Quality at IMTS 2016: Optical Comparators, Metrology Software and More

There are only 17 days left until IMTS 2016 kicks off in Chicago.

Here are just a few of the quality tools you can expect to see on the show floor.


Mahr Federal Shaft Inspection

(Image courtesy of Mahr Federal.)

Mahr Federal's new MarShaft SCOPE 600 plus 3D will make its US debut appearance at IMTS 2016. Combining optical and touch sensors in the same unit, the MarShaft SCOPE 600 plus provides 3D functionality and complete inspection of the workpiece in a single measurement.

The matrix camera optically measures characteristics such as diameter, length, radius, shape, location characteristics, etc., while a new 2D sensor detects features that are not optically measurable, such as cam lift on concave cam profiles and reference (clocking) features such as holes or keyways.

For more information, check out the Mahr Federal booth in the East Building - Quality Assurance - E-5614 or visit the Mahr Federal website.


Mitutoyo 2D Vision Measuring Systems

(Image courtesy of Mitutoyo.)
Mitutoyo America Corporation will be displaying the Quick Image series 2-D vision measuring system at IMTS. Two systems with advanced one-click measuring functionality – available with 0.2X or 0.5X magnification – have been added to the lineup.

The Quick Image Telecentric lens is designed to offer a wide field of view and depth of focus, enabling measurements on workpieces with multiple step heights. A new one-click measurement function enables measurement and tolerance judgment with a single mouse click. This function enables automatic detection of a workpiece position and inclination, and batch measurement of multiple parts with the same shape, up to a maximum of 1,000 workpieces at one setting.

Measurement results are displayed in real time directly on the video image, which enables tolerance limits to be seen at a glance. High-luminance with built-in LED lighting and a 3-megapixel color camera enable observation and measurement using high-resolution images.

Additional key features include:

  • Easy mode for operation for entry-level users
  • Switch between large-focal-depth mode (normal) and high-resolution mode
  • Wide field, rapid batch and high-accuracy measurement
  • User defined overlay templates
  • Large line up of X, Y stage sizes

For more information, check out the Mitutoyo booth in the East Building - Quality Assurance - E-5215 or visit the Mitutoyo website.


Quality Vision International Optical Comparators

(Image courtesy of Quality Vision International.)
Optical comparators, with their rugged construction and large viewing screens, are a mainstay of shop-floor measurement. Vision measurement systems offer the advantages of full automation and highly functional software, but cannot match a comparator for shop-floor toughness.

The c-vision Video Contour Projector from CCP (Certified Comparator Products), a division of Quality Vision International is intended to bring the best of both worlds, combining the proven design of a profile projector with the accuracy of a video measurement system.

c-vision’s high load carrying capacity and open work envelope make it suitable for measurement of large, heavy parts, while its dual magnification, telecentric optics and high resolution digital camera allow it to verify critical dimensions with tight tolerances.

The c-vision floor model is now available with optional QVI large field megapixel metrology camera offering a 25 percent larger field of view than a traditional 30-inch comparator while maintaining a footprint smaller than a typical 20-inch comparator.

Exclusive QVI TruLight illumination complements c-vision’s wide field optics, providing illumination for measurement of virtually any machined, formed, turned or cast part found in manufacturing operations. When paired with QVI Measure-X 2D software, c-vision provides instant feedback on features that are out of tolerance. c-vision easily integrates with CAD, creating routines automatically.

For more information, check out the Quality Vision International booth in the East Building - Quality Assurance - E-5602 or visit the Quality Vision International website.


Renishaw Metrology Software Suite

(Image courtesy of Renishaw.)
Renishaw recently announced the launch of its MODUS 2 metrology software suite for the programming and operation of CMMs.

Based on the established MODUS platform and supporting Renishaw's suite of 3 and 5-axis CMM sensor technologies, MODUS 2 has been designed with usability in mind. The interface is intended to be simple for new users to learn and faster to program, resulting in improved productivity with or without a CAD model.

The user experience is designed to be identical whether the software is connected to a ‘live' CMM or working in an offline environment, where full simulation with speed control allows measurement sequence development and visualisation.

A complete re-design of the software interface with the introduction of ‘Off Surface' motion technology, intelligent measurement strategies, automatic reporting and an interactive virtual CMM environment are all features designed to enhance the user experience.

From simple manual CMM operation through to complex part measurement on multi-axis systems, MODUS 2 adapts automatically and only offers functionality relevant to the current task.

Intelligent extraction of CAD data and knowledge of underlying geometry determine the measurement strategy. However, consistency in measurement methods is paramount across an organisation, and MODUS 2 facilitates this by allowing users to collaborate on data collection properties and parameters such as fitting algorithms and filters.

For more information, check out the Renishaw booth in the East Building - Quality Assurance - E-5509 or visit the Renishaw website.


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