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What’s New in Coordinate Measuring Machines

Here are some of the latest technologies that are bringing new capabilities to CMM applications.

Posted: March 5, 2015

The Shapetracer 3D line scanner from Wenzel changes a coordinate machine into the ideal tool to record and handle point-clouds. Perfect for tool and die making, design model contruction and shops that need to record and work on surfaces and outlines of physical objects.

Housings, such as those for this variable displacement pump, are typical components being measured with the Shapetracer 3D line scanner from Wenzel.

The Shapetracer 3D line scanner from Wenzel can be completely and virtually mapped so that simulations of the measuring process are possible. A point cloud is generated from the scan data and, from that, a polygon model with homogenous surface is computed (triangulation) and converted into a CAD model in IGES format.

IK 5000 3.1 metrology software from Heidenhain can communicate with Optimet and Keyence lasers for laser support on a large scope of applications. Its enhanced 3D profile fits algorithms to speed up part fits by up to 5X, and it can export measured features in the STEP format, including 3D features.

LineScan sensors from Zeiss improve inspection productivity by scanning workpieces at rates of up 700,000 points/second, with a measurement precision figure of merit (MPE(PF) as defined by ISO-10360-2) as low as 12 um, and storing point cloud information in the CMM host computer.

The Contura coordinate measuring machine from Zeiss is now available with four larger measuring ranges, up to 1,200 mm x 2,400 mm x 1,000 mm, with a large package of tailored sensors, including the VAST XTR gold with an integrated rotary axis that adjusts effortlessly to complex workpieces. The extra volume in all axes provides even more measuring capability with these sensor options on large parts.

The Crysta-Apex CMM from Mitutoyo offers durability and high accuracy at an affordable price by supporting a wide range of inspection applications, including laser scanning, optical, and surface roughness inspection.

The unique 'head touches' by the PH20 from Renishaw take measurement points by moving only the head, rather than the CMM structure. Using only the rapid rotary motion of the head, points are taken faster, with improved accuracy and repeatability. Adding these scanning capabilities to the Crysta-Apex CMM by Mitutoyo is ideal for almost any part inspection, in the lab or on the shop floor.

The STRATO-Apex CMM from Mitutoyo offers high speed and accuracy in measurement through the improved structural rigidity of the machine body, a precision guide mechanism, ultra-high precision crystallized glass scales with near-zero thermal expansion, and the incorporation of developed compensation technology. Standard vibration-dampening rounds out the advanced capabilities.

The iNEXIV VMA-4540V CNC Video Measuring System from Nikon can automatically measure and inspect both large and tall complex mechanical parts, precision equipment and electric parts at the same time by precisely detecting the edges of the sample using CCD camera images and data processing.

With the ability to operate on 32-bit or 64-bit PCs using either Microsoft Windows 7 or 8 operating systems, the IK 5000 3.1 universal PC package solution is a good choice when standardizing inspection packages in any quality control department. For retrofitting purposes, the IK 5000 can be used on a variety of brands and types of inspection equipment – such as CMMs and video measuring microscopes – making it easy to cross-train employees on many machines.

Existing IK 5000 users can update their software to the latest version 3.1 free of charge, but should consult the machine manufacturer or their local metrology distributor before running the update to be certain that the current hardware and software settings are compatible.

Heidenhain Corporation is the North American subsidiary of DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH (Traunreut, Germany), a leading international manufacturer of precision measurement and control equipment. Our product line includes linear scales, rotary and angular encoders, digital readouts, digital length gages, CNC controls, and machine inspection equipment.

Heidenhain Corporation, 333 E. State Parkway, Schaumburg, IL 60173, 877-565-9151, [email protected], www.heidenhain.us.

LASER SENSORS ADD REVERSE ENGINEERING TO CMM
Zeiss Industrial Metrology (Maple Grove, MN) offers the family of LineScan laser line sensors that improve inspection productivity and enable reverse engineering of complex products on popular Contura, Accura Ii and Prismo CMMs. LineScan sensors easily extend the functionality of a Zeiss CMM and are available with stripe widths of 25 mm, 50 mm and 100 mm.

