FEATURE ON METROLOGY

High scan definition for large surface measurement

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division isreleasing a new modular 3D laser scanner for large surface inspection. Suitable for use with both its laser tracker and portable measuring arm devices,the new Absolute Scanner AS1-XL is built on the same SHINE technology as the company’s flagship Absolute Scanner AS1, allowing it to collect clean 3D data at high speeds, even from challenging surfaces. With a wider scan line, the new scanner is suitable for applications such as aerospace panels, marine propellers and large automotive castings.

The AS1-XL boasts an ultra-wide scan line of 600 mm at mid-range. Together with its 1.2 million points per second acquisition rate and 300 Hz frame rate, it can scan large surfaces quickly without losing inspection detail. The scanner also features an extended measurement stand-off distance of 700 mm, which paired with its 600 mm working range allows for hidden point measurement capability of up to 1 m.

“Since even before the launch of the AS1 we’ve wanted to deliver that same level of data collection quality and automation readiness in a device focused on large surface inspection,” says Daniel Moser, laser tracker product director at Hexagon. “We’ve seen with our previous generation of scanners that the appetite and applications for a dedicated large-scale scanning device are out there in the market. With the AS1-XL, we’ve been able to deliver on the promise of that large surface measurement concept in a far more satisfying way thanks to our new scanning technology, which is ten times faster than our previous generation offer, the LAS-XL.”
For further information www.hexagon.com

Productive Machines launches force optimisationapp

A cloud-based app designed to enhance machining strategies by offering cutting force predictions and feed rate optimisation for the CNC machine tool market is nowavailable from Productive Machines, one of just 10 start-ups around the world to have been invited to the Boeing innovation accelerator programme.

The new ‘Feed Rate Calculator’ web app – the first in a range of smart tools under development by the team at Productive Machines –- empowers manufacturers to make fast decisions about the use of untested milling processes. It allows users to obtain accurate forecasts of cutting forces expected on the cutting tool, thus unlocking significant cost and time savings.

The start-up’s founder, Erdem Ozturk, says: “Our goal is to do nothing less than to put an end to the age-old machining challenge of destructive chatter vibrations. This new app is the first in a line of easy-to-use tools that harnesses the power of AI to provide simple, easy-to-use tools that enable manufacturers to increase cutting efficiency, reduce machine times, prevent waste and improve product quality.”

To celebrate the launch, Productive Machines is offering a limited-time opportunity for manufacturers to try theFeed Rate Calculator for free. The offer allows businesses to experience the benefits of precision machining optimisation first-hand and witness the potential improvements in their operations.

Ozturkadds: “Our team has been working tirelessly to develop tools that will not only make precision machining more efficient, but also more accessible to manufacturers of all sizes. We believe that Feed Rate Calculator will pave the way to our upcoming suite of cloud-based optimisation and predictive maintenance products due to be released next month.”
For further information www.productivemachines.co.uk

Bringing more accuracy to standards for long axes

The latest release of Renishaw’s CARTO software suite, version 4.9, provides analysis-based data-stitch functionality for long axes using Renishaw’s XM-60 multi-axis calibrator and XL-80 laser system. The new analysis-based data-stitch function in CARTO Explore allows users of XM-60 and XL-80 laser systems to analyse stitched data to international standards. By adding this function to CARTO Explore, those tasked with calibrating longer axes can now easily stitch together and analyse data captured from the XM-60 using the target-based measurement mode.

In short, the added capability enables XL-80 laser system users to break down measurements of longer axes into smaller sections and stitch them together. This capability reduces the environmental (noise) effect on each section and increases the accuracy of the total measurement.

Dan Throup, product owner for calibration software, says: “Adding data stitch for the XL-80 laser enables measurement of long axes in several short sections, which is particularly beneficial now that short-range straightness optics, with better performance, are usable for longer axis measurements.”

Renishaw demonstrated the CARTO software suite, its premium digital ecosystem for the company’s laser calibration products, at EMO 2023 in Hanover last week.

CARTO consists of three applications: Capture to collect laser measurement data; Explore for analysis to international standards; and Compensate for error correction.
For further informationwww.renishaw.com

New machine for cost-effective CMM measurement

Manufacturers wishing to progress from manual metrology to using a CNC CMM have a new option to consider: the new ALTO 6.5.5 from LK Metrology. Appealing to the entry-point of the CMM market, the machine has guideways made from aluminium, lowering the capital cost compared with using ceramic, as is the case with most LK CMMs. Several design features deliver a surprisingly compact measuring machine, with the high accuracy and rapid throughput normally associated with more expensive systems, reports the company.

The CMM is of half-gantry design, which improves accuracy by shortening on one side the leg supporting the bridge. Additionally, the fixed aperture created beneath the short leg facilitates the easier loading and unloading of components from that side of the machine.

Micro-machining of the aluminium elements by fly-cutting an unclamped condition eliminates distortion that might occur on releasing conventional fixtures after milling. All of the aluminium parts undergo hard anodising before assembly of the CMM, creating a 50 µm thick layer that imparts extreme durability and prevents corrosion.

Designed for touch-trigger probing only, the CMM is capable of capturing precise measurements very rapidly, as it is able to deploy a motorised PH20 five-axis probe head from Renishaw for a three-fold increase in inspection speed. Continuous angular rotation and infinite positioning (similar to the company’s top of the range REVO2 probing system) avoids having to move the machine’s X, Y, and Z axes at high speed, minimising dynamic errors. For some measurements in a cycle, it is not necessary to move the linear axes at all. The results are better accuracy and repeatability.

Furthermore, five-axis motion allows the measurement of larger parts on the CMM by minimising the space required around the component for head rotation. Unsurprisingly the PH20 is the most expensive probe head on offer. So, mindful that price is likely to constrain many potential ALTO purchasers, LK alternatively offers lower-cost motorised and manual head options.
For further information www.lkmetrology.com

Creaform releases VXelements 11 scanning software

Creaformhas launched VXelements 11, which the company describes as an upgrade with an impressive array of new features and increased performance levels.The biggest change in VXelements 11 involves VXinspect, VXelements’ dimensional inspection module. VXinspect has been segmented into two distinct modules: VXinspecAnalysis and VXinspectQuality Control. Creaform says it has completely rethought and optimised both based on two distinguished phases of the manufacturing quality control process: VXinspect Analysis is an intuitive and user-friendly inspection software that streamlines designs and manufacturing dimensional root cause analyses, whileVXinspecQuality Control is a complete 3D inspection software for advanced quality control applications in subsequent production phases.

VXelements’ scan-to-CAD module for reverse engineering and additive manufacturing workflows, VXmodel, is now compatible with Fusion 360, acloud-based CAD software for product design and development. Fusion 360 has become part of the line-up of seamless integrations with other CAD solutions, including SolidWorks, Inventor and Solid Edge. Users can transfer CAD files directly from VXmodel to Fusion 360 for easier reverse engineering processes.

With the goal of improving flexibility and simplicity, Creaform has extended interoperability between VXscan-R, its digital twin environment software module,and new robot brands and models such as UR10, and FANUC CRX-25i and M-10iD/8L. VXscan-R also enables users to record trajectories directly from teach pendants with some collaborative robots.

In preparation for the new release, Creaform carried out extensive usability and ergonomics improvements to VXelements’ application modules, making the platform more intuitive to enhance the user experience by operators of all skill levels.
For further information www.creaform3d.com