Micron-level Accuracy with Intricate Measurement and Inspection Solutions
Take advantage of faster and even more accurate and precise inspection and measurement solutions — exceptional in handling intricate features and complex shapes.
Posted: April 4, 2024
Measurement Solution for Complex and Difficult-to-Reach Surfaces
Two years of R&D, close to 10,000 working hours and 13 prototypes — the outcome was worth every effort. Bruker Alicona (Itasca, IL) presented its new addition to optical 3D measurement technology in January in Graz, Austria.
This one measuring device has countless applications. “The aim with FocusX was to develop a system that solves customers’ most important measurement problems,” said Urban Muraus, managing director of Bruker Alicona. “This relates to both the measurement tasks and the industries.” The requirement is also clearly met, as FocusX is perfect for measurements on complex and difficult-to-reach surfaces, as found in micro-precision manufacturing. Neither small radii nor acute angles pose a problem for the device. FocusX is the perfect partner for small tolerances. “We are also aware of the importance of the 3D representation of components,” Muraus continued. With Real3D technology, the component is measured from different angles. As the name suggests, the different visualizations are merged into one 3D image.
Non-contact measurement plays a special role in sensitive industries such as medical technology. FocusX determines the dimensions, position, shape, and roughness of the parts in an automated, traceable, and repeatable manner.
FocusX also allows users to conduct ISO-compliant roughness measurements with just a few clicks. A reliable, accurate, and precise roughness measurement can be conducted without any expert knowledge.
Ultra-thin Videoscope Enables Better Imaging in Small Spaces
The new IPLEX™ TX II videoscope from Evident Scientific (Waltham, MA) combines the versatility of a 2.2 mm diameter flexible scope with an ultra-thin 1.8 mm rigid scope in a single package, enabling users to choose the best setup for their remote visual inspection application. The result is a videoscope that offers easier insertion in the smallest spaces so inspectors can reach their targets fast and acquire the high-quality images they need to make decisions.
The videoscope’s 120° field of view and high-pixel CMOS sensor provide high image quality over a wide area, helping inspectors complete their work more quickly. Bright LED illumination and image adjustments — like halation reduction — improve image quality to facilitate confident decision-making.
Compared to the original IPLEX TX, the IPLEX TX II has a redesigned flexible insertion tube and shorter rigid section length that makes it easier to maneuver it in small spaces. The rigid insertion tube also has an air injection system that can be used to blow droplets of water or other liquids out of the way to obtain clear images.
The ultra-lightweight rigid scope weighs as much as a ballpoint pen so inspectors can hold the scope without strain. The extendable grip enables users to grasp the rigid scope close to the insertion point for fine control. Captured images are displayed on a tablet so inspectors do not have to physically bend down to look through the scope when they are working. Instead, they can position the tablet wherever it is comfortable for them.
Affordable Standard CMMs Gain Extra Accuracy
Manufacturers wishing to inspect components machined to tight tolerances, but unwilling to invest in an expensive, ultra-high-accuracy coordinate measuring machine (CMM), now have the option of selecting an ALTERA C HA (high accuracy) from LK Metrology (Hudson Heights, MI), which is available in five sizes. All models carry an unrivalled 10-year accuracy guarantee covering dimensional stability.
The ceramic-bridge machines are constructed from the same component parts as the standard ALTERA C range but are optimized during build at the company’s Derbyshire, England production facility to deliver 16% higher accuracy during a measuring cycle, with 13% better repeatability and 50% more accurate scanning. Volumetric accuracy is from 1.3+L/350, repeatability from 0.0013 mm and scanning accuracy from 0.002 mm.
When implementing design improvements to the ALTERA C HA, particular attention was paid to upgrading the moving bridge. The spread of the air bearings supporting the main drive leg has been widened to increase the stiffness of the bridge assembly by 17% overall, which is particularly beneficial during high-speed movements. Advantages to the user are considerable, as measuring uncertainty when chasing tolerances down to microns is significantly better. For the same reason, the bearing mountings have been further stiffened and their alignment improved.
Multi-sensor capability is provided, with the Renishaw PH10M motorized probe head able to deploy a touch-trigger probe, scanning probe or laser scanner. LK’s proprietary, DMIS-based, multi-sensor CAMIO software enables programming and measurement based on 3D CAD data as well as comprehensive reporting.
New Tech Achieves Reduction in AM Build Times
Renishaw’s (West Dundee, IL) new TEMPUS™ technology enables users of RenAM 500 series metal additive manufacturing (AM) systems to reduce build times by up to 50%. The technology uses advanced scanning algorithms that sequence the layer data in a way that maximizes productivity while maintaining part quality. The optimization suits some part geometries more than others, but all geometries can see some productivity benefits. Parts with thin, vertical features, for example, are likely to experience proportionally higher productivity savings.
TEMPUS technology is standard with the new RenAM 500 Ultra system, as well as advanced process monitoring software. The combination of significantly reduced build times and detailed build insights means that the RenAM 500 Ultra delivers cost-effective, reliable additive manufacturing for metal component production. Existing RenAM 500 series customers can access TEMPUS technology as a paid-for upgrade.
While traditional powder bed systems require the powder recoater to fully distribute powder before the layer can be consolidated, TEMPUS technology fires the lasers as the recoater is moving. The patented technology employs seamless communication between advanced software and hardware components to synchronize the system lasers with the powder recoater, removing up to nine seconds of build time from every layer. With builds frequently containing thousands of layers, this can reduce total build times by tens of hours. Yet crucially, there is no reduction in part quality.
For uses in consumer electronics and computing, Renishaw has entered into an exclusive partnership agreement with metal component expert Alloyed, which has been using TEMPUS technology since 2021. “Reducing cost per part is critical to the wider adoption of AM technology,” explained Louise Callanan, director of additive manufacturing at Renishaw. “The dominant contributing factor to part cost for most components today is the time spent building the part on the machine itself. Reducing the amount of machine time per part therefore results in more cost-effective production.”
The time and cost savings “will open AM up to mass production applications where the technology would previously have been unviable,” Callanan said.
New Miniature Handheld Industrial Grade Videoscope
Titan Tool Supply Inc. (Buffalo, NY), a global supplier of optical instrumentation and precision micro-finishing tools, announces the global market launch of its TVGM Series. This family of miniature, high-definition handheld industrial-grade videoscopes is designed to support a variety of non-destructive testing and remote visual inspection tasks.
Offered in four unique models, with a choice of either a 3.9 mm or 6 mm camera and either a 1.5 M or 3 M videoscope probe length, the TVGM Series features dual-key operation, a fully modular and ergonomic design, ease of portability, one-handed operation, and end-user capability to easily swap out probe lengths for increased application adaptability.
At the heart of each new videoscope lies a powerful onboard controller delivering unparalleled high-definition imaging, reliability, and stability. Each videoscope is further equipped with a high sensitivity onboard 720P CMOS sensor, supporting continuous remote visualization, inspection, and observation tasks, even under low or reduced light conditions. A 4.3-inch high-definition LCD touch screen display with high-intensity LED illumination allows for clear viewing of the magnified images and videos captured remotely by the high-resolution videoscope camera. The device also offers on-demand recording, easy file access, parameter setting, and real-time data storage of JPG or AVI files onto an onboard 32GB micro-SD card.
Typical applications for the series include remote visual inspections of smaller-sized precision industrial machinery and equipment; casting, aviation MRO, automotive service, and commercial HVAC inspections; remote detection of foreign objects, blockages, and structural defects; and much more.
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