Mahr Federal is now offering its MarCom Professional metrology software version 5.2 as a free download from Mahr's website. MarCom 5.2 is a full-featured metrology software interface for connecting measuring instruments by cable or wireless. It enables direct transfer of measured values into MS Excel, SPC software, or text file, and can manage signals from up to 32 measuring instruments connected by wireless and 128 connected via cables using USB.

"Taking measurements on the shop floor and transmitting them wirelessly speeds up the quality assurance process," said George Schuetz, Mahr Federal director, precision gages. "When measuring on the machine or on larger workpieces, for example, there is no need to run troublesome cables. This speeds setup and provides more efficient data processing, especially for quality control in production or incoming goods."

Wireless data transmission also simplifies the recording and documenting process, especially in the networked factory of Industry 4.0. By pressing a button on the instrument or using a keyboard command, timer, remote control or foot switch, acquired data is sent from the gage to an i-stick radio receiver plugged into the USB port of a computer. Each i-stick can receive data from up to 8 gages using "Integrated Wireless." For those measuring instruments that do not have an "Integrated Wireless" interface, Mahr can add an external transmission module.

MarCom Pro 5.2 software enables fast and easy setup of measuring stations with wireless data transfer to the PC. The MarCom cell control is highly flexible. Measured values from connected devices can be automatically transferred into separate Excel columns, tables, or files ensuring the reliability of measurement data documentation. At the same time, the MarCom software ensures that readings can be passed on through an integrated virtual interface box to an SPC/CAQ software such as Q-DAS or Babtec.

Wireless data transmission capability is now integrated into Mahr Federal's families of MarCal digital calipers and MarCator digital indicators, using proven wireless technology. In addition, Mahr Federal's broad line of mechanical comparative gages can now be upgraded for wireless data transmission with the addition of a MarCator 1086 or 1087 wireless digital indicator. The line includes a wide array of snap gages, ID and OD gages, fixed and adjustable bore gages, as well as depth and comparator stands. The addition of wireless digital indicators makes these gages faster and more productive than ever before.

Mechanical comparative gages from Mahr Federal have been in machine shops and high production facilities for more than a century. With MarConnect integrated wireless transmitters, MarCator 1086 and 1087 digital indicators can help speed part inspection times, reduce the complexity of data collection, and improve the quality control process. And since i-stick receivers are so inexpensive, it's now possible to add a receiver to every workstation in the shop.