Designed to facilitate component inspection, measurement, and data collection, AddiCheck interfaces directly to DataBend and PowerBend CNC tube bending machines and also provides necessary coordinate data to set up non-CNC machines. System is comprised of portable workbench, optical probe attached to 5-axis digitally encoded measuring arm, laptop computer with software, and optional printer. Addata G Plus technology provides distortion-free measurement.

Global tube manipulation technology providers, AddisonMckee, have developed AddiCheck, a brand new, lower cost, non-contact tube measuring solution designed specifically to make the whole process of component inspection, measurement and data collection exceptionally user friendly.

Capability and functionality

Embracing AddisonMckee’s latest software technology for non-contact tube measurement - and benefiting from the considerable development expertise that was used to create the company’s industry-leading Addata “G” Plus measuring solution - AddiCheck models offer levels of capability and functionality more suited to mid-market tube manipulation organizations.

Industry-leading pedigree

Widely accepted as a revolutionary non-contact tube measuring and inspection system, AddisonMckee’s Addata “G” Plus technology has long been recognized as the “total tube data” solution for virtually every industry involved in the manufacture of tubular components.

Through the newly-launched AddiCheck tube measuring and inspection machine, AddisonMckee now offers a highly competitive, non-contact probe measuring solution that affords greater accuracy over contact tube probe inspection machines and is extremely simple to operate.

Complete solution

Consisting of a portable workbench, an optical probe attached to a newly designed 5-axis digitally encoded measuring arm, a laptop computer running simple-to-follow software, plus an optional printer, AddiCheck is designed to interface directly with AddisonMckee’s range of modern DataBend and PowerBend CNC tube bending machines, AddiCheck will also provide the necessary co-ordinates data to set up non CNC machines.

Simple operation

When using the AddiCheck machine, operators simply place the component to be measured on the system’s portable workbench, key in the relevant data and use the non-contact probe to achieve totally distortion-free measuring where two points on each straight section between bends are to be probed.

Sweep and probe principle

This process can be done from either end of a bend as the system automatically reverses the ends if required. The principle is to sweep the probe into the tube areas adjacent to each bend tangent or end point. This is something the operator can achieve single-handedly as the probe initializes itself for the next measurement automatically. The direction of flow is from one straight to the next, stopping only for measuring the ends or shallow bends. For added simplicity, the AddiCheck machine provides an audible tone as each step of the measuring process is completed.

Inspection criteria

The mathematical relationship between bender moves Y, B, C and the X, Y, Z co-ordinates is non-linear. This means there is no direct one-to-one relationship between a change in bending machine moves and the resulting X, Y, Z deviation. A best-fit routine is therefore utilized where the tube is measured against a master set of data.

Optional data print-out

After completion of the measuring sequence, if the optional printer is fitted, a print out documenting end lengths and angles can be produced along with X, Y, Z / Y, B, C data.

A longer report, detailing the deviations of the tangent points and the deviation in length, angle and rotation can also be printed. The part number, time and date are also recorded on both reports.

Important opportunity

Commented AddisonMckee Director of Global Marketing, Christian Rogiers, “The introduction of the AddiCheck Tube Measuring and Inspection Machine provides an important opportunity for those mid-sized organizations seeking to achieve precise levels of data for programming bending machines and for inspection purposes. Complementing our Addata “G” Plus model, AddiCheck delivers the levels measuring capability that smaller tube bending facilities may have previously had difficulty in justifying.”

About AddisonMckee

Globally renowned for the design, manufacture and supply of some of the world’s finest tube bending and end forming technologies - for increasingly complex automotive, aviation, truck and shipbuilding requirements - AddisonMckee also offers highly innovative tube measuring solutions, tube perforation, piercing and louvring technologies, hydraulic press machinery, muffler assembly solutions, plant automation and complete workcell integration.

In addition to these capabilities, a whole range of tooling and accessory options are also provided, as are comprehensive maintenance and service contracts, training and education programs and financial services. Where applicable, AddisonMckee is also able to offer customers the opportunity of machine rebuilds, refurbishment, upgrades and trade-ins.

With measurement range of 350 x 350 x 150 mm, non-contact, Ultra Quick Vision Series features fixed bridge structure with independent X-axis and Y-axis drives. Crystallized glass scale offers resolution of 0.01 [micro]m and linear expansion coefficient of 0.08×10-6/K. Four-quadrant programmable ring light features independently controlled light intensity. QVPAK[R] software provides 3D data processing and support of touch-probe measurement with video/TP calibration.

(Aurora, IL) Mitutoyo America Corporation announces availability of new Ultra Quick Vision Series CNC non-contacting measuring systems which employ advanced construction techniques to achieve extreme accuracy (U1XY = [0.3+L/1000][micro]m, U2XY= [0.5+2L/1000][micro]m, U1Z = [3+2L/1000][micro]m, at 20[degrees] C).

