Manufacturers wishing to inspect components machined to tight tolerances, but unwilling to invest in an expensive, ultra-high-accuracy CMM, now have the option of selecting theAltera C HA (high accuracy) from LK Metrology. Available in five sizes, the largest 15.9.7 model was exhibited on the company’s stand at the MACH 2024 exhibition in Birminghamlast month.

These ceramic-bridge machines are constructed from the same components as the standard Altera C range, but are optimised during build at the company’s Derbyshire production facility to deliver 16% higher accuracy during a measuring cycle, with 13% better repeatability and 50% more accurate scanning. Volumetric accuracy is from 1.3+L/350, repeatability from 0.0013 mm and scanning accuracy from 0.002 mm.

When implementing design improvements to the Altera C HA, the company paid particular attention to upgrading the moving bridge. The spread of the air bearings supporting the main drive leg is now wider to increase the stiffness of the bridge assembly by 17% overall, which is particularly beneficial during high-speed movements. Advantages to the user are considerable, as measuring uncertainty when chasing tolerances down to microns is significantly better. For the same reason, LK further stiffened the bearing mountings and improved their alignment.

The pre-loaded, wrap-around air bearing configuration runs with a reduced air film thickness for low energy consumption and gives repeatable measurement results, even at fast axis speeds, reports LK. Friction drives provide smooth motion together with exact positioning at continuously varying speeds, as well as zero backlash and overload protection.

Multi-sensor capability is provided, with the Renishaw PH10M motorised probe head able to deploy a touch-trigger probe, scanning probe or laser scanner.

For further information www.lkmetrology.com