PRODUCT REVIEWS
Portable measurement arms
UK-based LK Metrology , which has been manufacturing static co-ordinate measuring machines ( CMMs ) since 1963 , has expanded its FREEDOM arm range of 3D articulating arm metrology systems , or portable measuring arms , with the launch of five high-accuracy models in both 6-axis and 7-axis variants . The ten new arms bring the total number of different varieties available from LK to 34 . International sales and support is through the company ’ s offices in the UK ; North America ; Belgium ; France ; Germany ; Italy and China , as well as a worldwide distributor network .
Called FREEDOM ULTIMATE and FREEDOM ULTIMATE SCAN , the new arms are available with measurement volumes from 2.5 to 4.5 metres , according to model . Each complements the comparable size of existing FREEDOM CLASSIC and higher accuracy FREEDOM SELECT products with six axes designed for touch probing , as well as the 7-axis SCAN equivalents for multi-sensor metrology ( including laser scanning ).
The arms , which are shipped with a calibration sphere and verification bar with ISO 17025 certification , offer increased precision in applications spanning quality control and on-machine verification to reverse engineering , virtual assembly design and 3D modelling .
“ Measuring accuracy is enhanced by up to 8 % in comparison to the next most precise products in the range , SELECT , and up to 43 % when compared to entry-level CLASSIC arms .
The tactile probing accuracy of all FREEDOM arm products is certified to ISO 10360-12 . Addition of the extra degree of freedom in all SCAN models provides infinite movement to enable
Welding in focus
The MIG / MAG welding power source , QINEO StarT , offers easy entry into the world of modern welding technology . At the heart of the QINEO StarT is an inverter power unit , developed by CLOOS , which clocks with a high frequency . This , says the welding specialist , enables better arc control for strong welding results .
“ The configuration possibilities of the QINEO StarT are as flexible as the welding applications are versatile . This is guaranteed by its consistently modular product concept . From the capacity class to the wire tip , each QINEO StarT is customised ,” commented CLOOS .
scanning with a Nikon Metrology ModelMaker H120 laser scanner . All arms may be supplied with a variety of probe kits , styli , mounting rings ( including some with a magnetic or vacuum base ), tripods , rolling stands and carts with laptop arm ,” said the company .
“ Carbon fibre tubular construction ensures stability under challenging operational conditions . A proprietary counter-balance makes manual movements light , promoting ease of use even when trying to access awkward areas of a component . Optional Wi-Fi connectivity and battery power enable portable wireless measurement . The arm can be stowed and locked in place between measurements and when it is being relocated . The largest FREEDOM arm model weighs less than 11kg , making set-up and repositioning quick and easy ,” it added .
A notable feature of the arms is the inclusion of absolute ( rather than incremental ) rotary encoders to feed back the angular position of every joint to the control software .
A 7-axis FREEDOM ULTIMATE SCAN portable measuring arm from LK Metrology .
Modular Eco , Master and Premium versions turn the QINEO StarT into individual welding systems .
“ Easy , quick and intuitive operation is a convincing feature of the QINEO StarT . Users benefit from the comfortable operating concept that they can adapt to their individual requirements . The QINEO StarT also offers high-quality components with numerous optional functions . It is a long-lasting and robust welding machine ,” concluded the company .
Since 1919 , Carl Cloos Schweisstechnik
Close-up showing tactile probing and laser scanning with a FREEDOM ULTIMATE SCAN arm .
The equipment may therefore be used immediately on start-up , avoiding the need for encoder referencing before use every time . This raises productivity , as does the repeatable hot-swapping connection that allows probes to be exchanged quickly without interrupting the measuring process for recalibration . Contributing also to efficiency and convenience is an LCD display with a quickaccess menu on the probe wrist , putting the most useful information directly in the hands of the operator during measurement .
Third party inspection software can be supplied by LK with its FREEDOM arms , including InnovMetric ’ s PolyWorks Inspector ( to swap programs seamlessly between portable and static CMM platforms ). ArcoCAD metrology software from Metrostaff is also available , as is Nikon Metrology ’ s Focus Inspection for data analysis , while CMM Manager inspection package from QxSoft may be used for touch probing only .
GmbH ( CLOOS ) has been a specialist in welding technology . It has over 800 employees worldwide offering production solutions in welding and robot technology for industries such as construction machinery , railway vehicles , automotive and agricultural . CLOOS welding power sources of the QINEO series are available for a multitude of welding processes . With its QIROX robots , positioners and special purpose machines , CLOOS develops and manufactures automated welding systems designed to meet the specific requirements of its customers . See
www . cloos . de n
As a modular system , the QINEO StarT offers configuration options that are individually adapted to the welding task .
48 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR February 2021