Metris Rebrands to Nikon Metrology

LEUVEN, Belgium, Nov 10, 2009 - The corporate name of Metris is changed into Nikon Metrology NV. Under the Nikon brand, Nikon and Metris will synergize their respective strengths with regards to technology, marketing and services, thereby delivering innovative metrology products with a broad application reach to its worldwide customer base.

Convincing business logic and secured growth path

Nikon Metrology uniquely blends Metris’ innovation leadership in micro metrology with a globally recognized brand. The new organization yields the most complete metrology offering, as state-of-the-art Nikon 2.5D vision measuring systems excellently complement optical and mechanical Metris 3D metrology solutions. Nikon’s strong company position guarantees future-proof investments and a secured growth path for continued product development and innovation. Nikon Metrology has a strong, well-balanced worldwide marketing, sales and services organization in place.

“We are delighted to be able to trade under the flag of the powerful Nikon brand, facilitating and accelerating the global rollout of our optical metrology revolution,” states Bart Van Coppenolle, founder of Metris and today CEO of Nikon Metrology. “We look forward to further invest in future product development and customer support, leveraging the strength of a strong international technology group. Together, we will strengthen our leadership position as an optical metrology innovator, and firmly extend trade with our global customers and business partners.”

Offering complementary product portfolios

Always at the forefront of contactless 3D inspection, Metris introduced groundbreaking innovations across the entire micro-metrology spectrum: digital 3D laser scanners, X-ray metrology with industrial computer tomography (CT) in addition to Laser Radar and iGPS for large-scale metrology applications. Nikon Instruments, a market leader in optical instrumentation, spans the accuracy range from several microns to submicron level. Automated NEXIV VMR vision inspection systems offer smart, premium optics for highly accurate 2.5D surface analysis. Measuring microscopes, optical comparators and autocollimators are among other powerful Nikon dimensional metrology and industrial inspection solutions.

Better serving customers through a global organization

Being part of the renowned Nikon organization will have a major impact on efficiently bringing metrology solutions to market on a worldwide scale. The Nikon Metrology products will be marketed by a worldwide sales, marketing and services force, providing optimum coverage across Asia, Europe and USA. At the European Productronica 09 trade show in Munich, Germany (Nov. 10-13), Nikon Metrology will exhibit for the first time its widest metrology product range, creating market visibility for the new organization.

About Nikon Metrology

Nikon Metrology offers the most complete and innovative metrology product portfolio, including state-of-the-art 2.5D vision measuring systems 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. Further information is available on http://www.nikonmetrology.com/ .

Metris K600 measurement systems calibrate the absolute accurate robots at Kuka.

Being one of the major robot manufacturers, Kuka Roboter GmbH certainly is the number one supplier of Absolute Accurate Robots. This is mainly due to the wide acceptance of these calibrated Kuka robots at BMW and DaimlerChrysler.

An absolute accurate robot is based on the standard robot, but is individually measured in a high number of poses. The deviations and errors that come out of these measurements are used to build a robot signature. This robot signature is different for each of the robots and predicts all geometrical and flexibility errors in the entire working range. The signature will be used inside the robot controller to make it “absolute accurate”, independent from position or active payload.

Absolute accuracy is one of the necessary steps to limit the difference between the off line simulations and the real production line.

When Kuka was looking at the most appropriate 6D measurement system to measure these calibration poses, lots of criteria had to be taken into account: measurement speed to keep the total calibration time limited, measurement volume, measurement accuracy, user friendliness for the operators, service, price, long term stability, …

For another important criteria we have to look further in the robot lifetime: Like any robot, also absolute accurate robots might require repair or overhaul after crashes. To get the initial absolute accuracy back, these robots might need to be recalibrated after working in the production line. A measurement system should thus also allow recalibration at customer site in the robot workshop or even in the production line!

The Metris K600 measurement system suited these demands perfectly and is now used in seven production cells to calibrate encoder offsets before setting the null marks for the standard robots, to measure the absolute accurate robots in a high number of poses and to perform an outgoing quality control.

