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IMTS 2014: Quality Assurance

Here you’ll find the metrology equipment and systems to keep your processes on track and find absolute confidence and security in the quality of your output with equipment that will check the accuracy of your machines – an important step in protecting your investments.

Posted: August 8, 2014

Booth E-5519: When used for gear grinding, the G25 gauging probe from Marposs identifies the part location and tooth spacing for purposes of aligning the part with the grinding wheel prior to grinding. The same device is then used to scan the profile of the finished part in a continuous cycle. The new gauging probe has excellent measurement stability at high speeds, enabling a significant reduction in inspection time compared to using a touch probe.

Booth E-5284: Extremely intuitive, the programming on the Acu-Rite MILLPWRG2 control from Heidenhain is done via easy-to-understand plain language user prompts that are accompanied by 3D graphic “Help” forms that clearly describe each cycle step, creating an instinctive interface that maximizes efficiency and increases production.

Booth E-5413: The Machinist Calc Pro 2 from Calculated Industries provides hundreds of fast, precise machining-specific solutions for face, end and slot milling plus turning, drilling, and boring, with built-in tables for 20 materials, six processes and three tools that save time and increase productivity.

Booth E-5224: The new G and SV series linear encoders from Fagor Automation incorporate the patented TDMS® (Thermal Determined Mounting System) that allows for minimum error deflection regardless of the environment by controlling the expansion and contraction of the scale. The positioning errors originating from machine mechanics are minimized as the encoder is directly mounted to the machine surface and the guide ways. The encoder sends the real machine movement positional data to the CNC, therefore, mechanical errors due to thermal behavior, pitch error compensation and machine backlash are minimized. (first view)

Booth E-5224: The new 8060 CNC System from Fagor Automation offers a 10.4 in high resolution LCD TFT Color or touch screen, Ethernet, USB and Tele-Diagnosis capability that controls up to 6 axes and three separate spindles with two different execution channels, including auto-tuning system set-up capability. It achieves block processing speeds of < 1 ms while analyzing the tool path with advanced high speed block look ahead utilizing nano-metric resolution. (first view)

Booth E-5248: The new TNC 640 high end milling control with milling/turning capability from Heidenhain features a new design, improved 3D program verification graphics and “advanced Dynamic Prediction” that guarantee calculation of the optimum speed for precise and smooth surfaces.

Booth E-5202: The new HP-L-20.8 external laser scanner from Hexagon provides the most portable and productive scanning solution for a wide range of applications. Thanks to the quick and easy handling, the widest line length and highest scan rate in its product class, the HP-L-20.8 gives users increased productivity with shorter measuring times.

Booth E-5545: Capable of checking more than 40 roughness and waviness parameters using an extensive array of probes and accessories, the new W10 mobile surface roughness measuring system from Jenoptik can match the performance of more expensive stationary systems with its accuracy and precision. It can track eight separate measurement programs, including one for device verification, up to 100 separate profiles, with a total storage capacity of up to 10,000 completed measurements.

Booth E-5306: Johnson Gage will display new portable or bench External and Internal Variables inspection systems for NPT, NPTF, ANPT, and NGT Threads in accordance with the new ASME B1.20 Specification. Standard indicating systems are designed to replace L1 Thread Ring and Thread Plug Gages. Supplementary capabilities can assure conformance of all thread elements and characteristics to assure leak-free connections for applications.

Booth E-5242: Designed for the measurement and/or dimensioning of geometric elements, the new MarVision MM 320 from Mahr Federal incorporates an integrated CCD color camera with zoom lens, a 23 in touchscreen PC with keyboard and mouse, and easy to use Windows 7-based M3 software. Automatic edge detection allows even low contrast features to be measured, and a Multi Touch function provides quick and continuous variable magnification using either touchscreen or mouse.

Booth E-5519: Using a sophisticated visual system that incorporates a CCD camera to capture images, the new Mida Visual Tool Setter from Marposs can calculate parameters such as tool tip position, tool diameter, tool run-out and cutter radius with the tool at full rotational speed in the spindle. When the tool rotation is stopped or is run at slow speed, the VTS unit can be used as a standard microscope to analyze tool profile integrity and its surface, directly on the machine.

