| Nikon Metrology CMMs: When precision is absolutely critical |
| Written by Nikon |
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Over the years, the use of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) has become widely adopted. Manufacturers rely on CMMs to inspect and verify components and production parts. Nikon Metrology inspection systems offer high-accuracy and fast automatic inspection, and support a variety of probing solutions, including touch-trigger, digital, analog and laser options. Backed by a 45-year heritage, LK CMMs are designed and manufactured to perform dimensional, positional and surface measurement, using only the latest technologies and materials. Nikon Metrology is the only manufacturer supplying complete CMM installations, including CMMs, laser scanners, CMM driver software and point cloud processing software. A premium range of long-lasting ceramic CMMs Nikon Metrology offers bridge, horizontal-arm and gantry CMMs in varying measuring volumes, to suit any requirement. The ceramic bridge and spindle components of the LK line of CMMs, coupled with a proven air-bearing design, provide the ultimate in stiffness and stability, and deliver significantly improved measuring repeatability. Utilizing super-light aluminum as a key structural component and boasting air bearings on all axes, C3 CMMs are high-specification, cost-effective metrology solutions for small to medium-size applications.
The Nikon Metrology LK V-SL bridge CMM provides the ultimate scanning performance and delivers sub-micron accuracy.
Cummins runs critical engine component inspections on Nikon Metrology bridge and horizontal-arm CMMs.
Horizontal-arm and gantry CMMs Like the bridge CMMs, similar technologies are used in the construction of horizontal-arm CMMs, which offer stability at high velocity and acceleration. Since LK horizontal-arm CMMs provide unique access to the measuring envelope, they are well suited to the inspection of vehicle body structures. Automotive OEMs on multiple continents use LK horizontal-arm CMMs to take measurements on prototype and pre-series vehicles, to closely monitor critical dimensions. Such CMMs can be supplied as subfloor or floor level installations, or as part of fully-automated measurement cells. For large-volume applications, Nikon Metrology offers truly flexible and reliable gantry CMMs that reconcile large measuring volume and high accuracy. To meet very specific requirements, Nikon Metrology can also design custom gantry CMMs. Recently, a leading Asian aerospace manufacturer received delivery of one of the widest gantry CMMs ever manufactured in the world. The 6 x 6 x 3 meter CMM is currently deployed to run geometry verification on large aerospace components and assemblies.
A supersize LK gantry CMM ensures high accuracy on critical applications for a leading Asian aerospace manufacturer.
REVO 5-axis scanning dramatically improves CMM productivity and prevents bottlenecks. Speeding up CMM inspection To speed up CMM inspection even further, Nikon introduced the acclaimed ceramic LK V-SL Bridge CMM that incorporates the 5-axis REVO scanning probe from Renishaw. The use of the infinite positioning probe head offers high-speed and high-resolution scanning that dramatically improves CMM productivity and prevents bottlenecks. Because metrology system operators are tasked with measuring increasingly complex freeform part surfaces that can take an exceptionally long time to thoroughly inspect, Nikon Metrology CMMs also support non-contact laser scanning with the plug-and-play operation of 3D digital laser scanners. Laser scanners capture the complete part geometry Quickly and accurately digitizing metal freeform surfaces was the first niche application for laser scanning probes, a technology that uses a single laser. Laser scanners now play a critical role in tackling dimensional problems related to cast metal shrinkage and spring back issues of sheet metal, for example. The new LC60Dx laser scanner is fast and accurate, and captures thousands of measurement points per second, making it an excellent sensor for digitizing freeform shapes. In metalworking and manufacturing, fast and flawless part assembly is achieved through accurate placement of features, which allows for a perfect fit of the product’s constituent parts. In order to accurately measure deep into critical features, Nikon Metrology developed a multi-laser scanner. Incorporating three lasers into a cross-pattern configuration, the XC65D Cross Scanner simultaneously captures geometric features from multiple angles.
The LC60Dx laser scanner is fast, accurate, and captures thousands of measurement points per second.
Three lasers in a cross-pattern configuration allow the XC65D cross scanner to simultaneously capture geometric features from multiple angles. ABOUT NIKON METROLOGY
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