Also most of the BMW and DaimlerChrysler robot workshops have seen the interest to be able to recalibrate these robots and are now equipped with a Metris measurement system for robot calibration and performance testing.

For more information about the Metris measurement system for robotics, please contact us at steven.renders@metris.com or visit www.Metris.com

For more information about the Kuka robots, please visit www.kuka.com

Corporate Name of Metris NV to Be Changed to "Nikon Metrology NV"

Posted October 31st, 2009 by Nikon in Technology,Japan

Nikon Corporation (Michio Kariya, President, Tokyo) announces that the general meeting of shareholders of Metris NV (located in Leuven, the Kingdom of Belgium), a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, approved a proposal to change the corporate name of Metris to "Nikon Metrology NV" at its meeting held on October 29, 2009. This change will become effective on November 10, 2009.

Metris was established in 1998. Thus far, it has offered original and advanced technology and products in the market for non-contact, three-dimensional measurement systems. Following a tender offer that began in June 2009, Metris became a wholly owned subsidiary of Nikon in October. To clarify the positioning of Metris within the Nikon Group, and, to establish substantially closer teamwork between Metris and the other companies of the Nikon Group, Nikon has decided to change the corporate name of Metris to Nikon Metrology NV.

Under the Nikon brand, Metris and Nikon will work to draw on their respective strengths in technology and marketing, and, thereby, offer products featuring innovative technology and a broad range of functions to customers throughout the world.

Outline of Nikon Metrology NV

Corporate name (Beginning on November 10, 2009) Nikon Metrology NV

Location Leuven, the Kingdom of Belgium

Representative Kenji Yoshikawa (Director and Chairman of the Board)

Primary activities Development, manufacturing, marketing and service related to measuring and inspection products

Paid-in capital €64.1 million (As of June 30, 2009)

Number of employees 478 (As of June 30, 2009)

Metris Laser Radar maximizes power generation productivity of parabolic solar panels

By Metrology Solutions Provider

Solar Cell Inspection

The geometric integrity of parabolic solar mirrors is a critical factor in reaching maximum productivity for industrial power generation. Deployed to inspect parabolic solar mirrors, Metris Laser Radar has proven its capability to trace incorrect bending and alignment of individual mirror panels. Metris Laser Radar is fit for the large-scale inspection job because it is portable, fast and accurate and offers automatic single-user operation. By using inspection results to tune the geometry of parabolic mirrors, solar thermal power plants increase power generation output and profit.

Click here to read this full article.

Polyworks to Interface Directly With Metris Handheld Laser Scanners

Metris will introduce its range of handheld 3D laser scanning solutions integrated into PolyWorks point cloud engineering software. This solution enables design and manufacturing professionals to take full advantage of using top-class Metris scanners in combination with leading point cloud analysis software to tackle inspection or reverse engineering tasks. Thanks to the new application programming interface (API), it becomes very straightforward for 3rd-party software vendors to integrate Metris 3D laser scanning.

Collecting geometry data with Metris’ leading-edge laser scanners becomes very easy for PolyWorks users. Completely transparent to PolyWorks users, Focus Handheld Scanning API manages point cloud acquisition by controlling all interaction between the laser scanner and handheld localizer of choice. Also modifying scanner parameters or running a qualification routine is handled by the Focus API, ensuring the highest accuracy and reliability of the acquired data. The resulting data is automatically stored in PolyWorks format and ready for further extensive point cloud processing.

Marc Soucy, President of InnovMetric Software, commented, “Major OEMs in the automotive and aerospace industries are relying on us to integrate industrial-strength point cloud digitizers and tactile probing devices within the PolyWorks universal platform. As Metris laser scanners, articulated arms, and optical tracking technologies have recently gained more market recognition, it was a logical step for us to develop software plug-ins for all of these instruments.”

The Focus Handheld API supports Metris ModelMaker in combination with K-Series Optical CMM as well as MCA Manual Coordinate Measuring Arm or 3rd‑party measuring arms such as Faro. Metris’ digital laser scanners offer superior optical and digital technology, translating into higher accuracy, automatic laser intensity adaptation and faster data acquisition.

