Versatile and Intuitive Devices Deliver Accurate Measurements
Add speed to the measurement process with flexible gages and instruments.
Posted: April 19, 2023
High-end and easy-to-use instruments and gages offer in-depth visibility that put you in control of your measurement processes.
New Technology for In-process Surface Roughness Analysis
Caron Engineering (Wells, ME) has added in-process surface roughness measurement to the suite of applications for its DTect-IT product. DTect-IT is a versatile CNC sensor analysis system that takes in data from a multitude of high-precision sensors. The surface roughness measurement application uses the Blum-Novotest TC64 RG Digilog Probe as the sensor input in DTect-IT to analyze the surface of a part.
Surface roughness measurement verifies the surface finish result. The ability to have automated in-machine surface roughness measurement gives manufacturers the fast capability to measure every part for optimum finish. This technology also gives insight to cutter health by looking at the surface finish each time a tool cuts.
For the analysis, the CNC program scans the surface of a part with the probe stylus. The TC64 probe uses a 10um radius tip to provide high-resolution scanning. The DTect-IT software collects the scanned data from the probe, and using NIST traceable algorithms, calculates the surface roughness.
The roughness report is displayed on the DTect-IT HMI (Human Machine Interface) immediately following the probe scan. DTect-IT handles all required filtering and allows the user to set scanning parameters based on the type of surface finish being measured. Results can be metric or imperial and include Ra, Rz, Rsm and Rmax.
“Before this technology became available, the only way to measure surface finish was to remove the part and use a special surface roughness gauge which proved both time-consuming and challenging to accurately measure all surfaces of the part,” said Rob Caron, president of Caron Engineering. “This new technology allows in-machine measurement, and because the probe can be oriented to any angle, it can scan any surface the machine can access.”
Enhanced, Highly Accurate Electronic Indicators
The L.S. Starrett Co. (Athol, MA), a leading global manufacturer of precision measuring tools and gages, metrology systems and more, offers a line of full-featured Electronic Digital Indicators, an enhanced version of its 2900 series. The new indicators, including 2900 electronic, and W2900 electronic wireless models, are made in the U.S.A. They feature true absolute sensor technology that minimizes the chance of data loss, glass scales, high accuracy to +/-.00005” and IP67 protection from hostile shop environments including coolant, chips and dirt. The indicators are also now available in fully wireless models, a newly designed 4” (100 mm) range model, and all indicators feature rechargeable batteries.
Starrett 2900 and W2900 Indicators offer users a choice of features from basic to advanced or selectable resolution, and all models feature data output for statistical process control (SPC).
The indicators have an intuitive design and layout that is easy to learn and use, in addition to positive, tactile-feel button activation and a large, easy to read LCD display. Selectable resolution models, fixed ratio measurement systems, one micron resolution and metric-only versions are also available.
The 2900 Series Indicators are equipped with RS232 output and compatible with 2900 SCM, SCU and SCKB cables, while the W2900 Series Indicators, which have all the same features and capabilities of the 2900 series, are fully wireless and equipped to send data for SPC analysis at the push of a button with no cables required.
New Duo Air Converter with Duo Gaging Computer
Marposs Corp.’s (Auburn Hills, MI) new Duo Air can be supplied with either one or two analog air-to-electronics converters with adjustable sensitivity and zeroing nozzles for connecting to one or two gages. Each converter provides an LVDT output signal for easy association to the Marposs Duo electronic display unit, offering a compact and affordable solution for measurement applications.
Duo Air is accurate, robust and versatile, with the ability to accept air gages from other manufacturers. Duo is well-suited for simple manual applications when only a few measurements are needed on the shop floor at any given time. Featuring two sensor input channels, it can simultaneously display two measurements at once in either analog or digital. The system is portable, easy to configure and provides clear visualization of measurement status.
Duo is designed to work with Marposs LVDT/HBT manual gages, such as bore gauges M1 and M1 Star, snap gages M3 Star, ring gages M4 and M4 Star, and Red Crown/Red Crown2 displacement sensors with a measuring range up to ± 10 mm.
New Versions of IDC Indicators
Mitutoyo America Corp. (Aurora, IL), a leading manufacturer of precision metrology instruments and solutions, offers new versions of the IDC, IDF and IDS series of Digimatic Indicators and products built around these indicators such as depth and thickness gages.
The IDC and IDF series Digimatic Indicators have new designs and functions. Improvements include higher resolutions down to 20μinch/0.5 μm, a built-in calibration date warning, larger LCD and “analog” bar, and new S1 output (bidirectional communication), which allows settings to be changed through the new USB ITPak 3.0 software (free and paid versions).
All models with .5”/12.7 mm range will now have a metric (M2.5×0.45) stop screw (screw under dust cap). The contact points will remain the same: AGD models = 4-48 UNF contact point, ISO/JIS models = M2.5-x-0.45 contact point. The tapered, tapped hole for lifting cables has been removed.
The LCD displays an icon to notify the user when the set calibration time approaches. This facilitates the proper precision management of ID-C/ID-F. The calibration period notification icon starts blinking at a set time before calibration is due (e.g., one week before the calibration due date). If the deadline is exceeded, the entire screen starts blinking to notify the user.
Strategic Agreement Results in Leading 3D Inspection Solutions
Twenty years after their first agreement, Renishaw Inc. (West Dundee, IL) and Metrologic Group have strengthened their collaboration by signing a new strategic agreement. Customers will benefit from Renishaw’s REVO® 5-axis CMM scanning systems, PH20 5-axis touch-trigger systems and the Equator™ shop floor gaging system, powered by Metrologic’s X4 software platform. This will provide full integration of world-class metrology solutions with the X4 software platform.
Covering the entire manufacturing chain and bringing its expertise to 5-axis technology applications and the Equator gaging system, Metrologic Group is introducing new developments to its unique universal software platform to power Renishaw’s products with an easy-to-use, intuitive and ergonomic solution.
This win-win association allows the end-user to bring 3D measurement close to the production line with the perfect combination of Metrolog X4 and Renishaw’s Equator system. Also, thanks to 5-axis technology combined with the ease of programming of Metrologic Group software, manufacturers can increase their CMM productivity at unmatched measurement speed, improve part quality and reduce scrap.
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