Laser Design now Reseller of World-Class Renishaw Products
Laser Design Inc., the leading supplier of 3D laser scanners for 25 years announced that it is now reselling Renishaw metrology probes and machine tooling, plus professional “Repair by Exchange,” and also used equipment. Renishaw products lead the industrial metrology market in accuracy and selection.
Offering the Renishaw multi-axis motorized and manual heads and touch-trigger measurement probe systems for CMMs adds another dimension to Laser Design’s extensive product line. The world-class systems provide fast, accurate data acquisition for all your touch-measurement needs. Along with the systems, thousands of standard and custom Renishaw precision-engineered styli systems from a broad range of manufacturers are also available. Sensitivity modules allow custom probe settings.
To give you the best results with your system, styli specifically designed for high-precision Zeiss machines are easy to set up and change out. There are more than 300 styli and adaptors for the Zeiss range of probe heads. Robust design and construction characterize the styli specifically designed for the FaroArm portable CMMs. The special construction techniques ensure that the joint between the body and stem is extremely rigid and virtually indestructible.
Renishaw inspection probe systems can improve the efficiency of your machine tools by providing solutions for tool setting, broken tool detection, component set-up, and other essential inspection processes, while helping to reduce set-up times by up to 90%. Verify finished component dimensions and set up your auto updates to streamline the process. Specialized machine tool diagnostic software saves time and reduces scrap, which makes your operation more profitable and competitive.
Laser Design also offers “Repair by Exchange” (RBE) when a component needs professional repair or replacement. Or purchase high-quality certified used equipment through our used equipment sales program. If you need any kind of Renishaw product, we can provide it for you with our guaranteed excellent customer service and satisfaction.
About Laser Design Inc. / GKS Global Services
Laser Design Inc. and GKS Global Services have been leading suppliers of ultra-precise, 3D laser scanning systems, along with CT scanning, dimensional inspection, 3D laser scanning, and long-range scanning services for over 29 years. Our engineers can assist with product development and design, rapid prototyping, and complete contract manufacturing services. GKS also offers rental equipment and expertise to customers with the occasional 3D scanning project.
For further information, contact Laser Design at 952-884-9648
Post Your Seminar or Workshop
If you are giving or hosting a seminar or workshop please feel free to submit the information to CMM Quarterly and we'll post it here in the Training Section of CMM Quarterly magazine. There is no cost involved, we will be glad to get the word out.
Please send all information to info@cmmquarterly.com
Please send all information to info@cmmquarterly.com
New Zeiss Calypso Training Site
There is a new website for those looking for training on Zeiss Calypso.
Click here to view the Calypso Tips Site
Click here to view the Calypso Tips Site
Creaform has sold its 1500th Handyscan 3-D unit
Creaform has sold its 1500th Handyscan 3-D unit, a MAXscan laser scanner for large parts, to car manufacturer Daimler Automotive Co. in China.
Daimler Automotive will use the MAXscan to quality control sheet metal and passenger compartments, execute gap and flush analysis and check parts. The Chinese automaker also expanded its suite of quality control instruments with a HandyPROBE portable optical CMM, which will be used to inspect jigs and fixtures.
“This sale represents a new breakthrough for us in what is now the largest auto market in the world, and it confirms our position of world leader in 3-D scanning and optical measurement,” said President Charles Mony.
Daimler Automotive will use the MAXscan to quality control sheet metal and passenger compartments, execute gap and flush analysis and check parts. The Chinese automaker also expanded its suite of quality control instruments with a HandyPROBE portable optical CMM, which will be used to inspect jigs and fixtures.
“This sale represents a new breakthrough for us in what is now the largest auto market in the world, and it confirms our position of world leader in 3-D scanning and optical measurement,” said President Charles Mony.
NVision’s Scanning Saves Invensys 60 hours in Mechanical Upgrade to Steam Turbine
IOM, a division of Invensys, is a leading provider of automation and information technology, systems, software solutions, services and consulting to the global manufacturing and infrastructure industries. Its Turbo Machinery Group provides electromechanical hydraulic upgrades to electrical power generation, oil refining, nuclear, pulp and paper, and chemical plants. Drawings are not usually available for these projects either because they have been lost over time or because the OEM that originally installed the equipment closely guards detailed drawings in an attempt to improve their position as a service provider and OEM.
In the past, designers and engineers had to spend extra time in designing the new equipment to account for dimensional uncertainties. After the equipment was built and delivered, measurements had to be taken to determine what adjustments needed to be made to the equipment. The equipment was sent to a local machine shop to make the adjustments. It’s important to note that this process needed to be carried out during a turnaround when the plant was shut down for maintenance and improvements. Extending a plant outage beyond the planned timeline typically carries a cost of several hundred thousand dollars in lost generating revenue.
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Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) Course
Jon Roovers and Associates next Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) Course
will be held on December 15-16-17, 2010 (Wed-Thu-Fri).
Class times: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.
The course will be held at the Hampton Inn & Suites, Arrowood Road, Charlotte, NC.
The course fee is $795 per person, payable in advance with a personal or company check.
To register for the course, please email name(s) and titles of the Participant(s).
Also, please provide us with your name, phone and fax number.
A confirmation notice including all course specifics and directions will be emailed or faxed to you.
We are delighted to offer this exciting course and I look forward to hearing from you.
JAN ROOVERS ASSOCIATES, INC.
Consultants for Quality and Leadership
6519 Wheeler Drive
Charlotte, NC 28211-4756
704.366.2926 (Vox)
704.577.5761 (Cell)
704.365.6165 (Fax)
jan@janroovers.com
johannesroovers@yahoo.com
www.janroovers.com
NVision Helps Soft Air Produce Handgun Replica Three Months Faster
Soft Air USA used NVision’s laser scanning services to save three months in getting an Airsoft replica of FN Herstal’s FNP9-17 handgun to market. This is a significant time-savings over Soft Air’s previous process, which involved making silicon molds of real guns and using the molds to create injection molds that in turn make the replica Airsoft guns. Laser scanning saves time because it eliminates the need for manual touchup of the silicon mold and the resulting CAD model of the real gun can then be electronically sent to manufacturers in Asia.
“Airsoft” refers to a specific type of replica gun that shoots lightweight plastic pellets at a muzzle velocity of less than 600 foot per second. The combination of the light projectile and relatively low muzzle velocity means that Airsoft guns are generally considered safe when used with safety equipment such as protective eyeware. Soft Air USA®, Inc is a subsidiary of Cybergun S.A., the world’s leading manufacturer of replica Airsoft guns. Soft Air USA® has licenses from gun manufacturers such as Smith & Wesson®, Colt®, Sig Sauer®, IMI (Uzi®), Mauser, Thompson® and Kalishnikov.
The FNP-9 is a polymer-framed pistol that weights 25 ounces and has a 16+1 magazine capacity. “The FNP-9 handgun has never been done as an Airsoft gun in the past,” said John Steele, President of Soft Air USA. “We wanted to make as accurate a reproduction of the gun as is humanly possible.” In the past, Soft Air has reproduced guns by first making a silicon mold of the actual gun. One problem with this approach was that the gun used as the master was destroyed in the process. Another problem was that the silicon mold typically had many imperfections such as bubbles that needed to be fixed by hand. This process took a considerable period of time. Also, the mold had to be shipped to contract manufacturers in Asia that build the replica guns, which took additional time.
