Intelligent Probes Offer Highly Precise In-process Measurements
Machine tool probing solutions add accuracy and eliminate further steps in the inspection process.
Posted: November 3, 2023
Highly efficient machine tool probes save your shop time and money because they take precise measurements during the inspection process.
New Range of Portable Measuring Arms and Probes
A new range of portable 6-axis and 7-axis measuring arms has been launched by LK Metrology (Hudson Heights, MI) to replace the 34 original versions it introduced in 2021. Unlike their predecessors, 6-axis FREEDOM Arm v2 products offer full IP54 protection from water splashes and the ingress of dust and particles, delivering reliable, repeatable, 3D tactile inspection and measurement in harsh industrial environments.
Also available is a new range of 21 stainless steel-tipped probes with a stainless steel or carbon fiber body, as well as updated RDS software v6.2 running on Windows for communicating with the arm via Wi-Fi or USB. For full IP54 protection of an arm, the probes have a rubber seal around the mounting interface and protective caps cover the arm ODU connectors. Additionally, a CP-W control pack with a Wi-Fi connection and battery power rather than mains power is used. An operator alert has been added to the RDS software to warn the user if an arm is not fully IP54 protected.
The new 7-axis FREEDOM Arm v2 is not IP54 rated but is able to deploy a laser scanner and a tactile probe and is therefore capable of multi-sensor data capture. A new OLED touch-screen display allows for settings to be changed, messages viewed and results checked. It raises inspection productivity by avoiding having to go back and forth between the arm and computer. New also is a CP-B battery pack with Ethernet connection for probe and laser scanner when Wi-Fi is not available.
The new range falls into three categories, depending on the level of measuring precision required. Probing accuracy is certified to ISO 10360-12 and functionality is guaranteed up to 40° C. Probes and laser scanners can be hot-swapped without recalibration.
New Machine Features Intelligent Probe System
Mahr Inc. (Providence, R.I.), a leading provider of high-precision dimensional metrology solutions, offers specialized metrology instruments for manufacturing. The MarSurf CD 140 A is a new machine that enables fast and precise contour measurements. Its unique, intelligent probe system has a 350 mm arm, a measuring range of up to 70 mm, and a magnetic stylus tip holder that makes it easy to change probe tips without tools or recalibration, while automatic probe arm detection speeds up measuring sequences and prevents errors.
