PRODUCT REVIEWS
Upgraded laser scanner
For more than a decade , the LC15Dx laser scanner manufactured by the Industrial Metrology Business Unit of Nikon Corporation has been used for the measurement and inspection of manufactured components , especially those with complex freeform geometry ( such as turbine blades , orthopaedic implants and intricate plastic parts ). Compatible for use with all leading metrology platforms and software , a new version of the sensor has been launched with functionality that has been significantly uprated in several key areas .
“ The LC15Dx is certified according to ISO 10360-8 , the industry standard for the performance of CMM laser scanning devices . The ‘ ISO 10360‐8 Probing size error All ’ on the new device is one-third better than previously ( 10 rather than 15 microns ) so the scanner can deliver more precise and repeatable dimensional measurements , very close to those achieved using a tactile probe ,” highlighted Nikon Corporation .
Manufactured in-house using glass produced within the group , improvements have been made to the way in which data captured by the lens and imager is converted into measured data points , improving structural resolution to allow even finer surface texture and detail to be seen . The lens is custom designed for this laser scanning application , enhancing resolution by not having to incorporate an off-the-shelf , third-party lens that approximates the ideal specification .
“ The LC15Dx has always incorporated a patented Nikon software algorithm that maintains scanning accuracy , speed and data quality by automatically adapting the laser settings in real-time at each measured point to match the type and reflectivity of the material being examined . Coupled with a high-grade daylight filter to accommodate different ambient light conditions , it enables the inspection of any material , irrespective of its colour , shininess or transparency , without the need for spraying or other surface preparation .
This ability has been improved further in the new unit by facilitating better data acquisition from very dark materials . There is even a high ISO mode that can be switched on for coping with black surfaces , including those with a gloss finish ,” added the company .
The instrument can start scanning more quickly than before after being switched on , raising productivity when inspecting or reverse engineering components . It continues to boast zero warm-up time . New , however , is a reported halving of boot time to 14 seconds , so the internal computer is ready to receive data much faster .
Product manager , Kristof Peeters , explained : “ LC15Dx retrofit kits are available for controllers fitted to all leading makes of coordinate measuring machine ( CMM ), while a rich array of programming and reporting options is offered by many software providers .”
The wealth of information enables colourcoded , 3D CAD-to-part mapping for rapid understanding of process variations . Operation may be combined with tactile probing for multisensor measurement routines on a CMM , with automation options using a change rack , allowing deep bores or other difficult-to-see internal features to be accessed by a touchtrigger probe . n
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. industry . nikon . com
Smart drive solutions
Baumüller , a motion control and automation specialist , will participate in FABTECH 2023 in Chicago , USA ( 11-14 September 2023 ). Baumueller-Nuermont Corp , Baumüller ’ s subsidiary in the U . S ., will present its latest technological solutions for sheetmetalworking machines on booth D41454 .
The booth will focus on the overall Baumüller solution for the automation of servo eccentric presses . The machine cycle time , robustness , energy use and environmental compatibility can be optimised with high-performance direct drives and the compatible control unit . Baumüller has many years of experience providing solutions for servo eccentric presses .
“ With ProSimulation , we offer simulation models of our drive components . The digital twins provide many advantages , especially during the engineering phase : development time , and therefore time to market , is shortened maximizing reliability and performance . In addition , we can undertake the complete design of a motion control solution for a sheet-metalworking machine ,” the company told ISMR .
“ This offers numerous advantages , particularly for complex applications such as servo eccentric presses . It enables the selection of an efficient and resource-saving drive package . For example , the whole drive topology can be mapped in the software . This consists of the non-linear transfer ratio of the eccentric mechanics , gearing , hightorque motors , servo-drive technology and energy storage in conjunction with dynamic movement and force profiles . The simulation creates transparency in the power and energy profiles and describes the charging and discharging processes in detail . This enables efficient dimensioning of the energy store , and therefore the connected system load can be reduced . This saves resources , considerably relieves the power supply system and reduces the machine ’ s footprint ,” it added .
The manufacturer ’ s DST2-series hightorque motors provide the power for pressing processes . The motors can adapt to the press ’ s requirements using different shaft and flange options .
At FABTECH 2023 , Baumüller will present the b maXX 5000 product family
Baumüller offers a complete system for servo eccentric presses consisting of the engineering , hardware and software .
for high-performance applications . The servo drives offer compact design , safety functions and an energy recovery option . Intelligent energy management and the use of capacitors to store energy can reduce the connected system load , saving energy and costs . The Box-PC b maXX PCC-04 machine control has been designed as a flexible and scalable platform . With its b maXX PLC mc control platform , Baumüller combines the properties of industrial PCs and PLC controls to optimise machine control . It also offers suitable HMI panels with touch display for user-friendly machine operation . n
www . baumueller . com
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