New modular range of change racks launched for CMMs

An LK Metrology 10-port TSR tool storage rack mounted on a support rail

Racks mounted on the granite table of a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) for storing styli, probes, adapters and laser scanners, allowing a head mounted at the end of the spindle to exchange them automatically, are essential to enable efficient CNC inspection and measurement without time-consuming manual intervention. Good quality racks have always tended to be expensive, but LK Metrology has now launched a more affordable range.

Having more ports than other rack systems on the market, the units are available for use not only on CMMs manufactured by LK in Castle Donington but on other makes of measuring machine as well. They organise the storage of tools and accessories and make them easily accessible, while reducing the risk of accidental damage, ultimately extending the service life of the equipment.

Support rails either 500, 600 or 700mm long are designed to carry one or more of the new rack modules, which are split into three categories. Several may be combined to provide comprehensive storage when using a mix of probe and sensor technology, as is so often the case when meeting today's complex quality control requirements. To avoid the need for additional motors or cables, the motion of the CMM locks and unlocks the probe head autojoint to effect exchange. Irrespective of which type of rack is being used, there is no need for requalification after changeover.

The first new category is TSR, a multi-sensor tool storage rack having either five or 10 ports, with a cover to protect them, as well as the probe interface. The unit is able to house any combination of laser scanners, touch trigger probes, surface finish probes and extension bars. The flexibility of the system enables seamless adaptation to a variety of inspection tasks and ensures that the optimal tool is used for each part of the CNC cycle, enhancing accuracy and productivity.

Three-port SSR stylus storage racks, on the other hand, are for automatically changing the styli themselves, including those for analogue scanning, making available a selection of stylus configurations and ball tip materials. Lastly, there is a three-port MSR module storage rack for holding and exchanging increasingly popular tactile scanning probe modules.