FEATURE ON METROLOGY

Renishaw launches RMP24-micro probe

Renishaw says its new RMP24-micro is the world’s smallest wireless probe for machine tools. The RMP24-micro measures just 24 mm in diameter and 31.4 mm in length. Despite its small form factor, the probe delivers measurement repeatability of 0.35 µm 2σ, which according to the company sets a new standard for wireless probes in this size category.

The micro-kinematic mechanism within the probe promotes ultra-low trigger forces, ensuring gentle contact with workpieces during probing. This capability not only minimises the risk of damage, but also reduces part deflection for enhanced measurement accuracy.

Designed for compact machines that manufacture high-value, high-precision components, the RMP24-micro is suited to applications in industries that include medical, dental, watchmaking and micro-mechanics. Tight measurement tolerances are easily achievable with the probe’s repeatability and lobing performance, while its short length and radio communication makes the RMP24-micro useable in confined spaces.

The probe uses Renishaw’s updated radio transmission protocol to communicate with the machine tool controller via the RMI-QE radio interface. With an operating range of up to 5 m, it employs a 2.4 GHz FHSS protocol, compliant with radio regulations worldwide. This FHSS technology has excellent power efficiency and allows the probe to co-exist harmoniously with other radio sources such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and microwaves.

Will Fenn, product marketing engineer for Renishaw’s Machine Tool Products Division, expresses his enthusiasm for the RMP24-micro: “Since we first previewed the product at the EMO exhibition in Hanover last year we’ve had an overwhelmingly positive reaction from the market. We’re now delighted to announce the full release of RMP24-micro and eagerly await showcasing it at upcoming exhibitions throughout 2024 and beyond.”

More information www.renishaw.com/rmp24-micro

Thread gauges aid custom race car solution

Bowers Group’s precision measurement expertise played a crucial role in supporting the University of Wolverhampton Racing Team (UWR) with the manufacture of an adaptor plate. Used by OEMs such as Morgan, Mini and Toyota, adaptor plates convert the standard oil heat exchanger on the BMW B48 variant engine into an external oil cooler system. To ensure the accurate measurements of critical components, Bowers Group supplied an XT3 Holematic thread gauge, aiding UWR in achieving optimal performance.

UWR and the Morgan Motor Company were in an ongoing partnership to help convert two CX platform Plus 4 cars from road production vehicles into racing cars. The UWR team scheduled track test days to gather performance data on the new racing cars, where they discovered high engine and oil temperatures that could impact performance.

After exploring additional venting options that did not provide the desired impact, UWR designed an adaptor plate to replace the standard heat exchanger on the oil filter housing. This plate would enable the installation of an external oil cooler system, which was much better suited to lower both oil and engine temperatures in unison.

The team sought assistance from its partners and sponsors, including Bowers Group, Quickgrind, and Tungaloy UK, for the tooling and manufacturing of the plate. With time critical to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, Bowers Group promptly supplied an XT3 Holematic thread gauge to test the connections of the adaptor plate and ensure the team could build it accurately. Precision measurement was crucial for plate, which acts as a fluid barrier and pathway for both oil and engine coolant.

More information www.bowersgroup.co.uk

Extra stability for portable measuring arms

All 34 portable measuring arms offered in six-axis touch-probing and seven-axis multi-sensor variants by LK Metrology, are now available as standard with a 4.5-inch diameter mounting ring that allows the unit to sit on a larger base (3.5-inch ring previously). The new Version 3 Freedom arms are subsequently capable of measuring to higher precision. LK can supply a mounting ring adapter if an existing user already owns an LK tripod or stand with a 3.5-inch mount. Mechanical, magnetic and vacuum fixing alternatives are available.

As previously, the latest mobile metrology solutions feature a lightweight carbon-fibre tubular construction. Position feedback arrives courtesy of absolute rather than incremental rotary encoders, with the arms available in three accuracy categories: Classic, Select and Ultimate. Each is now capable of significantly higher accuracy measurement of size, position and form, whether using a tactile probe or laser scanner. Probing accuracy carries certification to ISO 10360-12 with functionality guaranteed up to 40°C.