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DuraMax as a Gear Wheel Measuring Machine
With DuraMax, Carl Zeiss offers an popular compact 3D coordinate measuring machine. DuraMax Gear marks the evolution of DuraMax into a shopfloor gear wheel measuring machine. “This enables us to fulfill the requests of many customers and introduce gear wheel measuring technology with small machines that can be used as close to production as possible," says Alexander Dollansky, Product Manager at Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology.
The key features of DuraMax Gear are its suitability for a rough production environment, the high permissible temperature fluctuations, the proven and pioneering ZEISS measuring software, its small footprint and the attractive price.
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CMM-MANAGER 3.0 FEATURES NEW WINDOWS 7 STYLE USER INTERFACE
CMM-Manager 3.0 for Windows 7 is by far the most value-for-money tactile inspection software that runs on nearly all CNC and manual CMMs. The modern and intuitive Windows 7 graphical interface makes the software even more informative and interactive. Get more things done with CMM-Manager, by automating serial inspection or by easily taking a few points on the spot. And when combined with the new Renishaw 5-axis PH20 probe head, CMM-Manager 3.0 turns around inspection work up to 3 times faster.
Versatility to get the most out of your CMMs
The dashboard has been upgraded with intuitive new icons and a ribbon bar style layout. CMM-Manager 3.0 for Windows 7 also incorporates touch screen and multi-touch support and intuitive navigation paths. Simply walk up to the CMM, quickly align the part, and immediately measure geometric features and points on planes. When CAD is available, you can even take snap point measurements on the screen to eliminate manually probing the work piece – and automatically create dimensional charts with color-coded point deviations.
Docking and sliding panels provide a more open and simplified workspace, and inspection tools are simple to use. To create a serial inspection routine that runs on any CMM brand, you simply click points and features on a 3D part view and drag-and-drop them as icons on to a part program representation. CMM-Manager automatically converts the icon program into a collision-free touch probe motion path. Automated inspection results in graphic part-to-CAD comparison, a digital communication tool providing all the answers.
PH20 support triples CMM productivity
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Versatility to get the most out of your CMMs
The dashboard has been upgraded with intuitive new icons and a ribbon bar style layout. CMM-Manager 3.0 for Windows 7 also incorporates touch screen and multi-touch support and intuitive navigation paths. Simply walk up to the CMM, quickly align the part, and immediately measure geometric features and points on planes. When CAD is available, you can even take snap point measurements on the screen to eliminate manually probing the work piece – and automatically create dimensional charts with color-coded point deviations.
Docking and sliding panels provide a more open and simplified workspace, and inspection tools are simple to use. To create a serial inspection routine that runs on any CMM brand, you simply click points and features on a 3D part view and drag-and-drop them as icons on to a part program representation. CMM-Manager automatically converts the icon program into a collision-free touch probe motion path. Automated inspection results in graphic part-to-CAD comparison, a digital communication tool providing all the answers.
PH20 support triples CMM productivity
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Wenzel/Xspect Solutions Undertakes New Aftermarket Program To Retrofit Cmms With The New 5-Axis Renishaw Ph20 Touch-Trigger System
Xspect Solutions has installed more Renishaw REVO® systems than any other CMM specialist. Their unique approach to technology and experience with the UCC controller has put them in an ideal position to also be the leading provider in the USA for the new Renishaw PH20 system on new or used CMMs.
Wenzel/Xspect Solutions has the largest used (Xsperienced) CMM machine shop in North America for rebuilding and remanufacturing all makes of CMMs. Bryn Edwards, VP Aftermarket for Wenzel/Xspect Solutions says, “The introduction of the new Renishaw PH20 5-axis touch-trigger system is providing us with new market opportunities for our aftermarket business because the PH20 has the effect of prolonging the life of many older CMMs by improving their throughput by two to three times.”
Edwards explains, “ Xspect Solutions’ broad experience with the Renishaw REVO system ideally positions us to apply the benefits of the PH20 to all sizes of CMMs giving the user more throughput because of increased capability and flexibility. The PH20 has a compact design and provides faster calibration, improved metrology and infinite positioning. The unique PH20 head allows measurement points to be taken using only the head and not the CMM structure. The 5-axis controlled motion between features eliminates indexing time thus improving the throughput and allowing larger parts to be measured on the same CMM by minimizing the space required around the part for head rotation. Because the PH20 automatically aligns itself with the part coordinate system, stylus collisions are avoided. The ultimate accuracy of measurement is improved with the PH20 because it uses feature orientation-based calibration and head touches.”
WENZEL/XSPECT SOLUTIONS REPORTS RECORD SEPTEMBER 2010 SALES
New and remanufactured CMMs, unique new scanning products and new market penetration for gear measuring machines leads to record sales month
“A certain level of pent-up demand for new and remanufactured CMMs combined with the introduction of three new scanning technologies, a very successful IMTS Show and some significant new sales for Wenzel gear measuring machines made the month of September 2010 a record sales month for Wenzel/Xspect Solutions,” says Andy Woodward General Manager of North American operations for Wenzel/Xspect Solutions.
Woodward explained further, “We received orders for over $2 ½ million of new equipment in the month and drew significant attention at IMTS for our new scanning products from a wide range of industries where the ability to scan and inspect buffed or polished products has traditionally been difficult. Our new CORE high-speed optical scanner is currently the only machine that can accurately measure these types of ‘shiny’ parts.”
Woodward adds, “We sold all of the CMMs, off-the-floor, at the IMTS Show and also received orders for two large WGT400 gear measuring machines from a large off-highway equipment manufacturer. We found it very beneficial to have a second booth specifically for our gear measuring machine products which was located in the designated area for gear manufacturing equipment. Also, during the month, we added several new distributors and manufacturers agents to our North American network of sales representatives.”
“Looking forward,” Woodward says, “We are anticipating an excellent next quarter. We have good activity in all areas of our business and have a number of large programs that will soon be released. We just recently moved into a new North American headquarters facility that will better suit our needs in terms of product demonstration and training, as well as a better organized space for our CMM warehousing, display and remanufacturing activity.”
WENZEL Group GmbH & Co. KG is one of the leading manufacturers of coordinate measuring machines. Wenzel/Xspect Solutions, Inc. headquartered in Wixom, Michigan, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wenzel Group GmbH of Germany. Wenzel/Xspect Solutions is one of the largest suppliers of both traditional CMMs and GMM gear measuring machines to the North American metrology market. Wenzel also provides a variety of unique 3D imaging technologies including the ScanTec™ non-contact high-speed optical measuring system, the exaCT™ integrated computed tomography workstation, MobileScan3D® mobile CNC Measurement System and the Shapetracer™ 3D laser line scanner. Wenzel/Xspect Solutions also provides OpenDMIS™, the metrology industry’s most complete open architecture metrology software. The main customers are in the automotive and aerospace industries, mechanical engineering, electrical motor manufacturing and sub-contractors to these sectors. With subsidiaries in Switzerland, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, China, USA, Singapore and India WENZEL is employing 600 people worldwide.
