Do you have a favorite Marvel superhero? Maybe it’s Thor, the god of thunder, the Avengers, Captain America, Black Panther, or Guardians of the Galaxy? If you have delved very far into Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, you know it is part of the larger multiverse—a collective term for all parallel dimensions and timelines in existence. We’ll stop there with that definition.
Like the multiverse, which provides nearly unlimited planes of existence for our superheroes to move between, multisensor 5-axis coordinate measuring machine technology offers infinite positioning, can measure parts at speeds up to 500 mm/second and collect data at rates of up to 4,000 points per second.
Multisensor CMMs are beginning to dominate the industry as part requirements change and manufacturers continue to modernize their quality management processes. Take aerospace applications, for example. One of the quality inspection tasks that consumes the most time is measuring the characteristics of a turbine blade. These blades have multiple features that have to be measured with different techniques, including contact and noncontact.
The flexibility to change sensor probes, including contact and noncontact, saves time while ensuring accuracy and repeatability. Multisensor CMMs allow the automotive industry to measure a range of characteristics from diameters and hole depths to roughness on just one machine. Emerging electric vehicle applications may have changed the way the “engine” works, but the requirement for CMM inspection remains. Parts are smaller and more complex and are being produced in high volumes. High part runs dictate the need for a CMM that can measure accurately without losing speed and repeatability. The ability to use one machine for multiple jobs also saves on maintenance costs.
Fabricators want to speed up the inspection process for precision machined parts that differ in shape and material. Noncontact inspection is equally suited to plastic assemblies where the thickness of molded parts must be measured.
The lab-grade Revolution LM Series CMM provides fabricators with an advanced measuring platform equipped with multisensor 5-axis probing technology. This means a manufacturer can triple productivity when compared to a traditional touch probe CMM. Linear motors eliminate the need for maintenance. Positioning accuracy is repeatable in the submicron range.
Out on the shop floor, the Summit 10.10.10 provides the industry’s largest workpiece weight of 4,850 pounds while putting REVO-2 5-axis scanning and multisensor surface finish measurement, including video probing, into the hands of the operator. The REVO-2 avoids dynamic deflections because it minimizes machine accelerations while moving the stylus rapidly over the component’s surface. Operators have access to scanning with touch points, circular or helical scans able to capture data on contoured surfaces and edges. The REVO-2 provides measuring speeds up to 500 mm/second and data collection rates of up to 4,000 points per second for increased throughput. Rapid calibration for all positions expands uptime. Infinite positioning and 5-axis motion offer easy access to difficult features while flexible tip sensing aids accuracy and flexibility.
Dual linear motors work off permanent magnets that don’t wear out. The design minimizes wear and tear for zero maintenance and enhanced uptime.
Unlike granite shop floor machines, the Summit’s polymer-cast base has built-in vibration resistance and thermal stability for longer life and greater accuracy. In addition to robotic or pass-through conveyor automation, the Summit can be equipped with automatic tool adjustment for tool wear.
If you are looking to keep pace with evolving part requirements, boost throughput and invest in one CMM that can support a variety of measurement capabilities, call or get in touch with us about our multisensor CMM solutions.