The work-hardened six-axis arms offer full IP54 protection from water splashes and the ingress of dust and particles, delivering reliable, repeatable 3D inspection and measurement in harsh industrial environments. Also provided is enhanced RDS v6.4 software running on Windows for communicating with the arm via Wi-Fi or USB. The software offers improved monitoring of parameters such as ambient temperature and stress on the articulated joints, as well as base vibration, displacement, tilt and inclination.

The seven-axis Freedom Arm v3 does not offer IP54 protection but is able to deploy a laser scanner and a tactile probe to enable multi-sensor metrology. An OLED touch-screen display provides the operator with convenient fingertip control, raising inspection productivity by avoiding having to go back and forth between the arm and a computer.

More information www.lkmetrology.com

Hexagon’s first handheld 3D scanners

Hexagon’s first handheld 3D scanning devices enable engineers and manufacturing
personnel to scan what they need in a wide range of environments, inside and outside
factory walls. Two new portable devices, the AtlaScan Max and MarvelScan are for
measuring parts in a broad spread of inspection environments that include applications in
automotive, rail, industrial equipment and general manufacturing, as well as heritage and
restoration projects.
“Today, manufacturing and engineering teams recognise the value of up-to-date 3D scans
throughout the product lifecycle,” says Pirmin Bitzi, general manager for portable measuring
devices at Hexagon. “Almost anyone might need to perform a metrology-grade scan of a
part regardless of their location. Our first handheld 3D scanners enable customers to
digitalise parts without worrying about fixturing or environmental conditions, and
MarvelScan’s integrated photogrammetry system aligns to reference targets without the
need for stickering. Wireless and ergonomic, the scanners provide a seamless, instant
scanning experience from the shop floor to the shipyard.”
AtlaScan Max and MarvelScan users can adapt workflows on the fly using ergonomic,
thumb-operated controls that streamline 3D scanning processes in confined spaces and
rugged or outdoor environments. Eliminating the need to access a control PC during
measurement, this multi-mode scanning enables the efficient measurement of different
feature types and surfaces. For example, users can scan open surfaces in Standard mode,
then quickly switch to Fine mode using the on-device controls for higher resolution on
intricate features. Crucially, the data collected under these different modes are
automatically combined into a single, workable point cloud.
The new devices also eliminate the need to fixture parts prior to measurement, which
contributes to significant time savings and allows greater measurement flexibility.
More information www.hexagon.com

Carfulan debuts over £1m of new technology

A provider of measurement systems gave a UK debut to advanced machines at the MACH 2024 exhibition in Birmingham last month that will help industry work smarter and faster.

Carfulan Group, which has seen sales soar to £20m this year, showcased more than £1m of new technology at the show, including the unveiling of three multi-sensor measurement solutions.

OGP UK, Carfulan Group’s multi-sensor measurement system specialist, launched the Fusion 400, the Shapegrabber Ai620 and the E-Series E7, all of which provide accurate and precisequality control measurements in industrial applications.

Chris Fulton, joint managing director of the Carfulan Group, says: “We were excited to be back at MACH for another year and couldn’t wait to build on what was our most successful show back in 2022.I don’t think we’ve ever had so much new technology to showcase in the UK for the first time and it was great to see visitors get hands on with all of our solutions – all of which will help reduce downtime, cut waste, improve quality and boost output.”

OGP was joined on the stand by ViciVision UK, which showcased its Techno M614 for the high-precision inspection of complex components in industries such as aerospace, automotive and medical. Also on display was the Prima 306, an optical measurement system that Carfulan says provides high-precision measurements for turned parts in seconds.

Carfulan Group sales director Rob Thompsonconcludes: “Despite what people are saying, the UK is alive with innovation and there is a definite pull towards reshoring, which will create a lot of opportunities.We want to help firms exploit this and the launch of our new technologies will do just that, giving them greater control, greater output and greater quality.”

For further information www.carfulan.com