MarSurf UD 120

The MarSurf UD 120 from Mahr Federal Inc. can generate both surface and contour measurements in a single pass. The system provides high accuracy over a large measuring range in nanometer resolutions, according to the company. The MarSurf UD 120 includes automated motorized operation and joystick control, along with a magnetic probe mounting feature that not only prevents probe damage, but allows probe changes in seconds and without any additional tools. The drive unit on the MarSurf UD 120 allows traversing lengths from 0.1mm to 120mm with drive speeds between 0.1 and 2mm/sec. A glass scale in the X-direction allows automatic positioning. The probe's motion is sensed by an optical measuring system based on a rocker-arm principal with the stylus tip on one end and an interferometer on the other. Probe movement is registered by photo diodes and evaluated electronically. This measuring method reportedly allows the system to achieve a very high resolution over a large range. Probe measuring range is 10mm to 20mm, and the unit's standard LD A14-102/60 degree diamond probe yields Z-axis resolution of 2nm and a residual Rz0 value of 60nm. Different probe geometries are also available. Of note, however, is the innovative probe construction method and the patented magnetic mounting system of the UD 120. Probe arms are built using a bridge-truss design. More, the magnetic mounting system allows probes to be changed by hand in seconds, and provides protection in the event of system collision. A ball stop assembly assures probe fit to within aµm, and because calibration data is saved, probe changes do not require additional calibration. The MarSurf UD 120 comes with Mahr's XCR 20 CNC software package for automatic measurement operation. Built on Mahr's modular MarWin platform, it provides extensive surface and contour measurement and evaluation capability, including functions such as line form evaluation, nominal/actual comparison and the creation of auxiliary reference points. An intuitive, icon-based interface makes the software efficient and easy to use, according to the company. Both the drive unit and measuring stand axes of the UD 120 can be controlled either by joystick or automated measuring programs.