Derby-based LK Metrology Ltd (www.LKmetrology.com), which has been manufacturing static co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs) in the UK since 1963, has diversified into the supply of 3-D articulating-arm metrology systems (also known as portable arms) with the launch of a range of 24 machines called Freedom.

There are six-axis arms for touch probing and seven-axis versions for multi-sensor metrology, including laser scanning.

Both types are available in two accuracy levels, and the four products come in six sizes, with reaches up to 5m.

International sales and support are through the company’s offices in the UK, North America, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and China, as well as via a world-wide distributor network.

The two six-axis arms for tactile inspection are named Freedom Classic and Freedom Select, the former being the entry-level model and the latter the enhanced-accuracy version.

The extra degree of freedom provided by the seven-axis arms (again in two accuracy versions) — Freedom Classic Scan and Freedom Select Scan — enables laser scanning with a Nikon Metrology ModelMaker H120, MMD¥100 or MMD¥200.

The touch-probing accuracy of all Freedom arms is certified to ISO 10360-12, and they can be supplied with a variety of aluminium and carbon-fibre probe kits, styli, mounting rings (including some with a magnetic or vacuum base), tripods, rolling stands, and ‘carts’ with a granite top.

Carbon-fibre tubular construction ensures stability, while ‘infinite’ rotation and a proprietary counter-balance make manual movements light, ensures ease of use.

These arms can be stowed and locked in place between measurements and when they are being relocated; and even the largest arm weighs less than 11kg, making set-up and repositioning quick and easy.

Furthermore, they feature absolute rather than incremental rotary encoders, allowing them to be used immediately on start-up without the need for calibration.

Also contributing to efficiency and convenience is an LCD display (with a quick-access menu) on the probe wrist that puts the most useful information ‘directly in the hands of the operator’ during measurement.

A range of third-party inspection software can be supplied by LK Metrology with its new Freedom arms, including: InnovMetric’s PolyWorks Inspector (this can swap programs seamlessly between portable and static CMM platforms); Metrostaff’s ArcoCAD metrology software; Nikon Metrology’s Focus Inspection for data acquisition and analysis; and LK’s CMM Manager inspection package for touch probing.