The new Roundtracer Flash from Andover-based
Mitutoyo (UK) Ltd is a non-contact measuring unit designed to deliver even more speed and versatility to the company’s lines of form measurement equipment. This optical measuring unit is based on side-by-side two-dimensional image architecture, which means the images are acquired by different sensors and are ‘perfectly combined’ to generate a single workpiece image containing zero discontinuities or gaps at ‘stitching edges’.
Roundtracer Flash can measure parts of up to 300mm long without any vertical movement of the sensors or part, taking these measurements almost instantaneously and executing 100 static measurements in just 2sec — regardless of how the measurement sections are distributed along the workpiece.
Moreover, by not requiring movement along the Z-axis to capture these 2-D images, the consistency of the profiles and part geometries are stable over millions of cycles; and because of this technique, the mandatory maintenance of this measuring system is kept to a bare minimum. The Roundtracer Flash has also been designed for ease of use and not require a metrologist to operate it, hence the unit can perform a measurement with a single button push. Furthermore, the GUI (graphical user interface) is ‘extremely intuitive and flexible’ and configured to make the operator’s working processes as fast and simple as possible.
Mitutoyo said: “Another key factor in the development of this product was not only how easy it is to use but also how easy it can be implemented into a smart factory. Right from the start, the loading of a workpiece can be done automatically when using an external robot system, and the machine comes with seven ports for data output and code reading. When considering the standard ability of the machine, it is clear how big a difference it will make in manufacturing facilities, no matter their size.”
In the UK, and in addition to providing top-quality products for manufacturing industry, Mitutoyo offers machine-specific training for customers as well as general metrology training courses for companies wishing to upgrade staff skill levels. Support services include technical advice on specific applications of the company’s products, UKAS-certified calibration, sub-contract measurement, and bespoke system design for particularly challenging measurement and component-handling applications.