Link to CMM Quarterly Magazine
Link to CMM Quarterly Magazine
FARO and Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology Form Innovative Solutions Network
FARO Technologies, Inc. and Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology announced today the launch of the Innovative Solutions Network, a marketing, sales and support collaboration in North America. Through the network, these two leaders in metrology will provide a broader product solutions offering, including both traditional and portable CMMs. From the simplest to the most complex metrology measurements, the Innovative Solutions Network will offer customers access to more patented technologies, focused applications, and customer support programs and resources.
“The creation of the Innovative Solutions Network will allow us to better serve our customers by providing them with a total metrology solution. The technologies offered by both companies are among the most advanced equipment available today, and I am excited to see two world class companies like FARO and Carl Zeiss create such a comprehensive metrology solution,” said David Morse, SVP and Managing Director of the Americas for FARO.
For years, customers have benefited from the world-class support and training programs offered by both companies, along with the extensive knowledge and experience that comes with over 120 combined years of metrology development. Through the Innovative Solutions Network, individuals interested in implementing a metrology solution will now have access to expert resources from both FARO and Carl Zeiss.
“We are pleased to work with FARO in the launch of the Innovative Solutions Network. Like us, their strength is in developing the key technologies needed to give customers the best solution. We believe it to be a great benefit to our existing customer base as well as for those who are considering a full metrology solution,” said Greg Lee, President of Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology.
Carl Zeiss Looks for Veterans to Help Continue Their 90 Years of Success
90 Years of Industrial Metrology at Carl Zeiss
Carl Zeiss is a highly-respected brand name and is recognized throughout the world for its history of producing leading-edge technologies and products. The company became known above all for its top-quality microscopes and lens systems.
Right from the very start, these high-quality products were manufactured with measuring and inspection tools that were produced in-house. These modest beginnings have evolved since 1919 to produce a business unit that today ranks as the world’s leading manufacturers of coordinate measuring machines (CMM’s).
They offer bridge-type, horizontal-arm and inline measuring machines, as well as form, contour and surface measuring machines, their METROTOM Computed Tomography system, the O-INSPECT multi-sensor CMM, and their F25 microsystem CMM. They develop and manufacture all key components, such as controllers, software, measuring systems and sensors to provide the best metrology experience.
Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology has three manufacturing locations and more than 100 sales and service centers to supply customers around the world. Their international headquarters, offices and production facilities are located in Oberkochen, Germany. Their North America headquarters and production facility is located in Maple Grove, MN, and they have a technical center in Brighton, MI and a brand new technical center in Irvine, CA. And their Shanghai, China production facility brings ZEISS technology to Southeast Asia.
Join Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology or at one of their many global branches. As a metrology innovation leader, they manufacture a full range of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) for every quality control need, as well as form, contour and surface measuring instruments, Industrial CT x-ray solutions for castings and NDT, and micro-measuring systems for extremely small parts such as medical components. They also offer complete system services, including retrofits, hardware service, software support, and metrology training.
If you are passionate about improving the quality and reliability of manufactured products and are interested in cultivating your talents in a challenging and rewarding environment, they may offer the ideal career path for you.
Check at Hire Veterans to see the current job posts that Carl Zeiss is offering to our veterans.
You can also go directly to Carl Zeiss to find out more about the company and email them directly.
NVision HandHeld Scanner Helps Increase Life of Hydraulic Fracturing Tools
A major manufacturer of hydraulic fracturing tools for the oil and gas industry is using NVision’s HandHeld laser scanner to increase the performance and life of its products by gaining a clearer picture of erosion patterns. The company previously used ultrasonic sensors to measure discrete points in a gridded pattern after erosion testing with proppant. The HandHeld Scanner provides a much clearer understanding of erosion patterns by measuring millions of points and providing a comparison of the geometry before and after testing with color deviation models showing the amount of material that has been eroded in each area of the tool. This information helps engineers gain an intuitive understanding of tool performance, which in turn helps improve design and substantially increase tool life.
Hydraulic fracturing involves pumping a fracturing fluid into a well bore at a high enough level of pressure to cause the formation to crack, enhancing the flow of oil and gas from the formation to the well. A slurry material called proppant, which commonly consists primarily of sand or ceramic material, is then injected into the fracture to prop it open, thereby increasing the flow of formation fluids. However, the proppant is highly abrasive and erodes the casing and tools. After they have eroded to a certain point, the equipment needs to be replaced, which is expensive in terms of labor and tool cost, but most important delays the completion process.
WENZEL SCANTEC INTRODUCES NEW MOBILESCAN3D PORTABLE LASER SCANNER TO THE NORTH AMERICAN MARKET
MobileScan3D is a mobile CNC laser scanning solution allowing fully automatic reverse engineering and part inspection verification. Its portability and rapid set-up provides a unique opportunity to scan on location without the tedious and time consuming effort required by other portable scanners.
Giles Gaskell, North American sales manager for 3D Imaging Products for Wenzel/Xspect Solutions says, “For anyone who is looking for portable 3D imaging technology for reverse engineering or inspection, the MobileScan3D system provides the quality and repeatability of a CMM-based laser scanner in a portable and highly flexible system, Fig. 1. MobileScan3D’s configuration is not constrained by a CMM frame or portable CMM arm and has interchangeable laser sensors to adapt to different sizes and shapes of parts, from jewelry to full-sized automobiles. Because MobileScan3D offers full CNC automatic scanning, the accuracy of the acquired dataset is significantly enhanced over the same data acquired by other portable systems and provides automatically structured and ordered data, minimizing subsequent data ‘clean-up’ and processing time. In addition, MobileScan3D can also be used for the verification of production parts against nominal geometry data and can either be used in complete CNC mode or in semi CNC mode where the motors can be disengaged and the laser manually guided to define the scan path before re-engagement for CNC scanning. This semi CNC mode allows for rapid set-up for inspection of one-off parts.”
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OnTheFly – Measurement in Flight
Werth, a manfacturer of optical and multi-sensor coordinate measuring machines, presents the patented “OnTheFly” method for rapid measurement with image processing. Werth ScopeCheck® and VideoCheck® coordinate measuring machines can now take measurements while in constant motion. By flashing the light sources, blurriness due to the motion is eliminated. Start-Stop operation is no longer needed. Measurement time is drastically reduced (up to a factor of 10) and the efficiency of the measuring machine is increased. This technology is ideal for printed circuit boards or other workpieces with numerous features and the need for short inspection cycles.
Automatic Measuring with RoboMax from Carl Zeiss
RoboMax® connects measuring machines and production lines to an automatic loading system of the parts being measured
Fast and reliable production is vital to a company in a world dominated by global competition. Fully automated production lines with robots and various machines have been around for decades. Quality assurance must keep pace. Carl Zeiss developed RoboMax to make this possible. The system does not require an operator and can run fully automatically 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The parts are automatically fed, measured and sorted. Measurement logs permit verification of the quality at any time.
