The new model adds new features to the existing RONDCOM CREST, an instrument that measures roundness and cylindrical profiles at the world's highest level. RONDCOM CREST measures most kinds of axes and holes such as those in mechanical components. It uses a contact-type probe to check components such as bearings for accurate roundness, or holes to ensure they are not distorted or tilted internally even if their entrance is perfectly circular. The new FiANA adopts a non-contact probe that is extremely thin for measurement, making it possible to illuminate the interior face of extremely small holes with light and read the reflected data.
The ultimate level of positioning accuracy offered by RONDCOM CREST was the key element of the new model's development. This is because FiANA allows a 0.08 mm, ultra-fine probe the size of a strand of hair to be inserted in holes as small as 0.15 mm in diameter, which means measurement is not possible if the insertion position is displaced by even 0.02 mm.

A manufacturer of automobile engine parts approached us, seeking a way to ensure perfect roundness of tiny holes in a particular component in order to increase fuel efficiency. No method to measure internal details of such tiny holes existed until now, and I think the customer previously checked only what was visible through magnification or actually cut the workpiece to measure it with a contact-type measuring instrument.

There are many companies out there that excel at making tiny holes. However, there are hardly any that can accurately measure the internal precision of such holes. It's safe to say that such measurement isn't possible without FiANA. I don't think people even considered the possibility of measuring such small holes before, and they were resigned to the idea that it wasn't an option. It would be great to be able to find customers with such needs.

I'm sure there's a broad market out there, such as for medical devices, fiber optic communication, and semiconductors. Creating and measuring are two critical aspects of monozukuri (manufacturing). Repeating this cycle of creating and measuring can improve product performance and ultimately lead to breakthroughs. It would be a shame if innovation wasn't happening just because people gave up on making something because they assumed they didn't have a means of measuring it. I hope we can use ACCRETECH's technology to offer people like that a way to move forward.

In the future, I hope we can find a way to measure diameter as well.

When we were discussing how to align the hole and probe on the same axis, the conversation went in the direction of "wouldn't we be better off trying a new approach rather than the one we have now?" As project leader, deciding on such a change in direction is terrifying because you think about what would happen if it failed. But when I was having such concerns, Mr. Moriyama immediately presented me with logical data that ensured another method would work, helping me to reach a conclusion. As a result, the mechanism became simpler with easier customization. We were able to file many patent applications too, which was a relief.

When we brainstormed together, ideas would lead to more ideas, kind of like an improv game where we all tried to one-up each other. I can say with confidence that our team has amazing communication skills.

A development team is all about challenging ourselves to attempt new things, and if it doesn't work out, we can always immediately turn back. Even if we fail, we write it off as a learning experience and try again. I think it's important to keep cycling through this process at a swift pace. I want to establish the sentiment within our team that we should actively encourage new attempts and that failing is much better than doing nothing at all.

I want to make software that I can be proud of. I've had this goal since I joined ACCRETECH.

I always want to find joy in working on development and rising to a challenge. Rather than take failure in a negative way, I want to keep trying with the belief that success awaits at the end of a series of failures. I also want other members on my team to feel a project they were involved in was enjoyable and meaningful. Our team has a culture of acknowledging one another so I hope we can continue taking on new challenges as one.