Redesigned Optical Measuring System Twice as Accurate as Predecessor

Mahr Federal introduces redesigned MarShaft™ Scope Plus.

Mahr Federal (Providence, RI) has introduced a new, totally redesigned version of its MarShaft™ Scope, its high-precision, fully automatic optical measuring system for dimensional testing of turned parts. The new MarShaft Scope Plus is now twice as accurate as previous — and competitive — models.

It offers micron level measurements, and includes a new MarWin®-based controller and system architecture that opens new levels of machine capability. The new MarShaft Scope Plus also incorporates new EasyShaft™ operating software that facilitates easy and quick measurements. The optional ProfessionalShaft™ software high-level script programming allows virtually unlimited customizing capability for these systems.

“The goal of this ground-up redesign was to apply Mahr’s extensive experience in form, surface, and contour measurement to the world of optical shaft measurement and fundamentally change what is possible,” said Pat Nugent, Mahr Federal vice president for metrology systems.

“In addition to mechanical enhancements that improve accuracy, we’re now using the same electronics and controller architecture, and the same MarWin operating platform, as our high-end form testers. This, in concert with the new EasyShaft software allows users to do things with these systems that have never been possible before.”

In terms of accuracy, the error limit for measuring length with the new MarShaft Scope Plus is (2+L/ 125) µm, compared to (5+L/ 100) µm for the previous version and leading competitive models. For diameter, the error limit for the MarShaft Scope Plus is (1+L/ 125) µm, compared to (2+L/ 100) µm for competitive models. “This groundbreaking level of accuracy for an optical shaft measuring system allows high precision measurements on turned parts that typically couldn’t be measured by these types of systems,” said Nugent.

Operational software comes in two levels: basic and professional. Basic EasyShaft software provides simple touch screen operation utilizing selectable feature icons, many of which are easily recognizable from the standard Feature Control Frames that the user sees on their part drawings. Multi-feature measurement routines can be easily constructed without programming knowledge, and EasyShaft will automatically optimize them to assure the fastest possible measurement.

All MarShaft Scope Plus systems are equipped with touch screens with intelligent multi-touch gestures built in, so zooming in on specific features is as easy as the two finger “pinch to zoom” we all know from typical tablets. Moving the camera view around the machine is done by a flick of the finger on the screen just as you would do to scroll up or down on a tablet.

ProfessionalShaft script-level programming of the new MarShaft Scope Plus allows expert users virtually unlimited access to the machine’s capabilities. This offers tremendous flexibility for custom application development, either by users or by Mahr Application Specialists. Highly complex measuring, control and evaluation routines for special parts can be developed, but activating them can remain as simple as touching an onscreen icon or button.

The technology is suitable for use in both production and metrology lab environments. Optional equipment includes a tactile measuring system with an inductive measuring probe to measure such things as run-out and straightness. All measuring runs are fully automatic and thus free of operator influence. The new MarShaft Scope Plus is available in a number of sizes and configurations to match a multitude of applications.

www.mahr.com