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Fast and reliable production is vital to a company in a world dominated by global competition. Fully automated production lines with robots and various machines have been around for decades. Quality assurance must keep pace. Carl Zeiss developed RoboMax to make this possible. The system does not require an operator and can run fully automatically 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The parts are automatically fed, measured and sorted. Measurement logs permit verification of the quality at any time.
Click here to read entire article
Verisurf Software and Nikon Metrology Announce Global OEM Agreement
Verisurf’s Enterprise Metrology Platform to Drive All Nikon Portable Metrology Devices
Nikon Metrology and Verisurf Software have made it possible for manufacturers to drive all Nikon portable metrology devices from Verisurf’s common software platform. Supported Nikon metrology devices include Laser Radar, K-Series optical CMMs configured with scanners and probes, MCA II articulated arm configured with scanners and probes, and the iGPS.
“Verisurf is proud to partner with Nikon and offer engineers a major breakthrough in measurement and inspection,” said Ernie Husted, president of Verisurf. “Having advanced inspection software that drives all of their metrology devices will dramatically increase their customer’s manufacturing efficiency by saving countless hours learning and using multiple software interfaces, while significantly reducing software maintenance and technical support costs across their enterprise.”
“This partnership is a huge benefit to our metrology customers,” said Doug Kappler, Director of Nikon Metrology Large Scale Division. “In addition to being able to offer a single software platform for all Nikon portable metrology devices, the software provides fully automated and programmable measurements.”
Under the terms of the global OEM agreement Nikon will sell, market, train and support Verisurf software when bundled with Nikon Metrology devices.
Verisurf’s new X platform is the latest release of its popular computer aided inspection and reverse engineering software. The X platform gives engineers unprecedented value with new device interfaces, improved inspection guidance functionality and feature extraction for reverse engineering. An updated VDI has added many new non-contact measurement and automation controls for the Nikon Metrology Laser Radar, enabling this sophisticated metrology device to perform at its highest level.
Verisurf Software, Inc.
Verisurf Software, Inc. is a privately held metrology software development company committed to delivering advanced computer-aided inspection and reverse engineering solutions. Verisurf software lets manufacturers produce higher quality products in less time and at a lower cost by using highly automated paperless, 3D model-based inspection processes, rather than hand measurements and 2D paper drawings. For more information, visit www.verisurf.com.
Nikon Metrology, Inc.
Nikon Metrology, Inc. is a division of NIKON CORPORATION (JSX:7731) and offers the most complete and innovative metrology product portfolio, including state-of-the-art vision measuring instruments complemented with optical and mechanical 3D metrology solutions. These reliable and innovative metrology solutions respond to the advanced inspection requirements of manufacturers active in consumer, automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical and other industries. Systems are available in both fixed and portable configurations, equipped with a single or multiple sensors. Additional information about Nikon Metrology is available at www.nikonmetrology.com. Additional information about NIKON CORPORATION is available at www.nikon.com.
Siemens PLM Software releases a dedicated blisk and impeller NC programming application
New features include rest milling for automated removal of remaining material from previous operations and optimized tool engagement with the part. There is no need to repair or re-model poor quality CAD data before programming. Smooth flowing 5-axis tool paths can be created directly across surface gaps, overlaps and misaligned surface parameter lines. The system takes advantage of supporting capabilities in NX CAM including G-code driven machine tool simulation and automatic tool path updates on model changes.
More information: http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/products/nx/nx7/CAM/turbo_mill.shtml
Sheffield Measurement Launches Endeavor 3 CMM Product Line
Next-generation CMM features new sizes, models, sensors, and greater accuracy
North Kingstown, RI – July 21, 2010 – Hexagon Metrology, Inc. today announced the immediate availability of the Endeavor 3 CMM, the next generation of their Endeavor CMM product line. This popular line of vertical coordinate measuring machines introduces new sizes, additional models, improved sensor support, and a boost in accuracy performance from the previous generation. The Endeavor 3 is designed to address a wide range of dimensional measurement requirements for the start-up manufacturer purchasing their first coordinate measuring machine, to a large manufacturing operation looking for multiple CMMs with a maximum price-to-performance ratio.
The new machine is precision manufactured at Hexagon Metrology’s headquarters factory located in Rhode Island, and is checked and certified to meet the most rigorous application test procedures required by B89 and ISO standards. Offered in two models, the Endeavor 3 is suitable for touch trigger applications, while the Endeavor 3 Plus is targeted at more demanding tactile and non-contact scanning applications. The Endeavor 3 Plus offers extensive sensor support including the Leitz LSP-X1 and LSP-X3 tactile scanning probes. In addition, the Endeavor 3 Plus supports the CMM-V and CMM-Ve vision sensors, and the ScanShark non-contact laser scanning sensor.
“The Endeavor 3 and Endeavor 3 Plus provide a great value for our customers,” remarked Hexagon Metrology Product Manager, Eric Bennett. “We have expanded the number and type of supported sensors, and now offer nine standard sizes ranging from 5.5.5 up to 12.30.10. Top that with high performance, CAD capability, and the improved accuracy needed for the ever increasing number of high-tolerance parts. This next generation product line combines the versatility of tactile scanning, non-contact scanning and optical imaging, while maintaining an extremely attractive price point.”
About Sheffield Measurement
Sheffield Measurement brings more than a century of experience to the design and manufacture of dimensional measurement products. Sheffield’s Cordax® brand CMMs have been adopted by hundreds of companies around the world for the dimensional inspection of their precision manufactured parts. More information can be found at www.SheffieldMeasurement.com.
About Hexagon Metrology
Hexagon Metrology serves the high precision measurement and inspection needs of worldwide manufacturers with its extensive line of metrology hardware, software, accessories, and customer services. The company's name-brand portfolio of quality assurance products include Brown & Sharpe, CogniTens, Leica Geosystems, ROMER, Sheffield, PC-DMIS, DEA, Leitz, and TESA. Hexagon Metrology has an unrivaled installed base of more than 1.5 million handheld, stationary and portable measurement devices, and over 30,000 seats of PC-DMIS metrology software. More information is at www.HexagonMetrology.us
The company is a subsidiary of Hexagon Measurement Technologies, a business unit of Hexagon AB (Nacka Strand, Sweden), a publicly-traded company (OMX Nordic: HEXA B). The Hexagon group consists of nearly 8,200 employees located in 30 countries.
GILES GASKELL APPOINTED NORTH AMERICAN SALES MANAGER FOR 3D IMAGING PRODUCTS FOR WENZEL/XSPECT SOLUTIONS
The appointment of Giles Gaskell as the new North American sales manager for 3D Imaging Products for Wenzel/Xspect Solutions, subsidiary of Wenzel Group GmbH, is announced by Andy Woodward, North American general manager for Wenzel/Xspect Solutions.
Andy Woodward points out, “Wenzel continues to broaden its product base through the addition of unique new 3D imaging technologies that complement Wenzel’s CMM metrology products. As a result, we are focusing new sales and marketing resources to help develop markets for these new products in North America. Giles Gaskell will be directing those efforts and brings a wealth of technical and business development experience in the areas of non-contact scanning for reverse engineering and 3D imaging technology. He has worked with many of Europe’s most prestigious design, engineering and manufacturing companies on reverse engineering and non-contact inspection projects.”
