Bold Laser Automation has introduced the 3DS0948TS First Article Measurement Platform, an automated system that scans precision cylindrical parts for first article inspection (FAI). The turnkey unit pairs a Keyence LJ-X8000 Series 2D/3D laser profiler with Bold's patent-pending V-Cascade Rotary Indexing Fixture. Its main target is patterned stainless-steel tubes used in medical device manufacturing, though the company says it also handles similar cylindrical products. Bold says the combination holds part position and rotational accuracy while the profiler captures surface data, which supports repeatable measurement.
The fixture does the positioning work. It centers the part on its own and spreads loads across cascading V-grooves, which Bold says limits deflection and keeps rotation smooth and vibration-resistant. The company says this design improves alignment and repeatability throughout the inspection. Motorized indexing runs with 1-micron encoder feedback, and an automatic Z-axis focus adjustment accommodates different tube diameters.
For a quality engineer, the interest is in the workflow around the scan. The system automates the sequence from part loading through data collection and report generation, with integrated QA/QC reporting and barcode integration for traceability. Data can be stored locally or remotely for manufacturing analytics. Todd E. Lizotte, co-founder and CEO of Bold Laser Automation, said the platform "reduces the amount of manual inspection" and produces digital inspection records that can be used for quality and production analysis.
Bold describes the platform as modular and suited to both production floors and laboratories. It is built on an industrial aluminum superstructure, and its integrated controls are built to NFPA 79, OSHA, IEC, and ISO industrial standards.