Booth E-5344: The fully automated M3 measurement system from Nanovea has a touch screen start that gives automatic average of multiple measurements in minutes. The unit is compact and fully contained with only one standard electrical cable to connect. Because of these advancements in technology and the very competitive price, the M3 line will be the replacement of choice for older Micro Vickers Tester currently used in industrial high throughput quality control environments. (first view)

Booth E-5623: The DSX100 opto-digital microscope from Olympus combines cutting-edge optical performance (opto) with the operational convenience (digital) of a smartphone or tablet, allowing users to easily create, process, and share high-resolution digital images.

Booth E-5510: The new Equator comparative gauging system process monitoring software from Renishaw displays measurement results of inspected features, as well as the measurement history of each feature, instantly via a monitoring window added to the shop-floor user interface.

Booth E-5510: The new XCal-View Compare software from Renishaw compares overlays of data sets from different tests.

Booth E-5510: The new XCal-View Error Compensation software from Renishaw shows measured data and overlay of expected compensated performance.

Booth E-5504: The Contura coordinate measuring machine from Zeiss offers a large package of optical sensors on top of outstanding scanning technology, Calypso reference software and a highly-tuned overall system that enables this CMM to remain the standard in its class. It makes high-performance measurement available to the masses with a reliable measuring system resulting from the interaction of its component design, sensors, software and service. Its robust design can also be used near production.

PORTABLE OR BENCH EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL THREAD INSPECTION SYSTEMS
In Booth E-5306, the Johnson Gage Company (Bloomfield, CT) will feature its full range of Portable or Bench External and Internal Thread Inspection Systems that incorporate functional and pitch diameter size measurements for UN, Metric, NPT, and all other thread forms subject to virtually all thread acceptance standards.

Also shown will be the CHT Thread Inspection System designed for the in-process inspection of large diameter parts featuring an extended range of measurement capability, and the affordably priced Runout and Concentricity Inspection System. For medical users, the Thread Inspection System for the verification and in-process control of reverse-angle buttress threads commonly used in anti-splaying medical devices such as orthopedic implants. www.johnsongage.com

VIDEO MEASURING MICROSCOPE WITH IMAGE PROCESSING
In Booth E‑5242, Mahr Federal Inc. (Providence, RI) will feature the MarVision MM 320, a new video measuring microscope with image processing capability, the flagship product for a new line of Mahr optical measuring instruments.

An overview and demonstration of the MarVision MM 320, a new video measuring microscope.

“MarVision optical measuring instruments offer a quick and reliable solution to many different 2D measurement and inspection tasks,” said George Schuetz, the director of precision gages for Mahr Federal. “Applications range from cutting tools and precision products for manufacturing, plastics, and medical technology, to miniaturized electronic components. These extremely precise measuring instruments are designed to meet the highest quality and production requirements.”

The MarVision MM 320 rests on a robust hardened granite base with a precision mounted XY table. An optical incremental measuring system assures quick and fine adjustment of the axis, and a laser pointer assists with part positioning. The CCD camera and Navitar Zoom lens with 0.7X to 4.5X magnification are mounted on a stable Z-column with 200 mm vertical movement. Coarse and fine height adjustment knobs are mounted on both sides for precise focusing. Illumination is provided by a quadrant LED ring top light with four individually controlled segments, and table mounted Telecentric LED transmitted light for more focused measurement of rotationally symmetric parts. Also on display will be:

An extremely broad line of MarCal calipers for a wide range of outside, inside, depth, step, and compound measurements.
MarCator Digital Indicators with MarConnect Integrated Wireless data transmission system being demonstrated on Snap Gages, Bore Gages, ID/OD Comparators, and Thickness Gages.
The new, totally redesigned MarShaft™ SCOPE Plus, high-precision, fully automatic optical measuring system for dimensional testing of turned parts.
Two new optical surface measuring systems, the MarSurf® WM 100 and MarSurf CWM 100, designed to provide fast non-contact 3D scanning and evaluation of very small to medium sized surface details on a wide range of components, including optics. The systems are designed for the measurement of optical, technical and reflecting surfaces, and to provide 3D topographical analysis where high information density is required, such as printed circuit boards.

