Manufacturers wishing to inspect components machined to tight tolerances, but not wanting to invest in an expensive, ultra-high-accuracy coordinate measuring machine (CMM), now have the option of selecting an
LK Metrology Altera C HA (pictured right), which is available in five sizes. The second-smallest CMM model, 10.7.7, will be exhibited at
Advanced Engineering 2024, which takes place 30 and 31 October, at the NEC, Birmingham (Stand J132).
The ceramic-bridge machines are constructed from the same component parts as the standard Altera C range, but are optimised during build at the company’s Derbyshire production facility to deliver 16% higher accuracy during a measuring cycle, with 13% better repeatability and 50% more accurate scanning. Volumetric accuracy is from 1.3+L/350, repeatability from 0.0013mm and scanning accuracy from 0.002mm.
When implementing design improvements to the CMM, particular attention was paid to upgrading the moving bridge. The spread of the air bearings supporting the main drive leg has been widened to increase the stiffness of the bridge assembly by 17% overall, which is particularly beneficial during high-speed movements. Advantages to the user are considerable, as measuring uncertainty when chasing tolerances down to microns is significantly better. For the same reason, the bearing mountings have been further stiffened and their alignment improved. Due to the increased dynamic forces in play when measuring on the fly, the new design is especially helpful when using a scanning probe.
Zero backlashFriction drives provide smooth motion and exact positioning at continuously varying speeds, as well as zero backlash and overload protection. The pre-loaded, wrap-around air bearing configuration runs with a reduced air film thickness for low energy consumption and gives repeatable measurement results, even at fast axis speeds. New at the show will be EcoAir, an energy-saving device that automatically stops delivery of compressed air to the CMM after a period of inactivity, reducing consumption by up to 95% when the machine is idle.
Multi-sensor capability is provided, with the Renishaw PH10M motorised probe head able to deploy a touch-trigger probe, scanning probe or laser scanner. LK’s proprietary, DMIS-based, multi-sensor Camio software enables programming and measurement based on 3-D CAD data, as well as comprehensive reporting.
Pictured left: LK will also show its new Interactive Virtual Reality showroom, with 10 CMMs running inspection programs at Advanced EngineeringAll machines are compact for the size of their respective measuring volumes and are also fast, accelerating at up to 1,390mm/s/s for high inspection efficiency. They are equally at home in an inspection department or on the shopfloor, especially as pneumatic anti-vibration mounts can be specified to isolate the CMM from nearby sources of low-frequency vibration, such as large machinery. Maintenance costs are low and every machine carries an unrivalled 10-year accuracy guarantee covering dimensional stability.
Also on display at
Advanced Engineering 2024 will be LK’s own CMM laser scanning probe, the SLK25 Vivid, and the company’s modular tool storage and change racks for tactile probes, laser scanners, extension bars and other sensor accessories. There will also be a third-generation LK Freedom arm, now supplied as standard with a 4.5in dia mounting ring to allow the unit to sit on a larger base for increased stability and accuracy, rather than the previous 3.5in ring. Additionally, there will be a first chance to experience LK’s new Interactive Virtual Reality showroom, featuring 10 CMMs running inspection programs.