Current products, technology

Standard CMMs, extra accuracy

Manufacturers inspecting components machined to tight tolerances with an affordable ultra-high-accuracy coordinate measuring machine (CMM), now can select an ALTERA C HA (high accuracy)available in five sizes.

The ceramic-bridge machines are optimized to deliver 16% higher accuracy during a measuring cycle, with 13% better repeatability and 50% more accurate scanning. Volumetric accuracy is from 1.3+L/350, repeatability from 0.0013mm and scanning accuracy from 0.002mm.

When implementing design improvements to the ALTERA C HA, attention was paid to upgrading the moving bridge. The spread of the air bearings supporting the main drive leg has been widened to increase stiffness of the bridge assembly by 17% overall, particularly beneficial during high-speed movements and chasing tolerances down to microns is significantly better. The bearing mountings have been further stiffened and alignment improved. Because of increased dynamic forces in play when measuring on the fly, the new design is especially helpful when using a scanning probe.

The pre-loaded, wrap-around air bearing configuration runs with a reduced air film thickness for low energy consumption and gives repeatable measurement results, even at fast axis speeds. Friction drives provide smooth motion together with exact positioning at continuously varying speeds, as well as zero backlash and overload protection.

Multi-sensor capability is provided, with the Renishaw PH10M motorized probe head able to deploy a touch-trigger probe, scanning probe, or laser scanner. LK’s DMIS-based, multi-sensor CAMIO software enables programming and measurement based on 3D CAD data as well as comprehensive reporting.

P2002 LVDT Probe

The P2002 probe – a new addition to Mahr’s lineup of LVDT probes including the P1512 V and P1530 V – is a state-of-the-art LVDT style measuring probe for high-precision gaging.

With a shorter measuring span and higher accuracy, the P2002 probe is suitable for dedicated gaging fixtures where the measuring results from multiple probes are combined with each other. Additionally, the P2002 probe offers a high level of accuracy and meets the needs of quality engineers, manufacturing engineers, and metrology engineers across various industries.

The P2002 probe comes with an optional pneumatic actuation feature, offering greater flexibility and ease of use in high-precision applications. The P2002 probe is compatible with Mahr gaging amplifiers and works with the C1202 and C1200 digital amplifiers, as well as Mahr’s Cockpit gaging software.

USP laser marker

FOBA’s F.0100-ir marking system creates deep black markings on medical stainless steel, titanium, or plastics. Its adjustable pulse width and its 10W laser power enable accurate results on various surfaces. In combination with FOBA’s validation-ready process solution, the F.0100-ir provides advantages especially for medical device manufacturers.

The ultrashort pulse laser marks in the deepest, matte, and non-reflective black without significant heat input on the workpiece. Even through further processing steps, such as passivation, the marking remains reliably legible and corrosion resistant. Due to the very short pulses down to the femtosecond range, in combination with high pulse energies, the system marks various stainless steels, titanium and a variety of plastics.

When developing its ultrashort pulse laser system, FOBA placed particular emphasis on its ability to be integrated into the FOBA workflow. The laser head is so compact that it integrates into FOBA’s M-Series marking workstations.

Since the system is air-cooled and uses hardly any consumables, it requires little maintenance. In addition, the high marking speed in combination with FOBA’s camera and software solutions enable lean and efficient part manufacturing.
https://www.fobalaser.com

Collet pads & jaws

Dillon collet pads and jaws let job shops expand machining capabilities with thru-hole chucks that hold small bar stock for Swiss-type machining, and tube stock.

A collet pad top jaw system increases a chuck’s range of workholding capabilities, allowing more varied part geometries to be machined with the same jaw system. Precision ground collet pads provide tight tolerances for workpieces, with full contact across the gripping surface for greater holding power. Full contact of gripping surfaces provides a more stable grip and allows heavier cuts resulting in shorter cycle times. Round, hex, and square collet pad shapes with both smooth and serrated gripping surfaces are available, including Carbinite – a wear-resistant textured carbide coating which doubles the gripping strength at equal clamping force. This improved grip on workpieces enhances mill performance and can prolong tool life.

Changing over to collet pad jaws requires just a jaw change. Changing jaws and collets is generally accomplished in a few minutes and is quicker than changing entire chucks which may take up to several hours to complete. Quickly changing between sizes allows shops to increase machine cycle times up to 30%. Machinists using collet pad jaws can maximize chuck capabilities and investment by taking advantage of chuck and collet pad work including running hex or square-shaped material.
https://www.dillonmfg.com

Non-destructive inspection

An X-ray computed laminography (CL) technique for non-destructively inspecting challenging components using Nikon computed tomography (CT), Tilted CT, greatly improves voxel resolution when examining flat, high aspect-ratio components. It also enhances quality control by producing clearer images of samples of any shape where dense areas could mask those less dense.

When scanning flat components with a small area of interest in the center to be inspected, conventional 3D CT has resolution limitations due to the 90° rotation axis of the item to the X-ray beam. Because the sample would collide with the source as it turns, it’s not feasible to position the component closer to increase magnification of the area of interest and improve resolution. CL data acquisition using Tilted CT allows the axis of rotation to be adjusted up to 30°, letting the sample rotate fully beneath the X-ray source, resulting in higher magnification and enhanced image clarity in faster scan times.

The other principal advantage is eliminating artifacts caused by high-density features in a specimen obscuring areas where X-ray attenuation is lower. By tilting the axis of rotation, areas of high attenuation can be positioned so they rotate beneath or above a lower-density area of interest, rather than in front of it.

https://industry.nikon.com