Inspection productivity is improved by scanning workpieces at rates of up 700,000 points/second, with a measurement precision figure of merit (MPE(PF) as defined by ISO-10360-2) as low as 12 um, and storing point cloud information in the CMM host computer. With resolution of 1280 points/line and no need for an extra controller, LineScan sensors utilize a 658 nm wavelength visible red light source. Each unit is IP54 certified to protect from dust and water.

These sensors are available with new Contura, Accura Ii and Prismo CMMs using the RDS probe system and Calypso 2014 software. These sensors can also be retrofit to select CMMs in the field. Applications include inspection of car bodies, tools for molds, construction and design tools, as well as reverse engineering of contact-sensitive or finely structured surfaces. Reverse engineering is the process for creating a 3D computer model from a solid object so that additional prototypes can then be made from the model.

LineScan sensors further expand the industry-leading selection of active scanning, passive scanning, camera, line scan and optical triangulation sensors available on ZEISS CMM systems.

Zeiss also offers the new Contura CMM with an expanded range of models to accommodate the measurement of larger workpieces. The new Contura is now available with four larger measuring ranges, up to 1,200 mm x 2,400 mm x 1,000 mm. The additional ranges include: 900 mm x 1,200 mm x 800 mm, 900 mm x 1,600 mm x 800 mm, 1,200 mm x 1,800 mm x 1,000 mm, and 1,200 mm x 2,400 mm x 1,000 mm.

The Contura provides a platform for flexible, reliable and uncompromising quality assurance. It offers a large package of tailored sensors, including the VAST XTR gold with an integrated rotary axis that adjusts effortlessly to complex workpieces. The extra volume in all axes provides even more measuring capability with these sensor options on large parts. Proven navigator technology and Calypso software let you measure faster, increasing throughput. The AirSaver option can also be integrated for additional savings, reducing compressed air consumption by up to 60 percent depending on how it is used. Designed and assembled in the U.S., the Contura cements its place as the standard in its class.

Tailored Sensors
Supporting varied customer requirements, sensors are available in the direkt, RDS and aktiv versions. Direkt sensors include the VAST XXT passive scanning probe. This configuration is ideal for small workpieces, for which a small single or star stylus is sufficient. Scanning makes it possible to efficiently and precisely measure the form in addition to the size and location. For parts with different angular positions, the RDS sensor model is the right choice. The RDS articulating probe holder can be freely positioned in 2.5 deg increments, resulting in more than 20,000 possible positions. Its sensor interface permits the flexible use of contact and optical sensors, including the LineScan sensor.

The aktiv configuration is recommended when high speed active scanning and/or long styli are needed for measurements deep inside a part. The VAST XTR gold and VAST XT gold premium probes enable highly accurate measurements with very long, heavy stylus systems. Navigator technology enables a tangential approach without a stop and go, as well as circular or helical scanning, also results in added productivity.

Zeiss Industrial Metrology, 6250 Sycamore Lane N, Maple Grove, MN 55369, 763-744-2409, Fax: 763-533-0219, [email protected], www.zeiss.com/metrology.

CMM FOR ANY PART INSPECTION
Mitutoyo America Corporation (Aurora, IL) offers sales and support of the Renishaw PH20 probe system with the Crysta-Apex S500/700/900 series cordinate measuring machines by Mitutoyo. The Crysta-Apex CMM line provides durability and high accuracy at an affordable price by supporting a wide range of inspections solutions including laser scanning, optical, and surface roughness inspection. With the addition of the high-speed scanning capabilities of the PH20, the Crysta-Apex CMM becomes the ideal solution for just about any part inspection, in the quality lab or on the shop floor.

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The PH20’s unique ‘head touches’ allow measurement points to be taken by moving only the head, rather than the CMM structure. Using only the rapid rotary motion of the head, points can be taken faster, and with improved accuracy and repeatability. Users of the PH20 probe head will immediately have access to the range of proven TP20 probe modules, providing a wide selection of trigger forces, directional sensing options and extensions to meet application requirements. The detachable modules provide crash protection and can be automatically changed using the TCR20 change rack (optional accessory).