Mahr Federal, a member of the Mahr Group, has been providing dimensional measurement solutions to fit customer application needs for over 150 years. The company manufactures and markets a wide variety of dimensional metrology equipment, from simple and easy-to-use handheld gages to technically advanced, custom-designed measurement systems for form, contour, surface finish and length. It is also a well-known provider of calibration and contract measurement services, with calibration laboratories that are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 NVLAP Lab Code 200605-0. www.mahr.com

HIGH ACCURACY VISUAL TOOL SETTER FOR SMALL TOOLS
In Booth E-5519, Marposs Corporation (Auburn Hills, MI) will introduce its new Mida Visual Tool Setter (VTS) for measuring and verifying small diameter cutting tools with micron accuracy. The new VTS tool geometry measurement system has been developed to satisfy the increasing request of micron and sub-micron precision on small mechanical parts and to meet the challenges of managing micro tools that can be incorrectly mounted in the tool holder or spindle due to very small chips.

Through the advanced image processing technology, the VTS system allows 0.1 micron resolution and is able to measure tools from 10 micron up to 40 mm diameter with a repeatability of 0.2 micron. The VTS unit is equipped with a double protection system that enables the device to function within the machine tool working area. The system is able to filter most of the dirt that normally remains attached to the tool surface, thereby reducing measurement errors.

The VTS system can communicate with the machine tool CNC aPC via Ethernet connection. Macros developed for use with the VTS unit keep the tool within the measurement area, acquire tool images, calculate geometry and automatically write data into the CNC tool table.

Marposs will also introduce its new G25 gauging probe for contact scanning for pre- and post-process cycles on gear grinders and machining centers. Although the G25 device resembles a touch probe, it is actually a gauge with the ability to do both part surface scanning and perform touch functions for part positioning and measurement. The compact device was developed to gauge parts while still fixtured in the machine in case reworking is required.

Applications to which the new G25 gauge is suited include grinding of non-round parts where the user needs to check certain characteristics of the part after it is ground, or for verifying that a face of the part is in the correct orientation. The G25 probe is available with either analog or digital output depending upon the user’s requirements. www.marposs.com

REVOLUTIONARY MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGY
In Booth E-5344, Nanovea (Irvine, CA) displays the N3 line dedicated to providing high-end measurement technology to the broader market. Nanovea has fully automated their measurement techniques while designing to price in the $20K market. The headline of the N3 line is the M3, a breakthrough in technology that aims at two distinct aspects missing in the hardness testing market.

First, the combination of three factors never before available: nanometer range, controlled load and depth and a competitive price to compete in the $20K market. This provides universities and smaller R&D units to affordable nanoindentation capability. The M3 introduces an entirely new user capability with this price range, providing affordable access too quick and easy nanoindentation results under ASTM standard.

Second, offering next generation technology to replace the traditional Visual Micro Vickers Hardness Testers that have not changed in more than 15 years. To achieve this, the indentation method has been made fully automated with no need to visually observe the indent which eliminates user error or problems with image recognition software that may have issues with material color and texture. Also, this new technology can achieve lower load and will work on thin coatings and all ranges of materials including ceramics, polymers, metals and others.

The M3 ushers in a new era of hardness testing by providing measurement capability that until this point targeted very specifically high end research. Essentially, like most technological advancements, price has kept nanoindentation capability out of the reach of the broader market still using standard hardness testing equipment. The M3 will be a significant replacement at an affordable cost and the result will be revolutionary.

http://youtu.be/Pj1TRhhtC3Y
An overview and demonstration of the fully automated M3 measurement system from Nanovea.

Along with the M3, Nanovea also introduces the P3 and the T3. The P3 is a significant advancement with 3D non-contact metrology, providing automatic nanometer ISO roughness and step data on nearly any material; a capability unavailable in the $20K market. The P3 will provide to a broader market in need of automatic nano through macro roughness data without the high cost associated with a complete profilometer system.

The T3, like the P3, was developed to provide quick, easy and affordable access to high end measurement capability. The T3 is an automatic nano wear tester using linear reciprocating, ASTM g133, for wear rate study. “The N3 line is a revolution of high end material measurement instruments, each in their own way and in their own markets. As with many technologies being developed today to advance our society, price will ultimately control broad acceptance and use. It is no different with measurement technology and is just as crucial if not m just as crucial if not more,” explained Pierre Leroux, Nanovea’s chief executive officer. www.nanovea.com