Written by IAN WRIGHT and originally published on Engineering.com. Visit the original article at http://www.engineering.com/AdvancedManufacturing/ArticleID/12875/New-Technology-to-Reduce-Coordinate-Measuring-Machine-Set-Up-Time.aspx.
July 19, 2016. AIMS Metrology, in collaboration with FASTLANE, an Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership affiliate of the University of Dayton Research Institute and SK Mold and Tool, has been awarded a $100,000 grant to develop new vision and image recognition technology for its coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). With the new camera system, CMM operators will be able to build probe configurations with a higher degree of reliability. CMM set-up time is also expected to be reduced from 30 minutes to 3 minutes per part, saving manufacturers approximately two hours per shift.
“Operator error will be eliminated,” says AIMS President Dave Delph. “We have developed a camera feature with very high resolution that will use an interface we create to verify probe parameters such as stylus size and extension before the instrument is released to inspect parts. Operators will also be able to use the camera system to set up probe configurations allowing personnel with minimal training to operate CMMs.”
AIMS, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of coordinate measuring machines, recently introduced its Revolution LM series which employs linear motors with a Renishaw REVO 5-axis scanning system and its Revolution Series HB Shop Floor CMM line. Designed and built around Renishaw 5-axis technology, the Revolution HB is the only mobile 5-axis CMM on the market. Both models are especially suited to the needs of the automotive, aerospace and medical markets.
The OEM worked with UDRI to apply for the grant and has a long term relationship with SK Mold which tests and produces components for its LM and HB CMMs. “It’s the first of many projects we have slated to further improve the reliability of operator interfaces,” Delph says. “We’re committed to our customers and proud of the fact that we are the only 5-axis CMM OEM in the United States. We manufacturer our CMMs and components right here in Dayton, Ohio. To help customers adopt the new technology we’re offering Ohio manufacturers first mover advantage with free training and start-up support along with a 25 percent discount on the AIMS Renewal Server. An AIMS product, the server will support the new system.”
AIMS was founded in 2009 to equip the industry with the tools to perform accurate, flexible three-dimensional inspection for in-process and post process parts. In 2015 the Dayton, Ohio-based OEM launched its line of Revolution LM and HB series coordinate measuring machines designed and engineered to introduce and bring Renishaw 5-axis measurement technology to the shop floor and the laboratory. AIMS’ Revolution line of CMMs are exclusively supported by Renishaw technology through probe heads, touch probes, scanning probes, incremental encoder scale systems, change racks, styli, controls, and MODUS software. Faster measuring speeds, enhanced accuracy, higher throughput and lower cost of ownership make the Revolution series products especially suited for the quality control process demands of efficiency-driven manufacturers and the growing number of smart factories and automated operations. In addition to matching customer requirements with the right turnkey CMM system, AIMS provides installation, service/support and training. Machine retrofits and refurbished equipment are also available.
