Accura 3-D Coordinate Measuring

Carl Zeiss Microscopy LLC

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Carl Zeiss has developed the Accura 3-D coordinate measuring machine. The multisensor-capable measuring system makes fast, economical, precise and flexible measurements using foam insulating technology, which enables higher temperature independence. At minimal thickness, the housing covers ensure temperature resistance and guarantees the required precision, even on the shop floor.

Customers can configure the system to fit their requirements. Based on their current tasks, they select the ideal configuration, i.e. sensors. Special software, such as GEAR PRO for gears and HOLOS NT for free-form surface measurements, is integrated along with CALYPSO, the company’s standard CAD-based measuring software. Subsequent modifications can be made easily; if requirements change, different sensors and software can be added.

Whether parts are cut, shaped, molded, plastic or steel, all options of coordinate measuring technology are available. The system also permits the integration of proprietary MASS technology. Combined with a rapid display system articulating probe holder, MASS permits fast, measuring program-guided change between contact sensors and the ViScan and LineScan optical sensors during a computer numeric control run. The contact measuring sensors of the VAST family and the DynaTouch single-point sensor can also be used in various configurations.

Measuring machines must be operated at constant temperatures to avoid temperature-dependent deformations. A fixed measuring lab temperature of 20 °C is standard. The system can be operated with the same precision at other temperatures between 20 and 26 °C. The measuring lab temperature can thus be selected freely by the user, saving air conditioning costs.

Thanks to the steel and aluminum components, the measuring machine bridge is extremely rigid and slim. The coated ageing-resistant aluminum technology on the aluminum parts ensures long-term stability of guideway behavior. The low weight of the moving parts improves the dynamics, enabling maximum vectorial travel speed of 800 mm/s in the Performance Package configuration.

This speed demands increased protection measures. Therefore, the Performance Package contains a special safety system: laser scanners monitor the protection zone around the measuring machine in the high-speed mode. If the safety system registers movement within this zone, the machine speed is automatically lowered within 1 s. Once the disruption passes, Accura reaccelerates to the original measuring speed.

The enhanced air bearings play a key role in the dynamic behavior of the bridge. Thanks to the thinner air gap, they are more rigid and require less compressed air than previous air bearings.

The system is available in four sizes, each of which offers a large measuring range – even with an integrated stylus changer. The smallest model has a measuring range (X × Y × Z) of 900 × 1400 × 800 mm. The linear measuring tolerance is 1.6 µm + L/333. A larger measuring range of 1200 × 2400 × 1000 mm is also available and, if required, the system can be supplied with a lower base.

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Published: December 2010