With the new API, it becomes very straightforward for 3rd-party point cloud software vendors to integrate Metris 3D laser scanning. Over the next few months, users of NRK Spatial Analyzer, Delcam PowerINSPECT, Metrolog and other point cloud software will be able to use their Metris handheld scanners directly from within these applications. This provides design and manufacturing engineers fast-lane access to world-class laser scanning, while enjoying the convenience of the point cloud engineering environment they know inside out.

Email:	sales_uk@metris.com
Web:	www.metris.com

'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."

Metris custom micro-CT 320kV bay introduced in brand new CT imaging facility in Manchester University

Dinosaur experts will rub shoulders with aircraft designers at a new x-ray imaging facility at the University of Manchester, which was officially opened on June 8th. The Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility recently took delivery of a powerful and highly accurate custom Metris 320kV Micro-CT system. Two Metris systems and other imagers provide academic and industrial users with world-leading characterization and research CT instrumentation.

Providing access to world-class CT instruments

Located at the Materials Science Center at the University of Manchester, the Henry Moseley X‑ray Imaging Facility houses a suite of five computed tomography (CT) systems. These state-of-the-art instruments have been commissioned with support from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the North West Development Agency and the University of Manchester. It is an open facility that provides researchers with access to unique world-class instruments for CT, from the millimeter to nanometer length scales.

For the micrometer length scale, the imaging facility opted for a standard Metris XT H computer tomography system equipped with a market-leading micro-focus source and high-definition detector technology. The default source is a proprietary 225kV micro-focus X-ray source with a spot size that is considerably smaller than competitive mini-focus sources, providing image resolution up to 3 micron. The CT system supports both commercial projects and fundamental research involving a wide diversity of materials.

Micro-focus sources yield better CT performance

A second system installed at the Henry Moseley Imaging Facility features a more powerful 320kV micro-focus source to tackle denser or larger specimens, such as heavy engineering items or thick stones or soil samples. A premium 2000x2000 pixel Perkin Elmer flat-panel detector digitizes a field of view of up to 410x410mm, generating highly accurate and pinpoint-sharp X-ray images and 3D CT visualizations.

The entire inspection setup is integrated into a walk-in radiation bay to accommodate larger specimens as well as user-installed equipment. This custom CT instrument is equipped with a fully programmable 5-axis manipulator designed for samples up to 100kg, and an extendible jib crane for heavy sample and/or sample rig handling. This system can also be equipped with a rotating target source offering enhanced cooling of the target. This source generates electron flux that is up to five times higher without risking permanent source damage, providing faster data acquisition and/or higher image accuracy.

A wide range of applications

The Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility will be used by academic and industrial researchers working with a diverse range of samples and objects, including composite, biological, metallurgical, paper, textiles, sports goods, archaeological, paleontological and geological samples. The objects examined may range from micron-sized biological samples to heavy engineering components. Biological events, degradation processes such as corrosion, or crushing of materials can be monitored in a non-invasive way. Imaging equipment is supported by a suite of powerful workstations for the off-line reconstruction and visualization of data. A sample preparation area and office work space is also available.

Prof Phil Withers, founder of the new facility said: “From a series of 2D x-ray images we can construct 3D ‘pictures’. This facility enables us to study how things evolve over time, either naturally or under a range of loads, temperatures or other stimuli. It is bringing together scientists and engineers from many disciplines to see things behave at a level of detail not previously possible.”

Metris’ extensive track record with world-renowned universities, research institutes and museums includes Harvard, NASA, Manchester University, Natural History Museum London, Northwest Composite Research Center, Norwegian Geological Institute, National Research Center Canada, Sandia National Labs, Texas A & M, University of Minnesota, and Warwick University.

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

Supersizing opens doors for Kristek

Less than a week after installing an ‘extra large’ XYZ CNC lathe Kristek Precision Ltd secured an ongoing order for large stainless steel seal rings which could not have been made on its existing machines.

