CRYSTA-Apex S CMM Offers Enhanced Performance

Doubles effective measuring range at a given tolerance, compared to typical CMMs

(Mitutoyo: Aurora, IL) -- The new CRYSTA-Apex S coordinate measuring machine (CMM) from Mitutoyo brings new levels of performance and economy to the 1.7 μm class of CNC coordinate measuring machines (CMMs).

With a maximum error of MPEE = (1.7 + 3L/1000) μm, the CRYSTA-Apex S more than doubles the effective measuring range at a given measurement tolerance as compared to typical CMMs in its class. Additionally, the CRYSTA-Apex S drive features high-speed (max 519 mm/s) and high acceleration (max 2,309 mm/s2). These advances result in higher throughput for greater productivity and lower total owning and operating costs.

The CRYSTA-Apex S uses the new UC-400 controller to manage digital servo-system control loops for position, speed, and current. This makes it easy to implement various types of control algorithms. Additionally, the digital servo system has a wide dynamic range and is highly resistant to drift over time.

Extreme rigidity helps the CRYSTA-Apex S maintain accuracy. The Y-axis guide rail is integrated into one side of the granite surface plate. Precision air bearings located on the bottom, front, rear, and upper surfaces of the X-axis slider minimize vibration and ensure stability even during high-speed, high-acceleration operation.

Accuracy is further enhanced by an advanced temperature compensation system. This consists of a thermometer unit that measures the temperatures from thermal sensors located on the scale units of the CMM main unit and from a set of workpiece thermal sensors. Temperature data are transferred to the UC-400 machine controller for thermal compensation. For proper workpiece compensation, the thermal expansion coefficient of the workpiece material is entered by the user; since the material of scale units of the CMM is constant, this expansion coefficient is permanently stored in the temperature unit.

The CRYSTA-Apex S supports a wide range of probes that offer increased capabilities, including the MPP-310Q scanning probe that collects cloud point data at speeds of up to 120 mm/s. Other probes suited for screw-depth measurement, ultra-small diameter measurement, and noncontact measurement are also supported.

Available software options enable the CRYSTA-Apex S to tackle a wide variety of measurement applications. Software packages include GEOPAK, a high-functionality, general-purpose measurement program that is at the heart of Mitutoyo controlled open system for modular operation support (MCOSMOS) software. MCOSMOS supports virtually every CAD format while providing routines for in-line measurement, data feedback, and process management.

Additional software supported by the CMM include: CAT1000S for freeform surface evaluation; CAT1000P, an offline teaching program; SCANPAK, for contour measurement; and a range of programs supporting laser and vision probes. CRYSTA-Apex S provides USB communications for connectivity. Additionally, CRYSTA-Apex S supports MeasurLink STATMeasure Plus, Mitutoyo’s proprietary statistical-processing and process-control program.

MeasurLink STATMeasure Plus performs statistical analysis and provides real-time display of measurement results for statistical process control (SPC) applications. The program can also be linked to a higher-level network environment for enterprisewide functionality.

CALYPSO Software Available for Non-ZEISS CMMs

CALYPSO software now offers more direct interfaces to non-ZEISS coordinate measuring machines. This is good news for customers looking to add the benefits of CALYPSO to other CMMs and it will allow you to run existing CALYPSO measurement plans or create new ones. Having direct interfaces to the controller allows you to add CALYPSO to your existing machine without removing the legacy software platform. Call us to find out how CALYPSO software can provide a common software platform and increase functionality.

Software upgrades from Carl Zeiss give you the opportunity to operate both ZEISS and non-ZEISS machines with a uniform software technology. With direct interfaces to many non-ZEISS controllers, Carl Zeiss software upgrades usually do not require the expense of a new controller and other costly hardware. All software upgrades also allow a dual-system operation to provide the ability to run old part programs through the legacy software.

