- Email: [email protected]
Flexible inspection for fms
moved freely without loss of transmission. With software support, the probe system can perform a variety of automatic measuring and monitoring functions. Applications include in~;ycle inspection of bore diameter, hole location, surface location and similar features. With unmanned machines the probe system checks the presence and orientation of the work. Valenite-Modco (UK) Ltd, Unit 15, Alston Drive, Bradwell Abbey Industrial Estate, Milton Keynes MK13 9HA, UK
An array combining several probes can be assembled for the Zeiss cnc co-ordinate measuring machine
Flexible inspection for fms
Ferranti's laser probe head
Co-ordinate measuring machines made by Carl Zeiss can now be equipped with a device for automatically changing the probes. The device is based on a magnetic coupling in the trigger probe head of the Zeiss measuring machine. It enables the head to grip or to release a probe under program
Laser probe head speeds profile measurement Profiles can be measured in three axes at the rate of 4 0 - 8 0 per second using a non-contact laser probe head being developed by Ferranti Metrology Systems. The 'Laser Scan' is designed for use with co-ordinate measuring machines and is interchangeable with the conventional contact probe. Accuracy of the probe is + 1 #m (-+ 0.00005 in) with a repeatability of 1 /~m (0.00005 in). The probe stand-off from the surface is 20 mm (0.800 in) with a field of view of +- 1.5 mm (0.037 in). The most significant benefits of laser scanning, says Ferranti, are likely to be achieved in applications such as airframe components or automobile body parts where a large number of co-ordinate points require measuring. In addition to speed, laser
PRECISION ENGINEERING
scanning avoids the need for contact and so the risk of damage to critical surfaces is minimized. The laser scan is mounted onto a standard Renishaw motorized head and the laser beams are directed to the component profile normal to the surface. Initial set up and probe qual!fication is rapid, using either the conventional technique or reference spheres. Built in system warning devices ensure all criteria are covered at the initial qualification and at component set up. The size of the laser scan probe enables non-contact measurement to be made in areas adjacent to projections and other component features which would normally interfere with access. Ferranti Metrology Systems, Aston-on-Trent, Derby DE7 2A J, UK
control. Recalibration after a probe change is said to be unnecessary, because of the extremely high degree of probe head repeatability. In use, the probes or probe combinations are stored in a magazine. Mounted on the worktable of the machine, the magazine is within the travel range of the probe head. A differen,t touch probe may be needed to check each feature of a workpiece. Probe arrays have minimized the amount of manual intervention in automated inspection, but there still remains the need to change the probe arrays when different types of workpiece are being measured. The new automatic changing device is capable of handling arrays as well as individual probes. Consequently, it enables an unattended Zeiss machine to measure a mix of dissimilar workpieces. With a loaded worktable, the unattended measuring machine could operate during times when workers are absent from the factory. The measuring run for a mix of different workpieces can proceed between shifts or at a weekend. When equipped with an extended worktable, the unmanned Zeiss CNC machine is able to measure a large number of differing workpieces over a long period of time. Carl Zeiss, Postfach 1369/1380, D-7802 Oberkochen, F RG
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An array combining several probes can be assembled for the Zeiss cnc co-ordinate measuring machine
Flexible inspection for fms
Ferranti's laser probe head
Co-ordinate measuring machines made by Carl Zeiss can now be equipped with a device for automatically changing the probes. The device is based on a magnetic coupling in the trigger probe head of the Zeiss measuring machine. It enables the head to grip or to release a probe under program
Laser probe head speeds profile measurement Profiles can be measured in three axes at the rate of 4 0 - 8 0 per second using a non-contact laser probe head being developed by Ferranti Metrology Systems. The 'Laser Scan' is designed for use with co-ordinate measuring machines and is interchangeable with the conventional contact probe. Accuracy of the probe is + 1 #m (-+ 0.00005 in) with a repeatability of 1 /~m (0.00005 in). The probe stand-off from the surface is 20 mm (0.800 in) with a field of view of +- 1.5 mm (0.037 in). The most significant benefits of laser scanning, says Ferranti, are likely to be achieved in applications such as airframe components or automobile body parts where a large number of co-ordinate points require measuring. In addition to speed, laser
PRECISION ENGINEERING
scanning avoids the need for contact and so the risk of damage to critical surfaces is minimized. The laser scan is mounted onto a standard Renishaw motorized head and the laser beams are directed to the component profile normal to the surface. Initial set up and probe qual!fication is rapid, using either the conventional technique or reference spheres. Built in system warning devices ensure all criteria are covered at the initial qualification and at component set up. The size of the laser scan probe enables non-contact measurement to be made in areas adjacent to projections and other component features which would normally interfere with access. Ferranti Metrology Systems, Aston-on-Trent, Derby DE7 2A J, UK
control. Recalibration after a probe change is said to be unnecessary, because of the extremely high degree of probe head repeatability. In use, the probes or probe combinations are stored in a magazine. Mounted on the worktable of the machine, the magazine is within the travel range of the probe head. A differen,t touch probe may be needed to check each feature of a workpiece. Probe arrays have minimized the amount of manual intervention in automated inspection, but there still remains the need to change the probe arrays when different types of workpiece are being measured. The new automatic changing device is capable of handling arrays as well as individual probes. Consequently, it enables an unattended Zeiss machine to measure a mix of dissimilar workpieces. With a loaded worktable, the unattended measuring machine could operate during times when workers are absent from the factory. The measuring run for a mix of different workpieces can proceed between shifts or at a weekend. When equipped with an extended worktable, the unmanned Zeiss CNC machine is able to measure a large number of differing workpieces over a long period of time. Carl Zeiss, Postfach 1369/1380, D-7802 Oberkochen, F RG
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