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Metrology
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richer information on the accuracy of freeform areas on components as well as dimensions. The PolyWorks software is able to present this data flexibly in a form that the customer prefers and is able to understand easily. The pre-existing arm was
supplied with a touch probe and a laser scanner, but now is used exclusively with the latter sensor for speed of operation when inspecting, for example, one in five of a batch of 920 aluminium mould tool halves having a complex profile, machined for the aerospace industry. The CMM, on the other hand, was supplied with tactile probing
capability only, although it was prepared for laser
scanning with a view to adding that capability in the future. Before he invested in the machine, Mr Harris was invited to visit the Castle Donington
factory to see a demonstration of an Altera 10.7.7 inspecting one of his components. It was fortuitous, as he was due to race at the Donington Park motorsport circuit nearby, having recently re-entered the sport by driving a GT car in the British Endurance Championship in early 2022. Unfortunately the Donington fixture was cancelled, so to save him the 350 mile round trip, he sent a water system for an F1 car together with the CAD model to the factory by courier and opted to view the demonstration online. LK showed two ways of inspecting the component, first by touch-probing to orientate it on the granite and then laser scanning, and secondly using an SP25M to probe and touch- scan the part. Suitably impressed with the latter metrology process, he decided to make the investment in the CMM and PolyWorks, whose ease-of-use
is greatly helping his inspection productivity. Programming, due to the level of
automation provided by the software, can be carried out in as little as 10 minutes, depending on component complexity and, unlike when using an arm, can be done in advance from the CAD model. Installation of the CMM has opened up a number of different avenues, as availability of advanced metrology makes new business is easier to win, especially tight-tolerance work. n
Configure and purchase a solution that matches your needs and budget. RBTX.com
www.LKmetrology.com
Machinery & Manufacturing 46
01604 677240 sales@igus.co.uk motion plastics ®
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