THIS WEEK IN QUALITY: A 3D Scanner, Portable CMM, Robot-Mounted Imager and More

AICON 3D Scanner

The PrimeScan 3D scanner. (Image courtesy of AICON 3D Systems.)

The new PrimeScan scanner line from AICON 3D Systems is intended to provide an entry-level solution for precise 3D digitization of industrial components. The PrimeScan works with the AICON OptoCat software and uses the same algorithms for the creation of point clouds as the high-end scanner lines StereoScan and SmartScan.

The PrimeScan has a compact design: the base area equals a DIN A4 sheet, and the scanner weighs only 3 kg. The working distance is short. Thus, it is suitable as desktop solution and for applications under cramped spatial conditions in industrial surroundings.

Measuring fields between 50 mm and 1000 mm are available. Depending on the required resolution and precision, different camera resolutions are available: two, five or eight megapixel.

The PrimeScan is equipped with either blue-light-technology for industrial applications or white-light-technology for scanning with additional color information as required in arts, culture and design. The projector allows for the scanning of glossy and dark surfaces without pretreatment.

Tripods, turntables and photogrammetry are available as accessories to carry out automated measurements and to easier capture even large volumes.

For more information, visit the AICON 3D Systems website.

Creaform Portable Coordinate Measuring Machine

he HandyPROBE Next portable coordinate measuring machine. (Image courtesy of Creaform.)

Creaform recently announced the release of its new portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM), the HandyPROBE Next. This optical-based contact inspection solution addresses the increasing demands of rigorous quality control directly on manufacturers’ production lines.

The HandyPROBE Next is designed for quality control experts who rely on portable tools to validate the dimensional conformity of production tools, jigs, assemblies, sub-assemblies and final products on the shop floor.

Notable features include:

Volumetric accuracy of 0.064 mm (0.0025 in.) – ASME B89.4.22 compliant – regardless of environment instabilities
A wireless probe enables the instant capture of coordinates while being free of a rigid measurement setup to help manufacturers keep up with improved quality standards
Measurement volume can be dynamically extended unlike measuring arms, which require conventional leapfrogging

Detailed information about the new functionalities and technical specifications are available on the Creaform website.

FARO Robot-Mounted 3D Imager

The Factory Robo-Imager (Image courtesy of FARO.)

FARO Technologies, Inc. has announced the launch of the FARO Factory Robo-Imager product line, a system that combines the FARO Factory Array Imager with a collaborative-robot to provide safe and automated in- and near-line inspection solutions.

This product line pairs FARO’s newest sensor, the FARO Factory Array Imager, with a human-collaborative robot in two configurations: either a fixed installation or turnkey mobile station. The Robo-Imager fixed installation can be mounted anywhere in the factory and deliver automated measurements while the Robo-Imager Mobile is the same Robo-Imager mounted on an instrumented cart that can be moved to wherever measurement tasks are required.

Launched in January 2016, the FARO Factory Array Imager is a 3D sensor with blue light technology, capable of quickly capturing high-resolution measurement data for dimensional inspection on parts, assemblies and tools. When coupled with a collaborative-robot, the Robo-Imager provides a turnkey solution to automate the inspection and verification of parts at any location in the production environment.

For more information, visit the FARO website.

Hexagon CMM Enclosure

The TIBOX CMM enclosure. (Image courtesy of Hexagon.)

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence has released TIBOX enclosure for the TIGO SF shop-floor coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The TIBOX offers protection for systems operating in extreme workshop conditions, shielding against dust, airborne pollutants, oil particle suspension and other manufacturing environment contaminants.

Transparent panels allow visual checks from every direction, while openings on three sides give users full access to the measurement volume. Integrated lighting benefits operators working in dark or changeable light conditions and a signal tower option offers long-distance machine status monitoring.

The TIBOX enclosure also allows access to the machine for both routine and maintenance operations. It is fully-compatible with the TIGO SF’s integrated monitor and keyboard mountings.

The TIBOX is available to order as an option with all new orders of TIGO SF, or as a retrofit system for installed units.

For more information, visit the Hexagon website.

Nikon Metrology 3D Measuring System

The HN-C3030 3D measuring system. (Image courtesy of Nikon Metrology.)

Nikon Metrology has introduced the non-contact HN-C3030 3D measuring system. Nikon has developed special optics for the laser scanner that also enables scanning of glossy or dark surfaces without manual preparation, such as powder spraying.

The positioning by the synchronised 5-axis hardware control is a crucial element for delivering accurate measuring results. The HN-C3030 controls a high-precision 3-axis drive system as well as an unlimited angular rotary stage and a laser scanner swing arm with an arc angle of -20° to +135°. In addition, the direction of the laser scanner can be changed (-180° to +180° rotatable), allowing scans of various shapes from optimum angles.

The HN-C3030 is capable of inspecting all toothed surfaces on a single automotive bevel gear in only 5 minutes. The laser scanner acquires surface point clouds at a rate of 120,000 points per second.

Measurement results can be run through Gleason G-AGE TM software, allowing acquisition of nominal data and correction of gear-cutting machine setups.

The HN-C3030 is suitable for inspection of impellers, blades, oils seals, hob cutters etc. The HN-C3030 system isn’t restricted to use inside of temperature controlled rooms. At facilities such as production sites, the HN-C3030 can be used as a shop floor system when equipped with the optional thermal regulator.

For more information, visit Nikon Metrology website.

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