A new range of portable six-axis and seven-axis measuring arms is now available from LK Metrology, replacing the 34 original versions it introduced in 2021. Unlike their predecessors, six-axis Freedom Arm v2 products offer full IP54 protection from water splashes and the ingress of dust and particles, delivering reliable, repeatable, 3D tactile inspection and measurement in harsh industrial environments.

Available also is a new range of 21 stainless steel-tipped probes with a stainless steel or carbon fibre body, as well as updated RDS software v6.2 running on Windows for communicating with the arm via Wi-Fi or USB. For full IP54 protection of an arm, the probes have a rubber seal around the mounting interface while protective caps cover the arm ODU connectors. Additionally, a CP-W control pack features Wi-Fi connectivity and uses batteriesrather than mains power. An operator alert is among additions to the RDS software, warning the user if an arm does not have full IP54 protection.

The new seven-axis Freedom Arm v2 is not IP54 rated but is able to deploy a laser scanner and a tactile probe, thus makingit capable of multi-sensor data capture. A new OLED touchscreen display provides the operator with convenient fingertip control, enabling users to change settings, view messages and check results. It raises inspection productivity by avoiding the need to go back and forth between the arm and computer. Also new is a CP-B battery pack with Ethernet connection for probe and laser scanner use in environments where Wi-Fi is not permissible. The CP-B comes with two rechargeable batteries featuring hot-swap capability for unlimited continuous use on battery power.
For further information www.lkmetrology.com

Bowers Group showcased a range of connective metrology solutions at the Control 2023 exhibition in Stuttgart earlier this month. Visitors saw live product demonstrations to illustrate how effective data transfer between measurement equipment and applications can boost manufacturing productivity.

On display was 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. Visitors had 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.

The new Baty Venture Plus XT 80100 was also on display. Complete with the company’s standard zoom optics and programmable, segmented LED surface lighting, the new Venture Plus XT 80100 CNC boasts a 640 x 600 x 250mm measuring range. The use of a touch probe is optimised on a CNC system, meaning that measurements from data points taken using the probe can be combined with those taken using video edge detection for optimal inspection times.

The Baty SM350-FT2-E vertical light path 350mm/14-inch diameter screen bench profile projector wasamong other solutions on display, featuring a large, heavy-duty, high-precision work stage with 250 x 125mm measuring range.

Bowers Group also exhibited its oldest brand, Moore & Wright, presenting a range of handheld metrology instruments such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, height gauges and general workshop measurement tools.
For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

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

The recent installation of an AccretechSurfcom NEX240 DX-13 surface and contour measuring machine at the Staffordshire facility of Hill Helicopters illustrates the advantages that aerospace manufacturers gain when they are able to achieve rapid, high-precision inspection results.

Mark Webb, lead production engineer at Hill Helicopters, says: “Our literature describes our new HX50 helicopter as delivering a whole new experience in safety, performance, adventure, comfort and elegance. It isn’t a coincident that ‘safety’ comes first on this list of attributes. To ensure the highest safety standards we oversee a rigorous company-wide quality regime. In addition to employing skilled quality personnel, we invest in the best available inspection equipment.

“After searching for a high-precision, rapid-acting surface and contour measuring instrument, we concluded that the Accretech machine best met our demanding accuracy and efficiency standards,” continues Webb.“During the development and testing of our components,the new Accretech machine will be used by our skilled machinists and our production and quality engineers. Then, when we move into full production, we plan to purchase further Surfcom NEX machines for use on our shopfloor. Given the Surfcom NEX’s ability to provide high-precision surface and contour measuring results within production environments, it will be ideal for inspecting components throughout our production runs and for generating and archiving FAIRs [first article inspection reports].”

As each HX50helicopter has 38 different high-precision bearings, the Surfcom NEX machines will inspect the critical surface and contour specifications.

“The impressive operational speed and ease-of-use of our first Surfcom NEX and that of our planned additional models means that we’ll be able to keep pace with our high-precision surface and contour inspection needs as our production volumes continue to grow,” says Webb.
For further information www.accretech.eu