The investment in the XYZ XL1500 ‘extra large’ CNC lathe – a 50hp/1500 mm swing over bed lathe equipped with Siemens 840D ShopTurn conversational control – highlights the Melksham subcontractor’s progression to larger, more complex machining. It is also in sharp contrast to the ISO 9001-accredited company’s beginnings, when the original 2000 sq. ft. workshop housed various small manual lathes, turret mills, capstan lathes and pillar drills.

Prior to establishing KPL in 1987, the directors had minimal experience of CNC machining. However, as the business grew year on year, with KPL demonstrating its expertise in the machining of prototypes and small to medium batches to tight tolerances and a high standard, the company began to invest in CNC turning machines, machining centres and CADCAM software.

Today the company’s 15-strong team provides a ‘one stop’ machining service, supplying precision CNC machined components to customers in a wide range of industries, including power generation, automotive testing, and oil and gas. Any additional requirements such as plating, painting and heat treatment are project managed by KPL, the primary objective being to deliver consistent high quality work at competitive prices.

“We are a skills-based company,” says Kelvin Stone, Director, “and this, in combination with a comprehensive range of CNC machine tools, means we are very flexible. We can CNC turn components up to 1500 mm diameter by 1000 mm long and CNC mill up to 2000 mm by 750 mm by 700 mm in most materials. These materials include plastics as well as ferrous and non-ferrous metals, with particular emphasis on difficult-to-machine materials such as stainless steels, titanium, Inconel and Hastelloy.”

KPL already had two large facing lathes, but machining of the 1350 mm OD stainless steel seal rings has been allocated to the new XL 1500 because the machine is more efficient and provides pinpoint accuracy. The machining sequence involves skimming the front face and machining several grooves, then machining the bore some five thou under size to allow for expansion and parting-off through to a depth of up to 30 mm.

The key dimensions of the machined ring are checked in situ using a portable co-ordinate measuring arm before parting-off takes place. This is the final stage of the machining sequence, as parting-off provides a finish machined rear face to the component, eliminating the need for a second machining set-up. However, because of the unpredictability of the expansion of the machined component, off-machine inspection is used to confirm the crucial bore/outside measurements of the first-off and any program adjustment, if required, is then made on the XL 1500 CNC lathe prior to machining successive components. The final 100 percent inspection of the machined component is then carried out on a large co-ordinate measuring machine.

As for new opportunities resulting from its installation, a company in Edinburgh already using KPL for large milling work has decided that the Melksham subcontractor should now take on its large turning work as well.

http://www.kristek.co.uk/

Body Geometry Verification at Volvo Speeded Up Using Metris Scanner

The innovative Metris Cross Scanner is used at Volvo Cars Gent to further accelerate the design-through-manufacturing process for its brand new Volvo XC60 crossover vehicle. By digitising physical sheet metal and plastic body parts and virtually assembling vehicle bodies in software, Volvo engineers completed pre-production geometry verification nearly twice as fast. 3D laser scanning technology, point cloud processing and virtual assembly shortened physical evaluation of prototypes and eliminates the need for costly specialised verification tooling.

Body assembly on the critical vehicle development path

Volvo Cars built up a solid reputation in terms of vehicle safety, environment and design. Recently, the Swedish car maker released the brand new Volvo XC60, which currently stirs up the new crossover vehicle segment. The vehicle body of this innovative car required the coordination of many different groups to design and manufacture. Sheet metal stamping and welding in combination with the use of new materials and joining technologies set ever-tougher geometric challenges. Process and product tolerances, as well as material and equipment behaviour, can influence body geometry, when shifting from vehicle body CAD model to physical nominal model and finally to serial-produced car. The position of edges, holes and other geometric features plays an essential role in correctly assembling the different body parts of a passenger vehicle.

In 2005, Belgium-based Volvo Cars Gent and Metris (Leuven) participated in a project that aimed to streamline the pre-production phases by simplifying the geometric body verification process. Both companies joined forces to develop a new geometric verification method for vehicle bodies, which builds on a digital inspection process using 3D scanning and virtual assembly. This method provides better insight and effectiveness compared to traditional body tuning, which involves extensive tactile inspection, physical part conflict analysis and complex verification tooling.

