Laser scanning probes upgrade CMMs

A Mitutoyo (UK) product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Nov 21, 2003

Laser scanning devices have become a well established technology, which is now available for use on CMMs.

Laser scanning devices have become a well established technology, which is now available for use on CMMs.

Mitutoyo has released the Metris LC range of high-speed laser scanning probes for use on its CNC measuring machines.

The probes are available as a retrofit system, enabling the CMM to be transformed into a state of the art, high-speed, noncontact digitising system.

Using the LC probe with a conventional CMM removes or reduces many of the restrictions of contact measurements.

Today, laser scanning enables complete modelling and inspection of even complex freeform, multifilleted or featured parts.

Due to its noncontact nature, laser scanning is also suited for measuring flexible or fragile materials, which often present severe challenges for touch probes due to the risk of indentations or surface scratches.

Full part digitisation is provided and additional software modules are available, for CAD to part inspection and reverse engineering.

This software and hardware combination allows measurement and inspection cycle times to be drastically reduced, hence increasing measurement efficiency and reducing costs.

The LC probes are designed to operate attached to the Renishaw PH10M probe head, which results in no extra wiring.

The probe is also compatible with the ACR-1 and ACR-3 auto-change racks, making for easy interchange between the optical and contact probes, which reduces the cycle time when both contact and noncontact measurements are required.

A range of probes is available.

The LC15, which has a 15 x 15mm field of view, is used for high precision work such as turbines and small connectors.

The LC50 is the workhorse probe with a 50 x 50mm field of view, and it is capable of scanning both small and large objects, quickly and effectively.

A more recent addition to the range is the XC, or Cross Scanner, which has been developed specifically for feature measurement in sheet metal applications.

Laser scanning opens a new world for manufacturing, as important time is saved during the design, prototyping, preproduction and production cycles.

Also design engineers are provided with up to date and accurate information about the quality of parts, which ultimately saves time and cost within the manufacturing cycle.

Find out more about this article. Request a brochure, download technical specifications and request samples here.

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