As precision manufactured parts become more complex, so does the task of accurately measuring those parts. In medical, aerospace and motorsport engineering, where tolerances are particularly tight, metrologists need reliable, high accuracy multi-sensor measuring capability.
The new SmartScope Vantage 300, supplied and supported by OGP UK, provides full 4-axis part measurement using a combination of video, touch probe, micro-probe and optional laser, with the ability to switch reliably between measurement systems during the same set-up.
Rotherham-based medical equipment specialist, Comis Orthopaedics, is currently evaluating the new SmartScope Vantage 300.
“The intended application is measuring hip implant bearing components,” explains the company’s technical director, Chris Sloss. “Because of the metal-on-metal contact, the implants demand an exceptional surface finish, along with high levels of sphericity - to within microns. Obtaining data of this order is normally on the limit of most conventional co-ordinate measuring machines, typically because of software limitations. Due to the highly polished surfaces, we naturally want to avoid contact with the components during measurement to avoid the risk of introducing surface defects.”
Comis Orthopaedics is heralded for its MIHR (Minimally Invasive Hip Resurfacing) system, the hip resurfacing implant designed specifically for minimal invasive surgery.
High accuracy applications such as these will undoubtedly benefit from the use of an OGP SmartScope Vantage 300, which is the newest member of the SmartScope multi-sensor measuring machine series. One of its features is its compact footprint and surprisingly large measuring volume (300 x 300 x 250mm). This, along with its visual and tactile precision, enables users to measure significantly larger components than would previously be possible with a machine of comparable dimensions.
The Vantage 300 features the patented TeleStar telecentric auto calibrating zoom lens, and as with other members of the SmartScope series, a multiplicity of sensor technologies are deployed, making it possible to measure parts in a single operation that would normally require many set-ups using single sensor technology.
These include: the SP25 probe, which allows continuous scan-touching, a rare ability for a system of this size; and on-axis TTL (through-the-lens) laser measurement. The ability to use video and sensor measurement simultaneously both accelerates the inspection process and provides enhanced accuracy capability. The system also offers non-contact Rainbow white light sensor featuring nano-meter capability. Of particular interest to manufacturers such as Comis Orthopaedics, the Rainbow probe can measure translucent surfaces and highly reflective (ie. polished) surfaces that are impossible using laser sensors.
The machine’s innovative design features an elevated bridge that provides the necessary stability and rigidity to guarantee accurate, reliable and repeatable measurements, while OGP’s full 3D MeasureMind metrology software allows users to exploit fully the benefits on offer. MeasureMind data can be ported seamlessly to OGP’s suite of analysis packages such as MeasureFit 3D for surface to CAD analysis, or
output in IGES format for reverse engineering to CAD.