Giles Gaskell comes to Wenzel/Xspect Solutions from GKS-Laser Design, Inc. where he had been the business development manager. Prior to that time Giles had been the director of business development for NVision Inc. a manufacturer of non-contact measurement and 3D imaging hardware and software. Giles also founded 3D Scanners Ltd. a U.K. based manufacturer that introduced the first hand-held laser scanners to the U.K. market.
Mr. Gaskell is a graduate in Mechanical Engineering from Aston University in Birmingham, England. He is a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. He and his family reside in Linden, Michigan.
Wenzel/Xspect Solutions, Inc. headquartered in Wixom, Michigan, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wenzel Group GmbH of Germany. Wenzel/Xspect Solutions is the Number 3 supplier of both traditional CMMs and GMM gear measuring machines to the North American metrology market. Wenzel/Xspect Solutions also provides a variety of unique 3D imaging technologies including the ScanTec™ non-contact white light optical measuring system, the exaCT™ integrated computed tomography workstation, MobileScan3D® mobile CNC Measurement System and the Shapetracer™ 3D laser line scanner.
Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology and Koepfer America, LLC form Business Partner Agreement
Carl Zeiss IMT and Koepfer America have formally joined with a new Business Partner Agreement for the United States and Canada. This agreement will provide improved technical and marketing support related to all areas of CMM gear metrology offered by Carl Zeiss. Recognized globally as a market leader for CMM equipment, Carl Zeiss with its partnership with Koepfer America, will expand its reach into all areas of gear metrology.
Carl Zeiss offers machines to measure both parallel axis and bevel gears from the smallest gears used in microtechnologies
up to 4m (157.5”) in diameter. This is accomplished using their GEAR PRO software package, which is both a mature and truly flexible product. In addition, prismatic features can be measured in a seamless integration with the metrology software package: CALYPSO.
Since 1989, Koepfer America has been a leader in parallel axis gear manufacturing equipment sales, service and support for North America. Koepfer is nationally recognized for its influential role with the American Gear Manufacturers Association, AMT, Euro Trans, SME and other technical groups.
CMM Quarterly
The 2010 Summer Issue of CMM Quarterly is now available
www.cmmquarterly.com/ezine
Be sure and visit our Summer 2010 Issue Sponser
Mark Boucher Consulting
www.cmmquarterly.com/ezine
Be sure and visit our Summer 2010 Issue Sponser
Mark Boucher Consulting
“Flying Scanning” VAST Performance
5th generation of VAST scanning from Carl Zeiss: high result reliability combined with impressive speed and a clear reduction of the measuring time
Carl Zeiss now offers the 5th generation of contact scanning. The new VAST® Performance Kit is optionally available for the top-of-the-line PRISMO®, CenterMax® and GageMax® coordinate measuring machines. It incorporates various elements of optimized hardware and software to increase the performance of measurements. A new generation of active probes delivers very high speed and thus considerably improved measuring productivity. The Performance Kit offers high result reliability and a clear reduction of the measuring time for many applications.
With VAST Performance, scanning can now be meaningfully used even for features with interrupted contours. The fast stylus change further reduces the total measuring time. Simplified programming and shorter measuring times enable optimal utilization and thus the completion of more measuring jobs in less time: the productivity of the coordinate measuring machines rises significantly.
Flying scanning
The outstanding benefit of Performance Kit is the ability to scan over interrupted contours (FlyScan). In the past, 16 scanning paths were required to measure a flange that has a plane surface interrupted with boreholes. The FlyScan feature reduces this number to one. The existing method for this measurement required extensive programming that resulted in a measuring time of 75 seconds. FlyScan not only considerably simplifies programming, but the measuring time for the feature is also reduced nearly 70% to 23 seconds—with absolutely reliable measuring results.
The improvement for the measurement of a pinion is even more evident. A single-point measurement delivers a satisfactory statement, but the measuring time is at least 286 seconds, or around five minutes. Scanning with VAST Performance enables an in-depth statement on the form and diameter with a measuring time of only 71 seconds.
Faster stylus change
Productive measuring also means being able to quickly adapt to different measuring jobs. The CNC-guided stylus change on coordinate measuring machines enables the measurement of different features at different workpiece positions with the right stylus or stylus system. Included in a measuring program, the measuring machine automatically changes the stylus. The faster this occurs, the sooner the measuring program can run. The speed of the stylus change thus has a significant effect on the total measuring time of complex measuring programs and several stylus changes. Complex measuring programs often require several stylus changes.
This function has been continuously enhanced. With the QuickChange feature in the Performance Kit, Carl Zeiss has considerably reduced the time needed to change a stylus on its premium-class bridge-type measuring machines. The optimizations have lowered the time needed to change the stylus by up to 60 percent.
ANDY WOODWARD APPOINTED GENERAL MANAGER NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS FOR WENZEL/XSPECT SOLUTIONS
Mr. Woodward comes to Wenzel/Xspect Solutions from the UK where for the past eight years he had been managing director for Wenzel’s UK operations. For fifteen years prior to that time, Mr. Woodward worked for Hexagon Metrology, Inc. in various engineering and general management positions at Hexagon’s DEA and Brown & Sharpe operations in the UK.
Mr. Woodward says, “I intend to continue to build on the solid business model for metrology equipment and services that Xspect Solutions has created over the past six years. By combining Xspect’s broad customer base and marketing network with Wenzel’s Gear Tec gear measuring machine technology, and Wenzel’s expanding 3D scanning products, we should be able to make additional market penetration in related product and industry areas here in North America.”
Andy Woodward holds a mechanical engineering degree from Birmingham University in the UK. He and his family will be relocating to the Detroit metropolitan area.
Wenzel/Xspect Solutions, Inc. headquartered in Wixom, Michigan, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wenzel Group GmbH of Germany. Wenzel/Xspect Solutions is the Number 3 supplier of both traditional CMMs and GMM gear measuring machines to theNorth American metrology market. Wenzel/Xspect Solutions also provides a variety of unique 3D imaging technologies including the ScanTec™ non-contact white light optical measuring system, the exaCT™ integrated computed tomography workstation, MobileScan3D® mobile CNC Measurement System and the Shapetracer™ 3D laser line scanner. Wenzel/Xspect Solutions also provides OpenDMIS™, the metrology industry’s most complete open architecture metrology software.
WENZEL/XSPECT SOLUTIONS TO FEATURE CMMS, 3D IMAGING PRODUCTS AND GEAR MEASURING PRODUCTS IN TWO DIFFERENT BOOTHS AT IMTS 2010 IN CHICAGO
Wenzel/Xspect Solutions will be exhibiting a wide variety of CMMs and CMM related accessories as well as new 3D imaging products and Wenzel GearTec gear measuring products at IMTS 2010 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL September 13-18, 2010.