Non-ZEISS Controllers Supported

Mitutoyo Robotic Metrology Cell Enhances Measurement Integrity, Productivity

(Aurora, IL) Mitutoyo America Corporation announces the development of robotic tending for its CMMs as well as for a full range of its CNC-driven metrology instruments. Rapid and extremely precise automated loading and unloading (repeatability of ± 20ìm) makes the technology ideal for manufacturers seeking to fully automate manufacturing processes, end-to-end. In developing the automated instrument-tending technology, Mitutoyo America exploited recent advances in robotic end-of-arm devices including: highly sensitive collision detection enabling high-dexterity picking of delicate parts and precise fitting to instrument fixturing, force-sensitive grippers that enhance precision and enable intelligent parts placement, and 2D/3D vision systems that enable the robot to detect and pick randomly positioned workpieces therefore eliminating need for special feeders or alignment fixturing. Mitutoyo's robotic instrument loading can provide dramatic improvements in measurement-and-inspection performance and economics.

Automated loading typically increases part cycling speed by at least 20%. Human error is eliminated, simplifying trouble shooting and reducing scrap while extremely accurate parts placement enhances measurement equipment R&R (repeatability & reproducibility) ultimately translating to improved process capability (Cpk). Additionally, staff can be transferred from operating measurement-and-inspection to higher value tasks. Overall, measuring costs can be reduced 335% with total system ROI (payback time) may be as little as one year. These factors together with potential depreciation and capital equipment tax benefits make Mitutoyo's robotically loaded metrology cell economically viable for even relatively small processors. Mitutoyo robotic loading supports the full line of Mitutoyo CNC-driven metrology instruments. Facilitated by Mitutoyo's proprietary Eio (Extended I/O) control, implementation of Mitutoyo CNC equipment is plug-and-play. External PCs recognize hardware components without physical device configuration, resource conflicts are eliminated and user intervention is unnecessary - whether one or a number of measurement instruments are integrated into a cell. The cell employs a Fanuc® robot (model with some details) and instruments capable of integration include: Mitutoyo CNC CMMs running MCOSMOS® Mitutoyo CNC QuickVision® vision systems running QVPak Mitutoyo CNC Roundtest® roundness systems running RoundPak Mitutoyo CNC Contracer® form and Surftest® surface/finish systems running Form TracePak Mitutoyo Laserscan Micrometer

Offline robot programming supports 3D graphic representation of Mitutoyo instruments with animated teaching support and simulated cycle time and verification. Mitutoyo Corporation is the world's largest provider of measurement and inspection solutions offering the most complete selection of machines, sensors, systems and services with a line encompassing CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines), vision, form and finish measuring machines as well as precision tools and instruments, and metrology data management software.

Mitutoyo

Mitutoyo's nationwide network of Metrology Centers and support operations provides application, calibration, service, repair and educational programs to ensure that our 6,000+ metrology products will deliver measurement solutions for our customers throughout their lifetime. Contact Mitutoyo America Corporation, 965 Corporate Boulevard, Aurora, IL 60502. Phone: (630) 820-9666 Fax: (630) 978-5394 E-mail: info@mitutoyo.com Or visit our website at http://www.mitutoyo.com/

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'Worst year in company's history' says Renishaw chairman

Thursday 30th July 2009

The chairman of Gloucestershire’s largest private company has announced a £38 million fall in profits, in what he describes as the most difficult year in the firm’s history.

In the last year profit generated by Renishaw plc has fallen from £43 million last year to £4.7 million.

The figure was revealed in the company’s preliminary end-of year statement, released yesterday.

In it Sir David McMurtry, chairman and chief executive of Renishaw, which has its head quarters in Wotton-under-Edge, said that revenue was down 37 per cent compared to the previous year due to a slump in the global markets.

Mr McMurtry said: "This last year has been the most difficult in the history of the company, characterised by two different half year performances.

"The first half commenced with record first quarter results and a promising outlook for the year, followed by an unprecedented downturn in the ensuing period.

"We were forced to make hard decisions in order to position the business for this market environment, pending a return of better conditions."

Renishaw made 437 staff redundant earlier this year, which was 20 per cent of its workforce, and staff in all their sites around the world agreed to a 20 per cent pay cut, which remains in force until December. Mr McMurtry said: "I would like to thank all our employees for their steadfast support during what has been the most challenging and demanding period in our history.

"They have responded magnificently to all challenges and difficulties both in the UK and overseas."

However Mr McMurtry remains confident of the company’s future and is continuing to invest in profitable markets, such as metrology and dental products.

He added: "The group, with its strong balance sheet, portfolio of existing products and new products in development remains strongly positioned to meet all present demands and to respond to any increase in activity as it develops. We continue to face our long-term future with great confidence."