Ground-breaking 3D cross laser scanner technology
In close collaboration with Volvo Cars, Metris optimised its existing cross scanner to match the performance level required to drive the new geometric verification method. “We jointly integrated the laser scanner for use on horizontal-arm CMMs, and increased the scanner’s field-of-view depth. The increased scanning standoff distance range offers higher measuring flexibility and better access to clamped body components. The cross scanner incorporates three laser beam/digital camera sets, each shifted 120 degrees in position. This allows the laser scanner to capture slots, sleeves, holes and other features in a single scan. Although inherently designed for scanning geometric features, the cross scanner is also suitable for digitising 3D surfaces and edges. The positions of features and edges are imperative to correctly mate parts and assemble car bodies.

The development work also impacted laser optics technology and digital data processing. The cross scanner design has been enhanced to flexibly deal with all material types and colors without the use of spray. Now, reflective sheet metal as well as painted surfaces can be captured quickly and reliably. Laser scanning generates point cloud data at high scan rates, which by far outperform tactile point-by-point acquisition technology. Furthermore, it is much easier to define the linear and polygon scanner travel paths than to specify individual touch sensor points for a tactile inspection job.

Faster and better Volvo XC60 body geometry verification
In the pre-production stage at Volvo Cars, metrology engineers scan sheet metal and castings (steel and aluminum) as well as composite and plastic body parts. After acquiring data at approximately 20 micron accuracy, they filter the resulting point cloud, and analyse geometry against nominal CAD data. Volvo Cars relies on digital graphic reports to evaluate the parts, and streamline supplier interaction with regards to adjusting moulding and stamping equipment. Digital component verification only requires standard holding fixtures, whereas traditional inspection methods demand costly dedicated positioning and fixation tooling.

After digitising individual parts, engineers align and virtually assemble sheet metal, interior, exterior and chassis components in software in order to build a complete virtual vehicle body. Even before body parts are physically assembled, the new geometric verification approach gives already information about potential part fitting issues. To run specialised investigations, virtual body assembly models are loaded into dedicated software for reverse engineering, variation analysis, and spring-back prediction, for example. Analysis between scanned and numerical vehicle body models enables us to efficiently tune component geometry to fall within the assembly processing window.

Verifying surfaces and features using handheld laser scanners
The collaboration project with Volvo Cars also contributed to the development of K-Scan, a handheld laser scanner with a single laser stripe for in-situ inspection. An optical CMM continuously tracks the scanner so that the operator can freely walk around and take scans in an area that spans an entire vehicle. Volvo engineers use K-Scan to verify flush & gap, body deformation and static/dynamic geometry on prototype or early production vehicles. Colour-coded visual inspection reports illustrate how flush and gap evolves along complete spines in between hood and front fender, for example. Optical handheld verification also includes special cases where manual methods fall short, such as zero gaps, or in case an urgent issue comes up that needs fast troubleshooting.

In summary, the new process reduces times for matching loops, and realizes an important cost reduction for test materials and screwed body, nominal blue bucks and dedicated fixtures. Virtual verification on the basis of 3D scanning is a major step forward. This project received the Henry Ford Technology Award in Detroit. 3D scanning covers reverse engineering of clay models, virtual geometry verification of vehicle body structures, and geometric feedback data collection on finished cars.

Reduction in number of geometry iteration loops When preparing production rollout for the Volvo C30 in 2006, the virtual body geometry method has been applied and evaluated for the first time. In parallel, traditional tactile verification methods were performed to set benchmarks in terms of inspection precision and throughput. When ramping up Volvo XC60 production in 2008, it was actually managed to reduce geometry iteration loops and the lead-time of individual loops. Fewer physical evaluation prototypes also reduce material scrap and decreases expenditure of complex verification tooling, such as body-in-white cubing.

3D scanning technologies are already well accepted at Volvo Cars where they are used in different stages of the car manufacturing process. Non-contact metrology is systematically applied in the early design stages when engineering styling by digitising clay models. In pre-production, engineering intensively digitises body parts and body-in-white structures to optimize part manufacturing and assembly. After kicking off serial production, specific aspects of car components or full cars are scanned to serve as SPC samples for quality monitoring and product audit purposes. For the future, an important role for laser scanning is seen as a key enabler of in-line quality control.