A New Wenzel X-Orbit CMM equipped with the new Renishaw PH20 probe, Fig. 1, will be on display at McCormick Place East in Booth No. E-5157 as well as a typical Xspect Solutions remanufactured CMM. New 3D imaging technologies that include the Wenzel ScanTec non-contact white light optical measuring system, the exaCT™ integrated computed tomography workstation, MobileScan3D® mobile CNC Measurement System and the Shapetracer™ 3D laser line scanner will also be on display. This will be the first time that these four new Wenzel 3D imaging technologies will be on display in North America. In addition, OpenDMIS™ CMM software will be demonstrated on both the Wenzel and remanufactured CMMs as well as a display that depicts all of the available aftermarket services.
The Wenzel gear measuring products will be on display in McCormick Place North in Booth No. N-7436. Machines being shown will include: the WGT 850, a dedicated gear inspection machine that represents the ultimate in gear testing performance from Wenzel GearTec. All axes are made from natural dark granite, guaranteeing excellent thermal behavior and air bearings on all axes to insure smooth running and high accuracy performance; the INOVA, Fig. 2, a completely new compact 4-axis fully automatic CNC performance; the INOVA, Fig. 2, a completely new compact 4-axis fully automatic CNC gear measuring machine design where the Z-axis with integral rotary table are positioned independently from the x and Y-axes.
Wenzel/Xspect Solutions, Inc. headquartered in Wixom, Michigan, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wenzel Group GmbH of Germany. Wenzel/Xspect Solutions is the Number 3 supplier of both traditional CMMs and GMM gear measuring machines to the North American metrology market. Wenzel/Xspect Solutions also provides a variety of unique 3D imaging technologies including the ScanTec™ non-contact white light optical measuring system, the exaCT™ integrated computed tomography workstation, MobileScan3D® mobile CNC Measurement System and the Shapetracer™ 3D laser line scanner. Wenzel/Xspect Solutions also provides OpenDMIS™, the metrology industry’s most complete open architecture metrology software.
Hexagon Metrology USA Launches Online Store
Training classes, parts and accessories now available through e-commerce
North Kingstown, RI – June 28, 2010 – Hexagon Metrology, Inc. announced the official opening of HexagonStore.com, an e-commerce portal for the United States that offers online purchase of training classes, parts and accessories for metrology systems. The store includes convenient purchasing of PC-DMIS and GD&T training class seats by date and location, a complete line of TESA and Renishaw Styli products, CMM fixturing kits from R&R and Rayco, and Leica Geosystems laser tracker parts and accessories.
“This new, easy way to purchase training and metrology accessories was developed in response to requests from our customer base,” remarked Al Chiasson, general manager of Hexagon Metrology Services. “The convenience of being able to quickly order products, even after business hours, is a real time-saver. We are planning to expand our product categories leading up to the IMTS show in September.”
The store can be visited at www.HexagonStore.com, or www.CMMStyli.com for the top of the stylus section. Purchases shipping to USA-based addresses only are accepted.
About Hexagon Metrology
Hexagon Metrology serves the high precision measurement and inspection needs of worldwide manufacturers with its extensive line of metrology hardware, software, accessories, and customer services. The company's name-brand portfolio of quality assurance products include Brown & Sharpe, CogniTens, Leica Geosystems, ROMER, Sheffield, PC-DMIS, DEA, Leitz, and TESA. Hexagon Metrology has an unrivaled installed base of more than 1.5 million handheld, stationary and portable measurement devices, and over 30,000 seats of PC-DMIS metrology software. More information is at www.HexagonMetrology.us
The company is a subsidiary of Hexagon Measurement Technologies, a business unit of Hexagon AB (Nacka Strand, Sweden), a publicly-traded company (OMX Nordic: HEXA B). The Hexagon group consists of nearly 8,200 employees located in 30 countries.
Service Center Surpasses 5,000 High-Accuracy Industrial Computed Tomography Scans
The value of computed tomography measurement has become increasingly apparent as the Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology division surpasses 5,000 CT service scans for their customers. Carl Zeiss’s experience has helped customers determine the best measuring strategy for their product with minimal cost and time commitment. These non-destructive, 3D part scans are commonly used for internal assembly analysis, part-to-CAD deviation comparison, defect analysis, first article inspection layout, PPAP (production part approval process) and verification of key product characteristics. Parts made of plastic, ceramics or composite materials, as well as magnesium and aluminum can be dimensionally measured and efficiently evaluated.
With computed tomography or CT scanning technology, the qualification process can be reduced to a day’s work. This technology allows internal and external analysis of a workpiece by using x-ray technology—similar to x-ray technology used in computed axial tomography (CAT) technology.
Measure Quickly and Reliably with CALIGO
The new ZEISS software for demanding measuring jobs in car body measurement and freeform surfaces
OBERKOCHEN, Germany—May 04, 2010.
Carl Zeiss presents CALIGO, the new measuring software specially developed for car body parts and freeform surfaces. Its modular system architecture offers a high degree of flexibility for the requirements of the future. Optimal utilization of the available system resources enables fast availability of the results. The optically impressive design and clearly structured interface make this new measuring software very intuitive.
New features such as change management, extensive simulation functionality and the possibility of measuring single features of a complex measuring plan directly influence the productivity of measurements.
CALIGO is the successor to widely used HOLOS® freeform measuring software.
Numerous benefits increase measuring productivity
There are many challenges in car body measuring technology: until the process has been optimally configured, a wide range of items have to be checked—often very quickly and in large quantities with different versions and design changes. Good car body measuring technology must be able to keep pace with these and remain flexible. We listened to our customers and implemented their wishes into CALIGO. The functions incorporated in CALIGO provide users with a high level of support and optimize the entire measuring process.
CALIGO accelerates programming with intelligent functions such as change management via feature lists. If changes are made, they are registered when data is compared. Users can then decide which data to accept. This allows them to react flexibly and integrate changed parts into their measuring process, thus increasing their productivity during analysis and serial measurements.
The simulation function provides an extensive array of tools for the analysis of the measuring program before the real sequence starts. This makes it even easier to identify and correct programming errors and further optimize programs using tools such as collision control, travel path track and collision ball. Individual horizontal arm measuring machines and duplex systems can be completely simulated. The EagleEye optical sensor has also been taken into consideration.
Often, only single features need to be inspected and the results must be available quickly. CALIGO can generate the travel path automatically to prevent collisions with the workpiece. CALIGO follows a safety sheath to find the collision-free path from feature to feature. A new navigation concept (Path In/Path Out) has also been integrated into CALIGO. It enables specification of a safe path into and out of an interior space. These functions enable the operator to measure only the required features from an extensive measuring plan. It is not necessary to run the entire plan. CALIGO takes into consideration all conditions up to the desired feature. This means more reliability at a higher speed.
Quickly from the measuring plan to the measuring results
The evaluation and reporting functions can be integrated to enable the flexible use of the measuring results. For example, CALIGO can create different views of feature evaluations (false color display, results banners) in the measurement plan and insert them into the measurement log. It is also possible to design the measuring log in accordance with corporate guidelines.
There is an easy transition from HOLOS to CALIGO: compatibility of the measuring plans is guaranteed. Measurement plans programmed in HOLOS can simply be imported into CALIGO and used there.
