Manufacturers wishing to inspect components machined to tight tolerances, but unwilling to invest in an expensive, ultra-high-accuracy coordinate measuring machine (CMM), now have the option of selecting an LK Metrology ALTERA C HA, which is available in five sizes. The second-smallest CMM model, 10.7.7, will be exhibited on the company’s stand, J132, at Advanced Engineering 2024.
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 percent higher accuracy during a measuring cycle, with 13 percent better repeatability and 50 percent more accurate scanning. Volumetric accuracy is from 1.3+L/350, repeatability from 0.0013 mm and scanning accuracy from 0.002 mm.
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 percent 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.
Friction 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.
An ALTERA C HA 10.7.7 high accuracy coordinate measuring machine will be exhibited by LK on stand J132 at Advanced Engineering 2024.
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 3D CAD data, as well as comprehensive reporting.
All machines are compact for the size of their respective measuring volumes and are also fast, accelerating at up to 1,390 mm/s/s for high inspection efficiency. They are equally at home in an inspection department or on the shop floor, 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.
LK will also show its new Interactive Virtual Reality showroom, with 10 CMMs running inspection programs.
New on show at Advanced Engineering 2024 in addition to the ALTERA C HA 10.7.7 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 4.5 inch diameter mounting ring to allow the unit to sit on a larger base for increased stability and accuracy, rather than the previous 3.5 inch ring. Additionally, there will be a first chance to experience LK’s new Interactive Virtual Reality showroom, featuring 10 CMMs running inspection programs.
