Keywords
Citation
(2004), "A high performance CNC coordinate measuring machine", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 76 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2004.12776cad.004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2004, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
A high performance CNC coordinate measuring machine
A high performance CNC coordinate measuring machine
Keywords: Machines, Measurement, Software
The CRYSTA-APEX C from Mitutoyo is said to provide accuracy, speed and functionality in a cost- effective, future-proof 3D package. A traverse speed of up to 520 mm/s and fully digital servo control for low- vibration movements enable rapid positioning and highly repeatable point-to-point and scanning measurements on a compact, bridge- type CMM.
Self-adjusting air bearings and high-precision glass scales on all axes deliver an MPEE of (1.7+0.31/100) pm for a 1.45 m3 measurement volume, and (2.3+0.31/100) μm for 3.63 with a maximum travel of 3,000 mm. Temperature compensation for all scales and the workpiece maintains this performance over the wide range of 16-26°C.
Modular, user-friendly software reportedly allows CRYSTA-APEX C to be easily configured or reconfigured to meet changing requirements. All that is needed is the appropriately configured software and not, as is otherwise the rule, a completely new machine.
A complete system that is ready to meet whatever quality standards the future may demand.
Also new from Mitutoyo is a compact, economical, desktop CNC roundness/cylindricity tester, the RA-2000A CNC which is said to combine accuracy with the ease of use normally found only in larger, more costly machines. Independent, simultaneous, multi-axis CNC control of arm position and detector rotation allows continuous measurement of outside/inside diameters and top/bottom surfaces without operator intervention.
Workpiece centering and leveling is automatic after the turntable is loaded. Initial misalignment comprising a 3 mm maximum offset, at table level, and a tilt of up to 1° is corrected. Programmed inspection procedures are controlled by Mitutoyo's dedicated ROUNDPAK software running on a standard PC.
The air-bearing turntable is said to guarantee precise, wear-free rotation, and the highly rigid ceramic reference arm with built-in wide-range linear scale delivers measurement certainty and maximum productivity.
Existing manually operated RA-2000 models can be upgraded to an identical CNC specification with a cost-effective retrofit package that is applicable to all machines fitted with the auto- alignment table option.
Details available from: Mitutoyo (UK) Limited. Tel: +44 (0) 1264 353123; Fax: +44 (0) 1264 354883.