A technological innovation from Pepperl+Fuchs in co-operation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology ISIT enables maximum precision and performance, while remaining highly cost-efficient. For the first time, high-performance distance measurement technology is combined with MEMS technology, forming the basis for the R3000 3-D LiDAR/MEMS sensor.

The 3D measurement is based on Pulse Ranging Technology (PRT), a distance measurement method developed by Pepperl+Fuchs that can be scaled to meet a wide range of requirements. Based on over 250,000 emitted laser pulses per second, it measures distances from a few centimetres to several hundred metres with millimetre accuracy. Ambient light and other environmental influences are effectively suppressed, helping PRT to deliver fast, precise and reliable measurement results.

To reach the third dimension, Pepperl+Fuchs combines PRT with a micro-electro-mechanical system from Fraunhofer ISIT for the first time as part of the R3000 product study: a small, economical, and mechanically robust MEMS mirror is integrated into the sensor. Through the motion of the piezoelectrically driven element, the emitted laser beam deflects in two axes by 40° x 30°. Unlike conventional 3D sensors, no pixel grid is created during the process of measurement. Instead, the R3000 uses a particularly small light spot and seamless scanning to produce ultra-high resolution 3D point clouds with exceptional detail.

To make communication between man and machine as simple as possible, the R3000 is equipped with additional functions. The sensor not only generates a 3D point cloud, but also a superimposed intensity image that can visualise the scene and therefore facilitate programming and operation. In addition, each measurement point can be displayed with a visible laser beam. The synchronous laser projector allows the R3000 to be precisely aligned and adjusted without additional tools, ensuring easy commissioning.
For further information www.pepperl-fuchs.com

At Control 2023 (Stuttgart, 9-12 May), Bowers Group will shine the spotlight on its quality control and connective metrology solutions (hall 9, stand 9106).Visitors can expect live product demonstrations to illustrate how effective data transfer between measurement equipment and applications can boost manufacturing productivity.

On display will be a range of Bluetooth-enabled hand tools and height gauges working in conjunction with Sylvac’s Sylcom software, showing how connectivity can improve efficiencies and reduce errors. Notably, visitors will have the chance to see Bowers’ Made in Britain registered, digital external micrometer, DigiMic, which features advanced, built-in Bluetooth connectivity. Offering quick, simple, and highly accurate measurements, the DigiMic can easily integrate into any Industry 4.0/SPC system.

Bowers Group’s Baty-branded Venture XT is a highly flexible multi-sensor vision system and will also be on the stand, demonstrating the latest Fusion Software release featuring lens error mapping and offline vision/touch-probe programming from CAD. The combination of contact and non-contact measurements in the same automated inspection, combined with ease of use and graphical reporting, make the Venture XT a cost-effective measurement solution for both production cells and QC labs alike.

Bowers Group will also showcase its oldest brand, Moore & Wright, a range of handheld metrology instruments that includes micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges and general workshop measurement tools.

Bowers Group export sales director Richard Grocott says: “Once again, we look forward to exhibiting at the Control exhibition and the opportunity to meet with so many of our customers and valued distribution partners. “Control week” is such an important event in our calendar, enabling Bowers Group to showcase our measurement technologies, which are designed to assist a wide range of manufacturers.”
For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

Creaform, a business unit of Ametek Inc and a specialist in portable 3D measurement solutions and engineering services, is adding the HandyScan Black Elite Limitedhigh-accuracy handheld scanner to itsHandyScan BlackElite series line-up. Developed over the last decade by optimising manufacturing and calibration processes, working closely with suppliers and speaking with several thousands of industrial customers, this handheld solution delivers high levels of accuracy.

Designed specifically to address the needs of the most demanding dimensional metrology professionals in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, Creaform says that the HandyScan BlackElite Limited can tackle any quality control or product development applications where tolerances require increased accuracy. It is twice as accurate as theHandyScan BlackElite, assessed through an ISO 17025 accredited calibration, based on VDI/VDE part 3 standard.

The HandyScan BlackElite Limited provides accuracy of 0.012 mm and is powered by smart resolution that highlights fine details and high curvature. A total of 11 blue laser crosses help to provide increased scanning speed on difficult surfaces. The device boasts integrated photogrammetry, as does the whole HandyScan 3D line-up.

Notably, the HandyScan BlackElite Limited is portable, lightweight, simple and versatile, making it suited toon-the-go scanning in any environmental conditions. In addition, HandyScan BlackElite Limited is suitable for Creaform application software, such as VXmodel module for scan-to-CAD, VXinspect module for dimensional inspection and VXintegrity NDT software platform for NDT applications.

This metrology solution was fully developed and is manufactured in Creaform’s ISO9000 headquarters in Canada, where the company maintains an ISO 17025 accredited calibration laboratory in-house.
For further information www.creaform3d.com

As a content and community platform, Innoteq earlier this month served to connect the main players of the Swiss manufacturing industry as a hotspot and relevant industry meeting point – live and digitally.

At the event, Wenzel delivered a number of live demonstrations, including those for the company’s compact tomograph exaCT S; its LH 108 co-ordinate gantry measuring machine with rotary table; the CORE optical measuring device; and the optical X-press shaft measuring machine.

On the LH CMM, Wenzel had integrated a rotary table and provided insights into the latest solution for measuring gears on a conventional co-ordinate measuring machine. As a point of note,it is possible to configure all measuring machines of the LH series with an integrated rotary table. This enables precise four-axis measurement of rotationally symmetrical components, as well as reliable measurement of the entire spectrum of prismatic components.

Further innovations were available at Innoteq in the area of optical high-speed scanning. With WM Quartis it is possible to configure the CORE measuring device and operate it with tactile sensors, as well as with optical double-eye sensors. To increase speed in production, the CORE offers a flexible measurement solution for demanding tasks. According to Wenzel, WM Quartis measures up to four times faster compared to tactile CMMs. For customers whose environmental conditions do not require an automated light shield (CORE S LP), the company has developed the CORE S E (Essential), at a lower price and with a smaller footprint.

Also demonstrated at the booth were computed tomography solutions. The desktop CT exaCT S supports applications in a wide range of industries where internal and external structures of components require capturing completely and quickly.
For further information www.wenzel-group.com