Metris rotating reflection target sets new productivity and performance standards for industrial CT

Metris releases a variant for the industrial 225kV micro-focus X-ray source featuring a rotating reflection target that drastically increases overall CT scanning performance. By establishing up to 5 times more X-ray flux, customers can either speed up data acquisition by a similar factor or increase data accuracy by taking more radiographs in the same time.

Traditional X-ray sources using fixed targets can only receive a limited flux of electrons to avoid damaging the target. By introducing a rotating reflection target that yields much better cooling performance, the electron flux on the rotating target radically increases without the risk for permanent damage. This boosts X-ray flux by a large factor, and enables customers to obtain faster CT data acquisition or achieve higher CT data accuracy in the same time span.

Fast pinpoint-sharp volumetric imaging

After becoming mainstream technology in medical CT scanning, the use of rotating targets in industrial CT scanning sets new productivity and performance standards,” comments David Bate, Product Marketing Manager of X-ray and CT solutions, “Fast pinpoint-sharp volumetric imaging often turns out to be the missing link in resolving research, troubleshooting or quality control challenges. Available factory-fit, Metris makes sure that rotating target technology is within reach of new and existing CT customers.”

Serving a broad range of industries

Metris is a worldwide metrology leader that provides a wide range of 3D scanning technologies, including X-ray and CT scanning solutions. Metris industrial CT scanners serve many industry sectors, including automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, medical, geology, and paleontology.

Faster and more in-depth material research

One of the first XT H 225 variants equipped with a rotating reflection target is used at ACCESS e.V. Material researchers working for this organization are associated to the renowned Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) in Aachen, Germany. ACCESS material researchers use CT inspection for process optimization of metal castings or for in-situ observation of solidification experiments. Faster CT scanning and improved CT image quality are essential in economically capturing and visualizing 3D material concentrations in castings, such as silicon in automotive pistons or carbon globulites in iron castings. For the in-situ solidification experiments, the emphasis is more on high frame rates to keep up with the rapid processes of the phase formation.

Camio 6.1 speeds up measurement preparation for ready-to-run inspection on any CMM

Leuven, May 13th, 2009 – Metris releases Camio 6.1, the multi-sensor CMM software for fast measurement preparation and high-throughput inspection. Off-line programming now includes full CMM machine and probe simulation with faster and more powerful collision detection that guarantees ready-to-run DMIS part programs. In environments where multiple CMMs are used, productivity rises drastically by using a single Camio seat to create part programs that can be used in high-throughput inspection mode on CMMs of different brands, types and sizes.

Full CMM simulation guarantees ready-to-run off-line part programs

Powerful off-line programming in Camio 6.1 now features advanced collision detection that increases efficiency up to 50% while covering the entire inspection setup. Full 3D simulation of CMM operation, including probes and even rotary tables, ensures that DMIS part programs arrive at CMMs ready-to-run – with no prove out required. Full CMM simulation is available for bridge and horizontal arm CMMs from Metris LK and C3 as well as other CMM brands.

Collision detection

Camio’s advanced collision detection intercepts axis violation risks and potential collisions with the machine structure and the part. The rotary table simulation capability is an integral part of collision detection, supporting both 3 and 4-axis modes for indexing and continuous tables. In addition, the software offers the ability to create performance optimized collision probe models with user-defined safety criteria.

Easily adapting CMM programs for different CMM types

With the new Machine Launch feature, multiple CMM environments can be programmed from a single Camio 6.1 seat. This enables to setup a part program once and adapt it with minimum effort for CMMs of different make and type. As a result, manufacturers can make more efficient use of their CMM installations, effortlessly adapt existing part programs for new CMM equipment or easily share CMM programs with suppliers. A single click is sufficient to change the CMM configuration and adapt the program in Camio. Each configuration has a unique folder structure that supports efficient management of individual CMM environments.

With the CADfast module, Camio users are able to work at any time with the latest native CAD formats and versions, including CATIA V5 R19 and SolidWorks 2008. This is crucial for CAD-driven part programming, as CADfast guarantees maximum CAD consistency.

