QUADRA-CHEK Metrology Software for 3D profiling

HEIDENHAIN announced the latest version of their PC-based QUADRA-CHEK Metrology software for inspection measurement machines.  This software makes it possible to conveniently perform 2-D and 3-D measuring tasks in the field of metrology when standard DRO products will not suffice.  Labeled the IK5000 version 2.96, this inspection package builds upon the original Metronics QUADRA-CHECK QC5000 software by introducing 3D Profiling capabilities that can provide measurement and graphic evaluation of 3-D contours using multi-sensor and tactile measuring machines.  This new option, used for profile measurements, is able to import a 3D CAD file (either STEP or IGES) and compare it with the actual measured part.

Part Programming improvements were added to support compensation for the thermal behavior of products that experience shrinkage or growth of material during the manufacturing process. This will allow users to write a single inspection program for measuring parts with materials having a known growth or shrink rate throughout the manufacturing process.

Improvements were also added to currently existing Radial and Palletize methods of automatic part programming routines.  These methods help users when there are common features or parts that repeat angularly, around a datum, or based on a palletized grid layout. On Video-based Inspection machines, these improvements will retain specific video tool sizes and the positions needed for these measurements, and then repeat them based on the angle they are located around the datum or in reference to a linear layout.  The new Palletize grid functions allow the user to graphically select which parts in the grid are required for measurement, and only run the program in those locations.

The IK5000 version 2.96.0 will now also offer compatibility for PCs using Windows 7 (32bit) operating systems as well as Windows XP and Vista.

HEIDENHAIN
www.heidenhain.us

Mitutoyo releases affordable 1.7 µm class CNC CMM

Mitutoyo America Corporation (www.mitutoyo.com) brings new levels of performance and economy to the 1.7 μm class of CNC Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) with the new CRYSTA-Apex®S CMM.

With a maximum error of MPEE = (1.7+3L/1000) μm, the new CMM more than doubles the effective measuring range at a given measurement tolerance as compared to typical CMMs in its class. Additionally, the CRYSTA-Apex®S drive features high-speed (max 519 mm/s) and high acceleration (max 2,309 mm/s2). These advances result in higher throughput for greater productivity and lower total owning and operating costs.

The CRYSTA-Apex®S uses the new UC-400® controller to manage digital servo system control loops for position, speed, and current. This makes it easy to implement various types of control algorithms. Additionally, the digital servo system has a wide dynamic range and is highly resistant to drift over time.

Extreme rigidity helps the CMM maintain accuracy. The Y-axis guide rail is integrated into one side of the granite surface plate. Precision air bearings located on the bottom, front, rear and upper surfaces of the X-axis slider minimize vibration and ensure stability even during high-speed, high-acceleration operation.

Accuracy is further enhanced by an advanced Temperature Compensation System. The System consists of a thermometer unit that measures the temperatures from thermal sensors located on the scale units of the CMM main unit and from a set of workpiece thermal sensors. The temperature data is transferred to the UC-400® machine controller for thermal compensation. For proper workpiece compensation, the thermal expansion coefficient of the workpiece material is entered by the user; since the material of scale units of the CMM is constant, this expansion coefficient is permanently stored in the temperature unit.

It also supports a wide range of probes that offer increased capabilities including the MPP-310Q scanning probe that collects cloud point data at speeds of up to 120 mm/s. Other probes suited for screw depth measurement, ultra-small diameter measurement and non-contact measurement are also supported.

Available software options enable this CMM to tackle a wide variety of measurement applications. Software packages include GEOPAK®, a high-functionality general-purpose measurement program which is at the heart of MCOSMOS® (Mitutoyo Controlled Open System for Modular Operation Support) software. MCOSMOS® supports virtually every CAD format while providing routines for in-line measurement, data feedback, and process management. Additional software supported includes: CAT1000S® for freeform surface evaluation; CAT1000P®, an offline teaching program; SCANPAK®, for contour measurement; and a range of programs supporting laser and vision probes.

CRYSTA-Apex®S provides USB communications for connectivity. Additionally, it supports MeasurLink STATMeasure Plus®, Mitutoyo’s proprietary statistical-processing and process-control program.

MeasurLink STATMeasure Plus® performs statistical analysis and provides real- time display of measurement results for SPC applications. The program can also be linked to a higher-level network environment for enterprise-wide functionality.