Surface World May 2020 Surface World May 2020 | Page 58
TESTING & MEASUREMENT
CMM manufacturer launches
portable measuring arms
LK Metrology (www.
LKmetrology.com), which
has been manufacturing
static co-ordinate measuring
machines (CMMs) in the
UK since 1963, has for the
first time diversified into
the supply of 3D articulating
arm metrology systems,
otherwise known as portable
arms, with the launch of
a range of 24 machines
called FREEDOM arm.
There is a 6-axis model for touch probing and
a 7-axis version for multi-sensor metrology
including laser scanning. Both are available
in two accuracy levels and the four products
come in six sizes with a reach of up to five
metres. International sales and support is
through the company's offices in the UK,
North America, Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy and China as well as via a worldwide
distributor network.
Marketing manager Dave Robinson, who
is based at the firm's CMM factory near
Derby, England commented, "The solutions
we can offer customers is greatly expanded
by the new range of arms. Their portability
especially well suits them to line-side
measuring and inspection in factories, while
their compactness makes them ideal for
use on machine tools for in-process quality
control.
"The platform is also particularly appropriate
for reverse engineering applications, virtual
assembly design environments and 3D
modelling. Moreover if very high precision
tolerances do not have to be measured,
a portable arm is a cost-effective way to
progress from manual to CNC metrology."
The two 6-axis arms for tactile inspection are
named FREEDOM classic and FREEDOM
select, the former being the entry-level model
and the latter the enhanced accuracy
version, which is supplied with a calibration
bar. Addition of an extra degree of freedom
provides infinite movement and enables
laser scanning with a Nikon Metrology
ModelMaker H120, MMDx100 or
MMDx200. These 7-axis arms, again in two
accuracy versions, are called FREEDOM
classic scan and FREEDOM select scan.
The touch probing accuracy of all FREEDOM
arms is certified to ISO 10360-12 before
delivery and may be supplied with a variety
of aluminium and carbon fibre probe kits,
styli, mounting rings including some with a
magnetic or vacuum base, tripods, rolling
stands, and carts with a granite top.
Carbon fibre tubular construction ensures
stability under challenging conditions. Infinite
rotation and a proprietary counter balance
makes manual movements light, which
promotes ease of use even when trying
to access awkward areas of a component.
Wi-Fi connectivity and battery power allow
completely portable wireless touch probing
for maximum flexibility. The arm can be
stowed and locked in place between
measurements and when it is being
relocated. Even the largest FREEDOM
arm model weighs less than 11 kilograms,
making set-up and repositioning quick
and easy.
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. The
equipment may therefore be used immediately
on start-up, avoiding the need to calibrate the
probe before use every time. This raises
productivity, as does the highly repeatable
probe connection that allows them to be
swapped quickly without interrupting the
measuring process to recalibrate. Contributing
also to efficiency and convenience is an
LCD display with a quick-access menu
on the probe wrist, putting the most useful
information directly in the hands of the
operator during measurement.
A strong line-up of third party inspection
software can be supplied by LK Metrology
with its new FREEDOM arms, including
InnovMetric's PolyWorks Inspector that has the
ability 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 acquisition and analysis,
while the latter's CMM Manager inspection
package may be used for touch probing only.
Telephone: +44 (0)1332 811138
Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.LKmetrology.com
56 MAY 2020
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