Product category:
Gauging and Hand Tools for Inspection
News Release from: Eley Metrology | Subject: Vertex 800 height gauge at MACH 2008
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 April 2008
Height gauge accuracy supported by air
bearings
Eley metrology has introduced its Vertex 800 height gauge with non-contact drive supported by air bearings to eliminate cyclic error and lower the contact pressure of the probe.
Eley Metrology in Derby, UK, launched its Vertex 800 height gauge, driven completely by air bearings, at last week's MACH 2008 machine tool exhibition Unlike conventional mechanical bearings, this non-contact drive mechanism eliminates cyclic error, and also lowers the contact pressure of the probe
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 1 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Eley said that the 'self-cleaning' properties of air bearings also minimises wear and tear.
The Vertex 800 also has a patented frictionless counter balance.
Designed around a novel 'air pocket' it eliminates the need for a conventional counterbalance weight, which would have the disadvantage of encountering friction in the operation of the gauge, with negative effects on accuracy, said Eley.
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Like the coordinate measuring machines manufactured by Eley Metrology the Vertex 800 does not utilise 'error mapping' typically used to correct errors in the straightness of the column.
Eley told manufacturingtalk that error mapping a height gauge is intrinsically flawed as the 'map' depends on the probe being a specific distance from the column, as well as squareness issues, if a conventional indicator is employed.
Without the use of error correction, the Vertex 800 is perpendicular within less than 4 micron at the front and 5 micron at the side.
Eley said that the user can therefore check straightness using a standard dial indicator; unlike conventional height gauge the user doesn't need an expensive transducer probe to hook up to the height gauge itself.
One of the main features of the Vertex 800 is that the central column is made from a triangular spindle, whereas conventional gauges often use a square column, which is easier to manufacture.
However, the metrological properties of the triangular shape are well known: with its 'three-point' location system there are great benefits for accuracy and stability.
Eley said that the adjustment of the squareness of height gauges has traditionally been a problem, as they have always been adjusted at the bottom.
This means that they not only have to be tipped over, but the slight adjustment the bottom leads to a larger magnified error at the top.
If the air bearing feet are lapped to attain squareness this often affects the performance of the air bearing itself.
Eley Metrology has solved this problem with their new 'spherical clamping system', which incorporates a novel 'ball-joint' at the bottom, so that by loosening this the engineer can then adjust squareness by simply adjusting screws that are at the top of the gauge.
It has not been unknown on old gauges for the column to actually bend due to the force of over tightening the adjustment screws at the bottom.
The Vertex 800 incorporates a spherical 'expansion bearing' at the top so that no force is unduly placed on the column which would otherwise compromise accuracy.
The end result is a stress free, floating column, adjusted from the top for easy maintenance, said Eley.
The Vertex 800 has many useful features as standard equipment, as follows.
* A built in air cushion for ease of use.
* A 'blue tooth' connection for printing to any printer without inconvenient wires.
* Constant probing force.
* Collision protection.
* Frictionless magnetic drive system.
A positive pneumatic carriage lock means that the carriage and base are independently controllable and can be locked individually for scribing and/or straightness checks.
It also aids safe transportation of the gauge.
The Vertex is designated an '800' because unlike other gauges of a similar height, it can truly utilise the full height of the column by using it's dual probe holder, said Eley.
Owing to its mechanical accuracy the Vertex 800 can use the 800mm measuring range in the same measurement routine, without re-datuming the probe.
It maintains accuracy throughout the 800mm because the probe is held by a 3600 circular clamping force which maintains the 'true centre'.
Furthermore, the probes are located with a patented probe timing system for repeat positioning.
The Vertex 800 has a steel incremental scale, more durable than glass scales.
It has a built in battery pack for at least 8h of normal use, and is delivered with a UKAS certificate of accuracy.
The control 'panel' is an LCD screen with 'soft keys'.
This means that the panel is completely wipeable, making it useful for shop floor situations.
The base of the new Vertex 800 has some useful features, for example it is the only gauge with air bearings of such accuracy that it can measure with the air on.
This reduces wear to the granite table through constantly moving the parts, which indeed may be heavy and cumbersome, so again Eley have made it easier for the user.
The base also has a pair of precision chrome-carbon reference spheres, for measuring cones, angles and straight edges, with point-contact.
Completing the range of features is a pair of 'trimming weights' on the carriage for balancing heavy probes.
Eley Metrology has also added some useful operational devices to the Vertex 800, such as the 'quick key' function.
Located within easy reach of the handle, these keys enable the user to repeat a measuring cycle without using the keyboard.
There is also a part program function that enables the user to recall a sequence of measurement prompts.
* About Eley - Eley Metrology is the UK's largest independent manufacturer of coordinate measuring machines (CMM), height gauges and metrology standards.
Eley Metrology also writes measurement software for CMMs and optical measuring machines.
The company is also the UK agent for De Meet video/optical CMMs, and for a range of products including fixturing kits; EZset tool pre-setters and 3D laser scanners.
Their service department can supply a range of services including calibration, repair, upgrade, retrofit and sub-contract inspection.
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