Many enhancements throughout the Camio software

Camio supports touch trigger, 3 and 5-axis analog scanning as well as the full range of Metris laser scanners in a very transparent way. User-friendly programming tools integrated into Camio 6.1 offer optimized laser scanner motion paths for the automatic inspection of features. On the reporting side, Camio is expanded to include enhanced reporting capabilities for curves, surfaces, spheres and profiles.

In addition, upgrading from Camio versions prior to Camio v6 brings impressive inspection cycle reductions with its embedded production mode for repetitive inspection scenarios. Depending on sensor and feature characteristics, time gains of Camio’s production mode easily add up to 25%.

http://us.metris.com/home.php

Metris Launches 7-axis MCA v2.5 Articulated Arms

LEUVEN, Belgium, Mar 30, 2009 - At Westec 2009 in Los Angeles (US), Metris launches the new 7-axis MCA v2.5 range of articulated arms with a measurement volume between 2.4 and 3.6m diameter. Battery operation and wireless data communication enable users to quickly set up the portable system and efficiently utilize it at any location. MCA is part of an integrated solution that allows handheld inspection jobs to be tackled faster by combining top-class laser scanners with flexible touch probing.

Growing demand for handheld scanning

Driven by a growing market demand for handheld scanning solutions, articulated measuring arms are increasingly equipped with laser scanners to realize a Digital Inspection Process. The concept of digitizing samples up-front and running inspection on the digital copies of the samples offers distinct flexibility and automation benefits. Powerful handheld Metris solutions – combining an MCA with a digital ModelMaker laser scanner – provide a broader application scope, better ergonomics and unparalleled productivity.



Truly stand-alone measuring arm

The MCA truly operates as a stand-alone metrology solution that can operate at any indoor and outdoor location. Users mount the arm quickly and securely using the integrated 3 ½”x8 adaptor or a powerful magnetic base to reliably clamp the arm to metal surfaces. A charged battery provides hours of measurement autonomy, for both the arm and scanner. Wireless data transmission swiftly transfers individual point coordinates or point clouds to your laptop. This ensures that the focus is on the inspection job rather than wasting valuable time on resolving setup issues. The resulting graphical reports provide geometric insight on the spot, or can be consulted at any convenient time.

Quick and repeatable sensor exchange

The 7-axis MCA offers the possibility to combine laser scanning and tactile measurement in a single inspection job. When switching between probe tips, MCA avoids human error through automatic probe recognition. Metris also redesigned the patent-pending floating probe to further enhance ergonomics. To facilitate pipe bending measurement, MCA now supports a range of laser forks.

MCA features improved ergonomics

MCA features premium encoder technology, optimized tube length ratios, a counter balance for lightweight handling, and an ergonomic handgrip with integrated buttons to guarantee smooth and accurate operation. The magnetic brake is an ergonomic feature that guarantees effortless operation during prolonged scanning tasks. In addition, MCA automatically activates the magnetic brake to establish smooth parking of the arm in secure resting position.

A complete all-Metris solution

Digitizing entire parts and processing the acquired point clouds in Focus Inspection speeds up every step in the Digital Inspection Process, from straightforward data capture to evaluating geometry using graphic comparison reports. Metris supplies a complete handheld scanning solution, including MCA articulated arm, top-class digital ModelMaker scanner and fully-featured point cloud processing software. A one-stop-shop offering fully integrated metrology solutions provides the best guarantee for smooth and reliable system operation and solid product support.

About Metris

Metris (Euronext – MTRS) designs, develops and markets a unique range of 3D hardware and software inspection systems servicing design and manufacturing industries.

The company’s reliable and innovative metrology solutions cover the full range of measurement volumes required by automotive and aerospace customers, in both fixed and portable configurations and with optical and touch sensors.

Metris Headquarters are based in Leuven, Belgium, with additional production and development centers in Belgium, UK, Italy, US and China. Metris provides a worldwide network of sales and support offices located in Europe, Asia, and America.

For more information, visit www.metris.com.