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Bridge-type CMMs have advanced controller

Edited by the Manufacturingtalk editorial team Sep 10, 2003

Advanced controller technology optimises bridge-type CMM performance and incorporates remote system monitoring, providing instant support for any problem diagnosis and solution.

British manufacturer, LK, has introduced a new range of bridge-type co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs), called Integra, which dovetails with the company's existing G-90C range, providing users with a greater choice to select the machine that exactly suits their applications.

The new machines are available with X/Y/Z measuring envelopes in millimetres from 600 / 500 / 400mm up to 1,000 / 1,000 / 800mm, although the X-axis travel can increase to 5 metres.

Designed specifically for the production environment, the Integra design features many construction disciplines typically used in the machine tool market.

Incorporating the electrical cabinet with the rear of the machine allows both the CNC and the motion control system to be integrated within the machine, eliminating any trailing wires.

This simplifies delivery, installation and maintenance and reduces cost of ownership.

Advanced controller technology optimises CMM performance and incorporates remote system monitoring, providing instant support for any problem diagnosis and solution.

The machine structure has been optimised using computer aided solid modelling and finite element analysis, particularly within the bridge section.

Manufactured from ceramic, the bridge and quill are 330 per cent stiffer than aluminium yet only 32 per cent heavier by volume, resulting in higher machine acceleration and velocity.

Such is the manufacturer's confidence in its design methods that it offers an unparalleled 10-year guarantee covering the Integra's dimensional stability.

Intended for use with touch-trigger probes, the CMMs have a number of design features that promote high measuring accuracy.

LK's dynamic probe error correction provides temperature compensation right to the stylus tip, not just the probe head centre.

LK research shows that a 5 degree Centigrade temperature change for a probe length of 230mm could add up to 20 microns of error, which would remain uncompensated for in other CMM manufacturers' systems.

Calculation of the thermal expansion coefficient for any probe assembly is automatically generated by LK's CAMIO inspection software, removing the need for any complicated calculation by the user of probe assembly values.

High precision is as important on today's factory floor as it is in the quality control department.

Measuring accuracy is as low as 2 microns over a length of 150mm.

Repeatability is 1.5 microns.

As an option, dynamic temperature compensation is available to ensure that this accuracy is maintained not just at the standard ambient temperature of 20 +/-2 degrees Centigrade, but across a wide range of temperatures from 10 to 35 degrees Centigrade.

To provide a complete, single-source solution, LK's full suite of internally-developed, Windows-based, 3D measuring software is available for use including the CAMIO Studio DMIS-based software for measurement using CAD data, and CAMIO Inspect for non-CAD applications.

Recently released in their third versions, both Studio and Inspect offer functionality and a user-interface designed to meet the needs of all skill-levels from novice to experienced CMM programmer.

To assist non-skilled CMM operators, Launchpad software provides a graphical menu structure detailing component selection, required position within the machine and program launching instructions.

Programs can be launched with one click, eliminating any keyboard operation with fully automatic printing of the report at the end of the inspection.