CMMs Increase Productivity in Specialized Manufacturing Sectors

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence (North Kingstown, RI) provides solutions that use data from design and engineering, production, and metrology to make manufacturing smarter. To this end, two coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) address quality-assurance challenges related to manufacturing complex geometries and freeform shapes in materials such as carbon fiber in the aerospace sector or 3D glass in the consumer electronics industry. Metrology solutions must provide complete part accessibility without compromising accuracy.

Designed for blade and glass manufacturers, the Leitz Reference BX CMM combines technologies to capture detailed measurement data across the entire surface of a freeform shape. An optical white light sensor and fixed scanning probe enables measurement of hard-to-reach features such as the curvature of edging on glass or the profile of a fan blade while maintaining precision for tight tolerance sections such as the blade root.

The white light sensor performs well on matt and reflective surfaces including glass and polished metal. Fixed-scan probe maintains the high precision needed for critical alignment on the root of turbine and fan blades and measures inclined fir tree or dovetail root surfaces, which aren’t easily accessed by an optical sensor. Integrated rotary table and sensor exchange interface further reduce cycle time by providing access to surfaces without moving the part and reducing inspection delays caused by manually exchanging sensors.

By deploying Hexagon’s pre-configured, highly evolutive enhanced productivity series (EPS), the multisensor OPTIV M enables quality engineers and CMM operators to create, execute, and analyze measurement routines that drive higher productivity.

EPS packages give manufacturers of small and medium precision parts a choice of productivity drivers based on the application’s need for throughput, precision, flexibility, or shop floor capability. A flexible, easily upgradable configuration makes the machine compatible with a comprehensive portfolio of contactless and tactile sensors, software, and collaborative technologies.

The OPTIV M is available in three performance levels – Green, Blue, and Chrome – to meet the needs of various budget ranges and applications.

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, 250 Circuit Drive, North Kingstown, RI 02852, 855-443-9638, fax: 401-886-2727, www.hexagonmi.com.