Hexagon to accelerate inspection of delicate parts with non-contact CMM sensor
March 3, 2021
Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division based in Cobham, Surrey, UK, has introduced a high-speed, non-contact sensor for use with coordinate measurement machines (CMMs). This new sensor will rapidly inspect delicate parts with a variety of surface finishes, including those produced via Additive Manufacturing, without applying any damaging pressure – something increasingly demanded from the consumer electronics and medical sectors.
Manufacturers of components with more fragile surface finishes may struggle with efficiency or productivity, because traditional tactile inspection can be time consuming and parts can experience damage during the measurement process. The new HP-OW chromatic white light sensor is said to offer an increased measurement speed and flexibility for OEMs, allowing manufacturers the chance to utilise new technologies and materials.
The sensor’s ability to measure components with transparent, polished, rough or matte finishes makes it easy to measure parts made with delicate materials, such as LED vehicle lights, with accuracy and speed. The non-contact capabilities also offer high throughput of medical devices like surgical implants, where every facet must be inspected precisely.
AM poses a unique challenge, because parts are typically measured throughout production to ensure quality, but the time to inspect rough, unfinished parts can be prohibitive. As a new option in a line of specialised sensors, Hexagon’s chromatic white-light scanning sensor offers an efficient method to accurately scan parts throughout production.
“We are excited to introduce these highly-specialised sensors to address the need for continuous sampling at high accuracy and speed,” stated Wolfgang Madlener, VP Machine Tool and Sensor Devices. “We recognise that our customers need new approaches to address evolving product designs, manufacturing techniques and the agility to address new markets. It’s a given that the CMM must be accurate – what’s important today is that this valuable asset can be adapted to solve each new challenge with the best available sensor and software combination for the measurement.”
Compatible with Hexagon’s GLOBAL S and OPTIV M CMM lines, the new chromatic white-light sensor can help manufacturers derive further value from one piece of equipment by expanding capabilities to a wider range of materials. Also recently launched were two touch-trigger probes that offer manufacturers robust high-accuracy measurement of delicate parts, available in four versions to suit a range of application requirements.
The ability to automatically switch between tactile and non-contact sensors accelerates the inspection of a range of parts of different material types. For something like a windscreen, where multiple measurement techniques are required, efficiency can be improved by automating inspection from start to finish with a sensor-changing rack. Updates to Hexagon’s PC-DMIS metrology software support the new sensors and enable the programming of multi-sensor inspection processes, including rack automation, from a single pane of glass.