Hexagon Metrology Initiates Litigation Against Metris and Mitutoyo

Patent Infringement Suit Concerns U.S. Patent No. 5,829,148, Portable Articulated Arms

LONDON, July 16, 2009 (CMM Quarterly) -- Hexagon Metrology has filed a patent infringement suit in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts alleging that Metris N.V. and its U.S. subsidiary Metris U.S.A., Inc., and Mitutoyo Corporation and its U.S. subsidiary Mitutoyo America Corporation, have infringed U.S. Patent No. 5,829,148 by importing into the U.S. and offering to sell infringing portable arms.

"Hexagon Metrology welcomes fair competition," says William Gruber, President of Hexagon Metrology, "but we will not stand by if competitors use our protected technology, which our customers recognize and rely upon and which has given us a leading position in the metrology industry."

The suit seeks to prevent Metris and Mitutoyo from importing, offering for sale or using the infringing portable arms in the U.S.

Hexagon Metrology sells articulated arms in the U.S. under the brand name ROMER.

Hexagon Metrology

Hexagon Metrology is part of the Hexagon AB Group and includes leading metrology brands such as Brown & Sharpe, CE Johansson, CimCore, CogniTens, DEA, Leica Geosystems (Metrology Division), Leitz, m&h Inprocess Messtechnik, PC-DMIS, QUINDOS, ROMER, Sheffield, Standard Gage and TESA. Hexagon Metrology brands represent an unrivaled global installed base of millions of Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), portable measuring systems and handheld instruments, and tens of thousands of metrology software licenses. Hexagon Metrology empowers its customers to fully control manufacturing processes that rely on dimensional precision, ensuring that products manufactured precisely conform to the original product design. The company offering of machines, systems and software is complemented by a wide range of product support, aftermarket and value-added services. www.hexagonmetrology.com

Shearline’s CMMs support prototyping service

Shearline Precision Engineering has invested in two new Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) to ensure stringent accuracy both at the intermediate stages of manufacture, and in finished products. It is also offering the facility as part of its prototyping service, as the equipment supports re-engineering of existing products or the generation of drawings after prototype acceptance.


Mitutoyo Crysta-Apex machines give Shearline the ability to carry out intricate inspections of engineered components at all stages of the manufacturing process Quality manager Don Reid explains that the Mitutoyo Crysta-Apex machines give Shearline the ability to carry out intricate inspections of engineered components at all stages of the manufacturing process. This enables the refinement of processes and improvement of tooling during manufacture – increasing efficiency and the consistency of output.

“The bigger of our two new CMMs is a very sophisticated device and can measure very large items – such as with dimensions up to 1.2m x 2m and up to a metre in height,” said Mr Reid.

The new equipment will not only accelerate the quality assurance process but also makes it possible to measure free-form surfaces such as aircraft engine turbine blades which do not have a regular prismatic shape. These can be inspected and measured, and results compared with CAD models.

Don Reid explains: “Previously, if you had, for example, a complex engine block or cylinder head, it would have taken several days and a huge number of different pieces of equipment to measure it accurately and compare it to the original drawings in order to establish it had been made correctly.

“Now, we can simply download the CAD drawings into the CMM’s computer, and it will do this automatically. We don’t need to programme the machine with the required measurements of every part, cut, opening or joint – it knows what is required and checks against it.”

The speed and accuracy of the CMMs, coupled with their detailed reports, enable customers to quickly receive verification that their items are produced to the required standard and meet the specifications demanded.

“We can measure items with two micron accuracy, which guarantees the quality and precision of our work,” says Mr Reid. “When working for the aerospace and defence industries this precision is valued.”

Although the company has purchased the equipment to meet specific client requirements it is also offering the CMM as part of its prototyping service, allowing accurate engineering drawings to be generated from the finished product. This could save days of time that is currently spent creating specifications for products that may never get to market.

Datum Definition When the Datum Is a Cylinder

A datum is defined in ISO 5459:1981 [2] as:A theoretically exact geometric reference (such as axes, planes, straight lines, etc.) to which toleranced features are related. Datums may by based on one or more datum features of a part...

When measuring a part with a datum feature requirement that requires you to use a cylinder as the spatial orientation datum (base plane datum) there are several considerations you must keep in mind. The surface of the datum cylinder will never be ‘true’. When measuring a part surface form, waviness, and roundness deviations will cause some variation in the calculation of the cylinder thus changing the orientation of the cylinder.

