CCD matrix cameras measure tooling automatically

Walter GB of Redditch has announced a new concept in low-cost, simple-to-operate, non-contact measurement with the Heli Toolcheck, which uses a pair of CCD matrix cameras to measure tooling

Walter GB of Redditch has announced a new concept in low-cost, simple-to-operate, non-contact measurement with the Heli Toolcheck.

Tools up to 300 mm diameter and 500 mm long can be accommodated with a repeatable measuring accuracy of +/- 2 microns on the machine that is designed for both manual and automatic use.

With X, Y and Z axes of 310 mm by 290 mm by 600 mm - and 60 revs/min in the rotational (a) axis - the machine is designed for the standard tolerance (+/- 2 to 4 microns) measuring of cylindrical and conical shank-type cutters and drills, for example.

Resolution in all linear axes is 0.2 micron and in the rotational axis it is 0.0025deg.

With a rigid and stable granite base, Heli Toolcheck uses a pair of CCD matrix cameras to measure tooling via direct/incident light.

Direct light is used for measuring external contours and for defining end geometry, land width and radial angle, for instance; while incident light is used for cutting edge position and definition of flute depth, for example.

The machine also features a number of innovative software aids for fast and easy set-up and measuring in accordance with DIN ISO EN 9000.

For example, Quick Check's graphical menu of selected tool geometries is accompanied by the automated production of a measuring program, enabling users to measure tools without set points.

All parameters are shown and selection of the desired geometry automatically generates the correct measuring program.

The stored measuring procedure is available for subsequent routines.

While there is also a teach-in mode to create user-specific measuring programs and standards, Heli Toolcheck provides bar graph results of all measuring routines.

These show required and actual sizes, tolerances and deviations.

There are also optional Via Scan and Via Fit software routines that enable users to quickly and easily scan a tool profile then compare the resulting contour with the original CAD design.

Utilising similar new generation control technology as applied to Walter's range of Helitronic tool and cutter grinders - and the more sophisticated four-axis Helicheck NC 4 tool measuring machine - Heli Toolcheck also features the Walter Window Mode (WWM) software.

This not only enables interchangeable data to be transmitted between the Helitronic tool grinders and Heli Toolcheck, but it also eliminates the need for inspection expertise - operators need simply enter only tool parameters.

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