Measuring Tools/Systems

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 percent 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.

Suited for a wide variety of industrial applications, the MarCal 18 EWR(i) digital caliper alleviates the complexities associated with accurate measurements of large/heavy parts, ultimately enhancing overall measurement precision. The tool is particularly useful for roaming quality inspectors who need to measure parts that are too challenging to be brought to a stationary gaging station/bench. Ideal applications include large gears, driveshafts, and anything substantial in size or weight.

The basis for this innovative service is a dynamic stiffness analysis of the machine tool. The physical optimization phase (known as the ‘tap test’) can be accomplished with impulse hammers and accelerometers from Kistler; this is followed by an analysis of the customer’s NC program, performed with new software from Productive Machines. All the acquired data is then processed to create a new NC program which, once installed, ultimately leads to better cutting performance, longer tool lifetimes and higher OEE – to name just a few benefits.

The VTS SF-45 acquires a variety of tool dimensions in a single instant using the principle of shadow projection where an illuminated objects projects its shadow onto the camera. These measurements include tool length, static and dynamic tool diameter, the tool run-out and cutting-edge radius. With a resolution of 0.1 µm, the VTS enables measurement of tools with diameters as small as 10 µm with repeatability of 0.2 µm, providing a higher level of accuracy than touch probes or lasers in small applications.

Both bundles include API's Radian Plus Laser Tracker, which is known for its high accuracy and long-range measurement capabilities. Also available are API’s vProbe, a high-precision, non-contact measurement probe that is ideal for use in tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas or iScan3D, a high-speed handheld scanner with flexible probe locations for all part inspection or reverse engineering applications. Together, these products provide a complete measurement solution for a wide range of industrial and manufacturing applications.

The height of the frame is based on the size of the part. The components present in the set permit a maximum set-up height of 300 millimetres. With add-on sets, the frame height can be extended in increments of 100 or 200. The part to be measured is held within the frame by hinged brackets.

While the previous FormControl version (without the “X”) was based on a scenario in which a machine operator works at a machine with the laptop and processes the measurements at the same time, the trend today is moving toward automating such processes, meaning this 1:1 relationship is now fairly rare. Genuine automation of workpiece measurement also opens up completely new areas of application. That is why the goal with FormControl X was to enable real measurement automation on the basis of a modern client-server architecture – this means moving away from pure logging and towards process integration and automation with the help of the measurement data collected by the software.