CALIGO integrates seamlessly into Carl Zeiss’ current software portfolio. With CALIGO, Carl Zeiss now offers very good software for any measuring application in freeform surface measuring to go along with CALYPSO®, the benchmark for standard geometries, and ACCTee Pro, the new software for forms and surfaces.
Furthermore, PiWeb is available for statistical evaluations, and the Master Control Center (MCC) for the cross-location monitoring of measuring machines and data archiving. These packages are compatible and can be chosen and configured to suit the customer’s requirements. This ensures that customers receive the best results.
A clearly structured user interface simplifies use of the software.
Carl Zeiss
The Carl Zeiss Group is a leading group of companies operating worldwide in the optical and opto-electronic industries that generates revenues totaling around EUR 2.1 billion (2008/09). Carl Zeiss offers innovative solutions for the future-oriented markets of Medical and Research Solutions, Industrial Solutions and Lifestyle Products. The Carl Zeiss Group has approximately 13,000 employees worldwide, including more than 8,000 in Germany. The Carl Zeiss business groups hold leading positions in their markets. Carl Zeiss AG, Oberkochen, is fully owned by the Carl Zeiss Stiftung (Carl Zeiss Foundation).
Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology
Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbH belongs to the Industrial Metrology Group of the Carl Zeiss Group. Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology is a leading manufacturer of multidimensional metrology solutions such as coordinate measuring machines and metrology software for the automotive, aircraft, mechanical engineering and plastics industries. The company additionally offers a broad spectrum of customer services.
Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. Further sites are located in Germany, the USA and China—with a global workforce of just under 1,800 people.
Further information is available at www.zeiss.de/imt
Tomography in a multisensor coordinate measuring machine
The future of metrology –
Tomography in a multisensor coordinate measuring machine
For the very first time, Werth Messtechnik has integrated x-ray computer tomography into a multisensor coordinate measuring machine.
The Werth TomoScope® measuring machine uses x-ray tomography to perform rapid, non-destructive geometrical measurements of interiors and exteriors of complex components. The measured point clouds can be calibrated with extremely high precision by using the additional integrated tactile or optical sensors. First article inspection is performed in a few minutes. Therefore, the ROI will be realized in a very short period. The traceability of measurement results is provided by a calibration according to coordinate measuring machine standards (ref. ISO 10360), which is unique for this kind of instruments. The gathered data can be easily exported to STL files for direct machine tool communication or directly imported to the WinWerth 3D CAD module for a graphical nominal-actual comparison in a deviation color plot display or measurement of constructed geometrical elements.
CORE-DS: Optical Scan speeds up the Inspection of Turbine Blades
Clamp the turbine blade, push a button and start the non-contact measure-ment. That’s it. – The latest development CORE-DS of WENZEL ScanTec, a subsidiary of WENZEL Group makes it possible: A robust and compact desk-top version for the production environment. Contactless and with high dy-namics and integrated software. That is the result of years of experience in the field of optical measurements of turbine blades.
In recent years, the aerospace and energy industry sectors have recorded signifi-cant growth rates; this trend is expected to continue in the coming years, albeit with a slight delay due to the economic crisis. One of the main manufacturing objectives is to maintain high quality standards while time cycles for inspection and quality control have to be reduced due to growing production volumes.
Optical non-contact solutions have increasingly gained importance in this sector, as they have often a huge speed advantage compared to current tactile solutions. Many optical measurement techniques require however a matt and therefore opti-cally cooperative surface to allow accurate inspection. Shiny or reflective surfaces are therefore to be prepared with a fine chalk powder; an application, which is seen as an inconvenient but necessary process step. "Many of our customers have expressed the desire to eliminate this working step. We at WENZEL ScanTec have in the recent years incorporated this requirement into the development of our tech-nology and can now offer with our system a significant process optimisation” said Klaus Mühlberger, managing director of WENZEL ScanTec GmbH. The optical measurement of shiny surfaces without the described preliminary step is one of the greatest strength of our blade inspection solution.
METROSOFT QUARTIS
WENZEL-Metromec Launch First 4th Generation CMM Software
At the Control 2010 Exhibition, Stuttgart May 4th-7th, WENZEL-Metromec will officially launch their 4th Generation Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) software as a full touch and scanning probe application. Metrosoft QUARTIS is a fully CAD immersed CMM software and builds upon the three previous software generations of Metrosoft software.
Metrosoft QUARTIS is a true synchronous software providing for both a real-time graphics interaction with the physical CMM and, through extensive kinematic mod-eling, a real-time preview of commands selected from in-depth galleries of availa-ble inspection routines options. The graphics rich environment of Metrosoft QUARTIS utilizes the ACIS modeling kernel.
Metrosoft QUARTIS has been engineered to incorporate the licensed Microsoft Fluent User Interface, first introduced in the 2007 Office products, and uses a dy-namic series of ‘Ribbons’ as the user’s principle interaction with the software’s functionality. Typically in complex application software, such as that needed to program and operate a CMM, too many program features are hidden and hard to locate making the software neither intuitive nor fluent. The goal of the Microsoft Fluent User Interface is to make it easier for users to locate and use the full range of feature rich capabilities today’s advanced software applications such as Metro-soft QUARTIS provide and eliminates multiple toolbars, menus and pop-up dialog boxes. In addition an uncluttered workspace is provided reducing user distraction and improving dramatically productivity while shortening considerable learning curves. Metrosoft QUARTIS is the first example of the highly successful Microsoft Fluent User Interface in the field of metrology making its operation by Microsoft proficient users a breeze.
Metrosoft QUARTIS imports all the standard CAD formats including native geome-try files from all of the major CAD suppliers. Metrosoft QUARTIS is both an On-Line and Off-Line product and uniquely allows the CMM programmer to use the software off-line at the CMM while the machine is performing automatic part inspection, increasing further the productivity benefits offered.
The generated inspection program has been iconized eliminating the need for the programmer to interact with high level languages such as DMIS. The database is built upon Microsoft Access structure providing a powerful yet simple to manage database solution with fully integrated Statistical Process Control (SPC).
Click’n’Measure functionality, measuring strategy dynamic libraries, live preview, CAD geometry extraction with automeasure, rapid part alignment routines, con-struction libraries for elements, path planning with crash prediction and avoidance are just some of the dynamic features incorporated into Metrosoft QUARTIS guid-ing and assisting the CMM programmer through his measuring tasks.
All CMM measured data must be reported in order for the up and down stream manufacturing operation to have the necessary knowledge to control and adjust their respective processes. The reporting function of Metrosoft QUARTIS provides the user with a powerful combination of graphics and authoring tools ensuring inspection results are presented in a graphically enhanced, intuitive format. Bal-looned Graphical Reports, Colored Whisker Deviation plots, Topographical colored charts can be brought together in a single report and can be output in Excel or PDF formats. Authoring a new report is quick and can either be based upon one of the suggested available templates or, using a clean-sheet approach, created with the tools presented on the dedicated Ribbon; all of which will be immediately recognized by proficient Microsoft users.
Role defined access control provides for scaleable functionality, based upon user authorization level, including a standard Program Launch Panel providing for a single click launch of inspection part programs at the CMM by production opera-tors.
