Enhancing rapid shop floor measuring

Meeting strict quality standards can be a challenge for any machine shop, often requiring expensive equipment and downtime in production. Having a dedicated metrology lab is a necessity for some production shops. However, not all shops need this type of dedicated inspection. Some smaller shops don’t always have the space or capital to invest in a traditional climate-controlled metrology lab, yet they are still required to meet quality standards.

Portable coordinate measuring machines (PCMM) are a great option for the shop floor and can be an integral part of daily inspection routines. Determining the appropriate quality control measures should be based on application. There are many options on the market and each system offers unique features designed for specific outcomes. PCMMs offer rapid shop floor inspection with the flexibility to measure at all levels of the production process, from initial measurements to final part inspection.

There are many different features and options when it comes to portable coordinate measuring machines. Choosing the right specifications and systems depends on each shop’s unique requirements. The technology is constantly improving and accuracy has significantly increased. End-users are able to purchase products with greater capabilities across a wide range of technologies. Will an articulated arm be a useful tool? What is the best type of senor to use? What styli works best for the accuracy specifications I need? Are there additional accessories that will enhance inspection? What software works best for interpreting and analyzing the data I need?

Here are some of the latest and greatest products for portable coordinate measuring machines:

High performance contact/non-contact portable measurement system

FARO Technologies has combined several components to create a unique measuring system, the FARO Edge ScanArm HD. A high-definition 3D scanner is combined with the flexibility of the FARO Edge measuring arm to create a high performance contact/non-contact portable measurement system.

The Edge ScanArm HD delivers rapid point cloud collection with extreme resolution and high accuracy in a compact, lightweight and easy-to-use system. The new functionalities enable users to seamlessly scan across diverse surface materials regardless of contrast, reflectivity or part complexity and without any special coatings or target placement.

The ScanArm’s hard probe and the Laser Line Probe can digitize interchangeably without having to remove either component. Users can accurately measure prismatic features with the hard probe, then laser scan sections requiring larger volumes of data

The extra wide scan stripe and fast frame rate boosts productivity by increasing coverage and reducing scanning time. Intricate components can be captured in fine detail as a result of the 2,000 actual points per scanline and the new blue laser featuring noise reduction technology. Users can dramatically reduce required training time with the new crosshair feature and existing LED Rangefinder functionality, which provides real-time scanning feedback.

In combination with the all-in-one metrology software CAM2 Measure 10, FARO provides its customers with a unique solution for both contact and non-contact measurement perfectly suited for metrology challenges for a wide range of applications.

www.faro.com

Streamlining the Measurement Process

ROMER’s Absolute Arm line provides high-accuracy 3D measurement. The latest additional to the series includes an arm with a 1.2 m volume. It is ideal for use within confined spaces, including inside a machining center for dimensional control of molds, parts, tooling, castings, and more. The ROMER Absolute Arm 1.2m streamlines the measurement process.

To simplify set-ups, a counterweight system enables the ROMER Absolute Arm 1.2m to be used without mountings on any surface. Absolute encoders, a standard feature on the Absolute Arm line, eliminate complicated referencing procedures. The operator can start measuring with merely the flip of a switch. ROMER Absolute Arm feature packs allow wireless battery-powered operation for maximum portability on the shop-floor, while an integrated camera and worklight facilitate inspections in harsh environments.

A replacement for the ROMER MultiGage, the ROMER Absolute Arm 1.2m is available in two models and can be certified to ISO 10360-2 or B89.4.22. Usability features include automatic probe recognition to ensure repeatable results for different probes without calibration and haptic feedback to alert users if an axis limit is reached, eliminating the risk of bad measurements. The ROMER Absolute Arm 1.2m is also compatible with all major metrology software packages including PC-DMIS Touch, the modern measurement software that uses high-resolution Multi-Touch display technology on a tablet PC.

www.hexagonmetrology.com

Flexible CNC 3D Measurement System

Mitutoyo has developed a unique, flexible system designed for 3D CNC measuring. Mitutoyo’s MACH Ko-ga-me offers a unique and flexible configuration for shop floor versatility. Ko-ga-me 3D CNC measuring head is installed with a base unit and provides end-users with high accuracy and high speed inspection results. This system is compact and available wherever you need a compact measuring system.

The Ko-ga-me measuring system can be used stand-alone or integrated into a custom designed cell for inspection of small or even large work pieces. A variety of probes such as touch-trigger, optical, or constant contact scanning, can be added for even more versatility. With Ko-ga-me’s compact design, users can provide their own fixed mount or design a moving structure to take Ko-ga-me to the inspection measurement location.

Ko-ga-me is available in ranges of 80x80x80mm and 120×120×80mm and offers a resolution of 0.02µm, measuring accuracy from (2.0+5.0L/1000(μm), maximum drive speed of 200mm/s (1 axis), maximum acceleration of 0.4G (1 axis) and supports TP200+PH6 probe, SP25+PH6M probe as well as QVP (Quick Vision Probe). Ko-ga-me is designed as a 3 axis or 2 axis measurement system and is available in either horizontal or vertical models.

www.mitutoyo.com

Portable 3D Measuring System

Measuring a product’s performance and design has become increasingly important, not only for research & development, but for production and quality control. To both improve and simplify the process, Nikon Metrology has announced the release of its portable 3D measuring system, the P3D.

Nikon’s compact P3D NC-2323S is easy to carry and can be operated with a push of a button and without requiring a computer. It does not require professional expertise or technical knowledge to operate. With its intelligent functions, portability, and immediacy, it is ideally suited for quick, on-site measurements, such as those required on the automotive production floor.

The simple GUI (graphical user interface) of the P3D allows first-time users immediate and intuitive operation. Capture 3D measuring data by simply moving the lens over an object and pressing the shutter button. The P3D projection system directs a laser beam onto a micro-mirror, made using a semiconductor micromachining technique, in order to project an optical pattern onto the object.

The compact P3D body includes a sensor, operator, and controller; enabling users to check data immediately. The P3D has been made small, light, and energy-efficient using a MEMS (micro electro-mechanical system) projector and laser source.

The newly developed P3D Viewer software meets a number of requirements, including data backup, 3D data reconstruction under different conditions, checking and editing, 3D data stitching, and 3D printer coordination.

www.nikonmetrology.com

Accurate in Tough Environments

MetroArm is a unique portable coordinate measuring machine solution, a light-weight hand-held probe observed by a camera.

With unrestricted probe movement from 1.5 to 4.5 meters from the camera, MetroArm provides 11 cubic meters of measurement volume. There is no need for pedestals inside the measurement volume, as the probe is connected to the system only by cable—although there is a wireless option—while the camera is placed on the tripod outside the work envelope.

With no mechanical moving parts, MetroArm is reliable and accurate over time and can be used in tough environments.

System setup and use is intuitive and easy to learn. Metronor PowerINSPECT Lite for measurement and analysis of geometrical elements to blueprint or CAD is included, with an available option to also enable measurement of free-form surfaces to 3D CAD models.

MetroArm comes with a handheld carbon fiber probe and set of 7 styli.

www.metronor.com

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