The speed with which someone can inspect a component using a portable, multi-axis measuring arm is increased by up to 40% if, instead of the part being static, it is placed on a new Freedomindex table from LK Metrology. The CMM manufacturer says that not only is inspection more efficient, but in some cases it is possible to use a smaller, less expensive arm to access all areas of a component. In other words, the effective measuring volume of any arm is increased.

Rotation may even avoid the need for arm relocation to enable sufficient access to the back of the part, which lengthens the measuring cycle and can introduce inaccuracy. Additionally, there is no operator fatigue from repeatedly having to stretch around the component, which can weigh up to 100 kg.

Requiring no cables, the portable, manually operated, metrology-grade index table is compatible with any make of portable measuring arm, not just LK’s six- and seven-axis Freedom arm range, which comprises 34 models. The 300 mm (optionally 500 mm) diameter table is quick to set up on a work surface, after which the operator secures the part onto the surface with the aid of pre-drilled, threaded fixing holes or integral clamping magnets.

Similarly rapid is initial calibration of the start position by telling the co-ordinate system in InnovMetric’s PolyWorks Inspector software the location of the table. The speed of this procedure is down to clever positioning of randomly placed, alphanumerically labelled, fiducial dimples machined into the top of the table and around its periphery. By probing three or more of them using the arm, the software recognises the irregular pattern and automatically knows the orientation.
For further information www.lkmetrology.com