The orientation is the angular deviation of 3d line through the center of the cylinder. It will be imperative that you take as many points when measuring a cylinder on a part that are equally distributed around each circle segment of the cylinder to create a more consistent best-fit cylinder.

A datum simulator is the best method to get consistent measurement values.

Click here to read the entire article

DMIS CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Need for Certification

The Dimensional Metrology Standards Consortium (DMSC, Inc.) has officially announced the DMIS Certification Program for testing conformance of DMIS-based products against the DMIS Standard. This certification process has been years in the making with the help and expertise of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the DMIS Standards Committee (DSC), the Automotive Industry Action Group’s Metrology Interoperability Project Team (MIPT), and the DMSC membership. This collective group has developed a DMIS Conformance Test Suite, defined DMIS Conformance Classes, and established a DMIS Certification Program to validate the correctness and completeness of vendor DMIS-based products.

Dimensional measurement part programs and results are critical to manufacturing Quality Assurance. DMIS (Dimensional Measuring Interface Standard) is both an American National Standard and ISO international standard language for the correct, complete, and unambiguous description of computer-executable dimensional measurement part programs and measurement results. Because it is an accredited standard, DMIS is non-proprietary and represents industry consensus. Since DMIS is a very large standard, it has been divided up into several conformance classes, in order to accommodate the fact that many users only need to implement subsets of the standard.

DMIS is a successful, dynamic standard because it’s scope and capabilities have expanded over the years along with technology advances in the metrology industry. However, this success has brought about challenges in the area of conformance of DMIS implementations. Not surprisingly, many who claim DMIS conformance are conforming to some variation or modification of the actual DMIS Standard. This situation nullifies and inhibits one of the most fundamental benefits of the DMIS Standard, which is interoperability. Many large companies use the DMIS Standard to share inspection programs between subsidiaries around the world, among suppliers, and even among departments. The basic requirement to accomplish this interoperability is “stick to the standard.”

Click here to read the entire article

Delcam’s PowerINSPECT gives a clear competitive advantage

Rayco uses PowerINSPECT to ensure a high-quality product for its customers

Investing in a Romer CimCore portable coordinate measuring arm with Delcam’s PowerINSPECT inspection software has proved to be a big time-saver for Rayco Manufacturing, Inc. "It saves us many hours compared to the manual way most fabrication shops check their work,” said Roger Timmons, Quality Assurance Engineer, "and we get more information about our production faster, so we can make adjustments quickly and accurately. That’s a clear competitive advantage for us.”

Rayco Manufacturing, based in Wooster, Ohio, was established in 1978 to build equipment for the tree and landscape industry. Most of the work at the company is cutting and welding steel to form the structures of the machines. As Rayco grew and its product ranges expanded, the company decided that it needed to further improve the consistency of its steel fabrications and assure their quality from the first laser cut through to the completed fabrication.

An important advantage of PowerINSPECT for Mr. Timmons was that the software has a simple user interface which is intuitive and easy to use. "The learning curve was very short, which let us get the most from the measuring arm in the shortest possible time,” he commented. "I also like being able to import our CAD models directly into PowerINSPECT and overlay what we measure. This reveals immediately where any discrepancies may be.”

"Five minutes with PowerINSPECT saves an hour out on the assembly floor,” Mr. Timmons claimed. "We can make adjustments before the components get into the assembly flow.” For example, the software showed that the run-out on some of the feed wheels used on its chippers was not acceptable. Detecting the situation prior to assembly saved the one and a half to two hours it would take to remove and replace an inaccurate feed wheel.

In another example, the frame for one of its machines was exhibiting a twist during assembly. According to Mr. Timmons, "We measured it during welding and found that the fixture needed correction. We also use the system for troubleshooting out on the assembly floor to determine why a part may not be fitting perfectly, so future parts can be corrected before they go to assembly. We can do this in about 10 minutes, a time saving of up to 1,000% compared to any manual method.”

Rayco did not have a dedicated quality department until about three years ago. "Today, we inspect critical parts and all fixtures on a regular basis,” Mr. Timmons said. "This helps us put out a high-quality, high-performing product for our customers.”

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