Metrosoft QUARTIS is available on the full range of new WENZEL CMMs, as an upgrade to existing WENZEL CMM users, or as a retrofit to all other CMM brands.
WENZEL Metromec, based in Chur, Switzerland, are experienced pioneers in the CMM software field having developed the very first PC based CMM software back in the mid-eighties. Quality, Reliability and Precision are the hallmarks of Swiss products; this could not be more important than in the field of Metrology where the software driving the CMM is benchmarking global manufacturing conformance against international metrology standards. Metrosoft QUARTIS accelerates per-sonal workflow tremendously and guarantees more efficiency and higher productivity.
A 15 minute video presentation of Metrosoft QUARTIS is available on-line or a free flash video CD can be requested.
About WENZEL Group
The WENZEL Group GmbH & Co. KG is one of the leading manufacturers of me-trology solutions. The wide range of WENZEL products include solutions in the fields of coordinate measuring machines, gear metrology, computed tomography, high speed measuring- and digitizing-systems and reverse engineering. The com-pany serves customers in various industries mainly in the automotive and aero-space industries, mechanical engineering, and electrical motor manufacturing, as well as subcontractors operating in those sectors. The company has subsidiaries worldwide and sales and service partners in more than 50 countries. The WENZEL Group is employing about 600 people.
Contact for further information
Dr. Evelin Arnold | phone: +49 6020 201-6110 | fax + 49 6020 201-66 6110
evelin.arnold@wenzel-cmm.com | www.wenzel-group.com
New from Carl Zeiss: CALYPSO 5.0
Increase measuring efficiency—from the generation of measuring plans to data analysis and documentation
OBERKOCHEN, Germany—May 04, 2010.
With CALYPSO 5.0, the function for importing metadata as a feature directly from 3D CAD systems has been improved. It is now possible to generate measurement plans from the 3D models up to 60 percent faster. CAD metadata (PMI) in the form of dimensions and tolerances, comments in text form and data on surface quality and material specifications can be accepted with very high accuracy by CALYPSO 5.0. The Siemens NX (UG), CATIA V5 and ProE CAD systems, as well as the new open CAD format JT Open are supported. A 3D computer mouse increases the efficiency of offline programming.
An important feature has been added to the function of integrating a live camera image into the CAD model for optical measurements: CALYPSO 5.0 uses an interactive selection in the live image of the camera sensor to automatically navigate the coordinate measuring machine to the desired location. Extensive searching for a feature and the time-consuming positioning with the joysticks on the control panel are no longer necessary.
Optimized probing cycles make single-point measurements considerably faster. With the VAST® XT and VAST XXT probes, the time needed for a measurement is reduced by up to six percent. There is now a special option for the measurement of tubes. Entire tubes and segments can be inspected and specific values for tube production can be ascertained. The results are then available as correctional values for tube bending machines.
New features are also available for the METROTOM® computer tomographs from Carl Zeiss: they allow the definition of customized tolerance classes and visualization of the results in informative colored displays.
Delta Air Lines uses the MAXOS non-contact measurement system from NVision
Delta’s contract maintenance operation performs work on Delta planes as well as planes owned by other airlines and leasing groups. One of the most important maintenance operations is repairing blades and vanes at the heart of jet engines. Manuals provide numbers for critical dimensions on these parts such as the chord, axial chord and root. Maintenance staff measure parts and determine whether or not they meet the specifications. If they don’t, the part is repaired by building up the geometry with a welder, then machining it back to the original specifications and measuring it again.
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Click here to read the entire article
New 5-axis head for touch-trigger inspection on CMMs gives up to three-fold increase in throughput
Proven probe performance
The new PH20 probe head also benefits CMM users with adaptive positioning to accommodate part misalignment, fast calibration routines, and an integral TP20 probe mount that optimises the working volume of the CMM, bringing 5-axis capability to smaller machines for the first time.
By incorporating the industry standard TP20 touch-trigger probe, users of the PH20 probe head will immediately have access to a range of proven probe modules, providing a wide selection of trigger forces, directional sensing options and extensions to meet application requirements. The detachable modules provide crash protection and can be automatically changed using the MCR20 change rack. Companies with existing TP20 systems will be able to upgrade to PH20 and utilise their existing modules*.
Lockheed Martin, Magestic Systems, Nikon Metrology Win Innovation Award For F-35 Program
FORT WORTH, Texas, April 26th, 2010 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT], jointly with Magestic Systems, Inc. (MSI) and Nikon Metrology, has won a first-place JEC Innovation Award in composites manufacturing for technology used in the production of the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter.
The 2010 JEC Innovation Award was presented in Paris in recognition of the cured laminate compensation (CLC) process – an innovative composite manufacturing solution for achieving precision, as-built laminate thickness without costly post-cure machining. This new metrology-assisted process is used in the production of composite parts for the F-35 and was developed specifically to pre-measure and correct the thickness of cured composite wing skins for the F-35. The technology will result in significant cost savings to Lockheed Martin and its F-35 global supply network.
“The award spotlights a highly innovative process in the most innovative fighter production system ever devised,” said Mike Packer, Lockheed Martin vice president of Manufacturing Strategy & Processes. “This process increases production of right-first-time composite parts, using both MSI’s Ply Compensation™ System (PCS™) and Nikon Metrology’s Laser Radar technology.”
The award was presented at an April 13 ceremony during the opening of the JEC Show in Paris. A jury of renowned international experts selected the best composite innovations, based on their technical interest, market potential, partnership, financial impact and originality. The JEC Show is JEC Composites’ annual conference focused on the application and advancement of composites. JEC Composites is the leading network supporting the global composite industry.
The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations, advanced sustainment, and lower operational and support costs. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.
“Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.”
The Calibration of Parallel-CMM: Parallel-Coordinate Measuring Machine
The Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) is widely used for the 3D measurements of objects. Traditional CMM is based on a serial mechanism: the components from base unit to end-effecter i.e. base unit, x-axis, y-axis, z-axis and measuring probe are connected serially. But some drawbacks of this mechanism are its weakness against external force and the accumulation of errors. Therefore CMM tends to become large and heavy in order to avoid the influence of the bending and twisting of its components and to decrease measurement errors.
Because of its weight, it has been a very difficult problem to make large CMM capable of fast 3D measurement. We develop a new type of CMM based on a parallel mechanism where the base unit and end-effecter are connected by six links parallel. The advantages of this mechanism are its robustness against external force and error accumulation[1]. Therefore we will able to make larger measuring machine that can measure large objects quickly. On the other hand, there are some disadvantages by using parallel mechanism for CMM. One is the difficulty in the calibration of CMM. Because of its difficulty in solving its forward kinematics and large number of parameters its geometrical model includes, it is hard to calibrate parallel mechanism efficiently.
To make the calibration of parallel CMM easy, we make our prototype by using unique spherical joint consists steel balls and magnets. That allows higher repeatability of positioning and setting-up. At first, the prototype of parallel CMM that has been developed in our laboratory is introduces. Next we discuss about the parameters we should identify to calibrate parallel CMM and how to calibrate it. Lastly, we give the suggestion of the method to calibrate our prototype efficiently.
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