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Shop floor CMM for harsh conditions

The 7.10.7 SF is a new generation of shop floor coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) designed to excel in harsh industrial environments. The new product line offers enhanced usability aimed at making the CMM more convenient and productive for manufacturing operations.

The 7.10.7 SF’s computer, controller, and interface boxes are housed in one self-contained unit for easy transport on the shop floor. The CMM has a measuring stroke of 710mm x 1,010mm x 680mm, and uses standard 110V/220V single-phase outlets with no need for shop air. Its integrated and flexible part fixture system enables customers to locate up to four 300mm x 300mm fixture plates or one 500mm fixture plate on the table. Using a kinematic locating system, the fixture plates can be quickly loaded and unloaded, allowing users to swap individual parts or part types in seconds.

Other improvements include fully integrated workspace lighting – which illuminates the measurement volume – and message lighting on the CMM’s Z-axis cover that displays the status of inspection operations on the shop floor. Status lights visually indicate when the inspection process is complete, whether a part passed or failed, or if an unexpected problem occurred during the operation.

PC-DMIS Touch, an optional software feature, includes an intuitive touchscreen interface that expedites measurement tasks and creates, selects, and launches inspection programs. Shop floor personnel do not require CMM expertise to inspect parts using the metrology software. PC-DMIS Touch graphically guides users through part setup and measurement, and then produces concise reports for immediate action.

Go to http://bit.ly/1k0IvJi to find more than 40 aerospace metrology case studies.

Hexagon Metrology
www.hexagonmetrology.com

 

Probe microphones measure sound pressure

This probe microphone (Model 377B26) is designed for engineers who need to measure sound pressure in high temperature or small confined areas, such as testing in jet-engine exhaust. It is comprised of four components: microphone, preamplifier, housing, and several probe tips of different lengths. The system has a maximum operating temperature of 800°C, which is much greater than traditional test and measurement microphones. The design allows for sound pressure and resonance frequencies to be quantified for exhaust noise and engine analysis on the aircraft, via a non-contact sensor.

The probe-tip diameter measures 0.050" (1.3mm), which allows measurements in small, confined, difficult-to-access areas where traditional microphones cannot be used. The small size also allows near-field measurements with minimal disturbance of the sound field for more accurate test results.

The pre-polarized design is powered by ICP or a 2mA to 20mA constant current supply. This allows engineers to use existing low-cost power supplies and coaxial cables that are less costly than the 200V power supplies required for externally polarized microphones. The microphone can be interchanged with existing ICP accelerometers, force, and pressure sensor set-ups.

PCB Piezotronics
www.pcb.com

 

Vises with 0.0005" part clamping repeatability

Made for precision part clamping on most model machining centers, mills, and grinders, VersatileLock vises feature one-piece body and stationary jaw design to provide rigid, precise clamping with 0.0005" repeatable accuracy. Twelve models are available in manual, air, and hydraulic versions to handle a full range of part clamping applications.

A single station CNC vise, the VersatileLock vises integrate the AngLock feature with the pull-type clamping design, reducing stationary jaw deflection by as much as 80%. The one-piece body and stationary jaw provide greater strength while reducing weight.

The AngLock and pull-type clamping design prevent parts from lifting upward under heavy clamping loads. A hardened spherical segment mechanism produces all-directional alignment of the jaw components and vise body so clamped parts remain stationary for accurate machining.

The vises are also available in reverse and short reverse configurations. The short version model has a 13" footprint for the smallest machines. Models are designed for mounting upright or on either side. All models have matched stationary jaw to the keyway including a body height ±0.0010". Two vises can be mounted back-to-back making a tombstone fixture.

The vises have 80,000psi ductile iron bodies with precision machined components. Their design provides strength, extra rigidity and long-term accuracy while absorbing machining vibration.

Kurt Manufacturing Co.
www.kurtworkholding.com

April May 2014
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