Wenzel X-Orbit CMM with OpenDMIS Software Becoming the Preferred CMM for Precision CNC Machine Shops

German CMM manufacturer, Wenzel GmbH, introduced the X-Orbit series of CMMs in 2007 as a cost-effective, U.S.A.-assembled, derivative of the Wenzel LH series of intrinsically accurate CMMs. The machine was designed to provide maximum performance with "no frills" at an affordable price. The benefits of the X-Orbit CMM has been recognized by a large number of precision CNC machine shops as the ideal CMM measuring tool, particularly for use with aerospace, defense and medical industry components.

George Merchant, president of MAPCO Precision Machining, a Canton, Michigan-based CNC parts manufacturing business, says, “Having your own CMM measuring capability is an essential part of contract manufacturing today. Yes, there are excellent CMM measuring services available, but to manage the manufacturing process efficiently, the CMM function needs to be in house. At MAPCO, our initial CMM experience was disappointing and unsatisfactory, to say the least. We purchased a Brown & Sharpe Gage 2000 and frankly were never able to get the software to function properly. As a result, we started looking around for a better solution and discovered through a search on the Internet, Xspect Solutions, Inc. The Wenzel X-Orbit machine appeared to be exactly what we were looking for in terms of capability, work envelope, cost and availability. We were particularly impressed with the robust construction of the equipment…and in particular Wenzel’s use of all granite construction. An additional benefit was the fact that one of our three CMM technicians already was familiar with the OpenDMIS software that Xspect Solutions provides with their CMMs. He was very complimentary about the full CAD capabilities of OpenDMIS, which allows the CMM to be an integral part of the manufacturing process, permitting the generation of inspection programs before manufacturing is performed. Because we manufacture a range of aircraft and aerospace parts where CAD modeling capability is needed, we now have the ability to just load CAD files and check them to the part.”

Merchant also points out, “We were surprised to discover that the Wenzel X-Orbits are manufactured in Wixom, Michigan very close to where we are located, so the logistics for providing training for our QC people was very convenient. We decided on purchasing a Wenzel X-Orbit 8.10.7 CMM machine with a measuring range of 800 x 1000 x 700mm. It has a maximum 3D measuring speed of 700 mm/sec with maximum acceleration of 2,000mm/sec2. It is equipped with a Renishaw TP20 probing system and we added the HT400RC wireless teach pedant because it eliminates the tedious keyboard interaction necessary with conventional CMM teach pendants.”

MAPCO Precision Machining, is a third generation family-owned, precision-machine shop in Canton, Michigan. MAPCO is high quality precision machine shop that specializes in CNC milling and turning, screw machining, drilling, tapping and grinding  of parts and components for aerospace, defense, automotive, and medical, industries. Parts are manufactured in small or large quantities with a range of short and long-term delivery schedules.

Merchant concludes, “We are very satisfied with quality and performance of the Wenzel X-Orbit, and the software training process has provided a very smooth integration into our manufacturing process. We’re confident that we now have the CMM capability for our current and future needs, and the enhanced ability to have timely software upgrades that can be conveniently and cost-effectively downloaded to the OpenDMIS software.”

Xspectsolutions.com

mapcomfg.com