering unauthorised areas) to target potential high-risk incidents, groups or individuals. In addition, all system decisions and errors, and actions by users (operators, viewers, supervisors and related security staff) are logged and reviewed to ensure security policy is being correctly implemented. The solution offers a number of functions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the process. Viewer stations, which are remote from the X-Ray area and booths to prevent col- lusion, may be allocated male or female viewers and this is noted in real-time by the system. The system will check if a supervisor and viewer of the correct gender are present before allowing a scan to be done. This prevents unneces- sary radiation exposure and increases process efficiencies. In terms of management, all X-ray machines can be managed from any viewing station, or a collated view can be obtained using pre-defined reports to manage X-ray performance. The reports incorporate KPIs and present them in graphical formats for easy com- prehension. KPIs may include operator interventions per 100 scans, dummy scans as a percentage of total scans, up-time of the machine, and average

2 nd -generation RepRapPro now available in SA R S Components (RS) has announced availability of the new version of the RepRapPro Ormerod 2 3D

printer, which offers extensive versatility and functionality in an easy-to-assemble kit. 3D printing enables electronic and mechanical engineers to quickly and easily realise early design concepts by creating fast-turnaround prototypes, potentially saving months in the product design cycle. The RepRapPro Ormerod 2 is an open source, single-colour low-cost 3D printing machine and one of the most versatile 3D printers available. It is easy to expand in functionality, fast to replicate and fast to assemble. All the RepRapPro printers, including previous machines such as the Ormerod and Mendel, are capable of self- replicating their own plastic components. The Ormerod 2 brings several advantages compared to its predecessor, including simpler and more integrated assembly with improved instructions and wiring looms for simple plug-in connection – and no solder- ing is necessary. The design offers much easier adjust- ment of the bed level; improved y-axis belt location and retention delivers easier adjustment of belt tension; and a new bed probe now features a four-wire differential device that provides much easier access to the extruder for cleaning purposes. In addi- tion, the power supply is now a 100‑240 V worldwide input power supply and is a dedicated 12 V supply, rather than being an adapted supply, which is more compact with its integration into the machine with no trailing wires. EMI emissions have also

been reduced, resulting from a fully shielded design that meets the Class A CE mark. Specifications of the Ormerod 2 printer include: build volume and speed of 200×200×200 mm and 1 800 mm/min, respectively; a deposition rate of 33 cm 3 per hour; accuracy and layer resolution of 100 µ m and 10 µ m, respectively; and the ability to print using either PLA or ABS thermoplastic materials. The open-source software designed to run the machine is fully compatible with the original Ormerod printer and will run on a relatively low- powered computer running Windows, Linux/Ubuntu or Mac OS. Like the first Ormerod, the Ormerod 2 uses the FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) process, which can build 3D objects in a range of plastics and also in a variety of colours. The price? Roughly R10 000, depending on the exchange rate. q The fully assembled RepRapPro Ormerod 2 3D printer, now available in kit form in South Africa from RS Components (RS), offers build volume and speed of 200×200×200 mm and 1 800 mm/min, respectively; accuracy of 100 µm and layer resolution of 10 µm.

to security staff conducting physical body searches where to look for illegal items. This is a great improvement on having to blindly do a full search. A further refinement – currently under development – is auto detection of materials of a specific density (gold, platinum, etc.) via the scans. The software is modular, so can cater to the needs of different types of organisations using different processes, and security software. The P2000 X-Ray interfaces with a number of X-ray machines and Johnson Controls will continue to collaborate with equipment manufacturers to integrate their brands. The full P2000 X-Ray suite can be implemented or the user can select to only make use of dose control function- ality. Remote image management can be specified, as can the number of X-ray machines and booths. q

dose measured per scan. Viewers assess the scans and will indicate whether a physical search is required. The P2000 X-Ray software system gives security personnel new tools to improve their ability to detect anomalies. Reference scans are done on every new employee to identify any metal in the body – e.g., fillings or in- ternal metallic surgical supports. The P2000 X-Ray system enables viewers to compare new scans to these scans to identify any new materials in or on the body. In addition, simple features, like the ability to zoom in or switch to an in- version of the scan, have been added to allow the viewer to more closely inspect details. Special filters adopted from the medical radiological industry are used to identify anomalies inside the body so that advanced image processing can be done. This enables viewers to indicate

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