The new Mitutoyo Ultra Quick Vision instruments feature a fixed bridge structure with completely independent X-axis and Y-axis drives; movement of one axis will not cause displacement of the other axis allowing for extremely high accuracies.

Also in pursuit of accuracy, the design of the Mitutoyo Ultra Quick Vision chassis focuses on minimizing vibration. FEM (Finite Element Modeling) analysis was used to determine placement of reinforcing ribs and to allocate mass so it can best contribute to rigidity while a hydrostatic air bearing system is employed to provide a sub-micron linearity of motion.

To further enhance accuracy, Ultra Quick Vision is equipped with a crystallized glass scale having a resolution and 0.01[micro]m and a linear expansion coefficient of 0.08×10-6/K. As a result, thermal expansion of the scale is virtually eliminated as a factor affecting accuracy.

The Ultra Quick Vision is equipped with the unique Mitutoyo four-quadrant, programmable ring light (PRL) allowing easy adjust of illumination to suit the application. Light intensity in each of four quadrants is independently controlled, while the angle of incidence is adjustable from 30[degrees]- 80[degrees] for the degree of shadow most effective for measuring.

Ultra Quick Vision machines run Mitutoyo QVPAK[R] software featuring a sophisticated GUI, extended 3-D data processing functions and complete support of touch-probe measurement with video/TP calibration.

Optional software modules extend QVPAK functionality. A partial list of examples includes: QVPartManager[R] which allows for measurement of multiple parts - even for multiple, different parts - staged at one time, QVEio[R] which provides external machine control via an RS-232C interfaced PC, and

MeasureReport/E[R], a Microsoft[R] Excel[R]-based routine for automatic report generation and printout.

SPECIFICATIONS

Measurement range

(XxYxZ)

350 x 350 x 150mm (14″ x 14″ x 6″)

Resolution

0.01[micro]m

Length standard

Reflective linear encoder (crystallized glass)

Sensor unit

High-resolution black & white CCD camera

Measuring accuracy (at 20[degrees] C)

U1XY= (0.3+L/1000) [micro]m

U2XY = (0.5+2L/1000) [micro]m

U1Z = (3+2L/1000)[micro]m

Illumination system

Surface: Coaxial light and programmable ring light Contour: Stage light

Maximum drive speed

100mm/s

Table glass size

438 x 509mm (17.24″ x 20.03″)

Tube lens

1x/2x/6x (programmable power turret)

Maximum workpiece load

Height: 150mm (5.91″)/Weight 40kg (88 lbs.)

Objectives

2.5x (1x, 5x: optional)

Magnification on 17″ monitor

Using 1x objective: 32x (32x/64x/192x)

Using 2.5x objective: 80x (80x/160x/480x)

Using 5x objectives 160x (160x/320x/960x)

Gravity Roll Media Filter, Model GRMC-300 offers coolant flow rate capacity of 30 gpm. Utilizing deep filter cake to provide filtration of grinding swarf, system has positive seal to eliminate fines migration around edges of media. System features 17 in. coolant inlet height and takes 38 in. wide media. It includes integral tank, standard control module, and removable top cover for maintenance.

Mequon, WI., September 1, 2004 - Jorgensen Conveyors is introducing it’s new gravity roll media filtration equipment offering for CNC grinding and metal cutting applications. “For many years Jorgensen has been a leader in supplying chip conveyors and coolant filtration solutions for CNC metal cutting machine tools”, says John D’Amico, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Jorgensen. “Jcrgensen now intends on providing quality filtration solutions to CNC grinding machine builders, importers and end users”, says D’Amico.

Jorgensen will be unveiling its new gravity roll media filter design at IMTS this month, with a display of their new model GRMC-300 system. This is the entry level unit with a coolant flow rate capacity of 30 gallons per minute.

The system will use a deep filter cake to provide excellent filtration of grinding swarf. “We had two specific goals in designing this unit”, says D’Amico. “We wanted to provide a positive seal of the filter media to eliminate fines migration around the edges of the media, and we wanted to be competitively priced.” Many other competitors offer no positive seal of the filter paper according to D’Amico. “We have accomplished this with our seal wheel design approach.” At the same time, D’Amico says that this unit will be priced to compete with systems that are less robust in their design.

The GRMC-300 model features a 17 inch coolant inlet height to fit under most CNC grinding machine coolant exit heights. It offers a compact footprint, an integral tank, standard control module and a removable top cover for ease of maintenance. The unit takes an industry standard 38 inch wide filter media. Jorgensen’s Gravity Roll Media Filter will be on display at IMTS in their booth #D4618 in the Lakeside building at McCormick Place.

The Sinumerik 840D NCU 573.5 is a CNC system that offers a range of specialized functions for milling, drilling, turning and grinding. Its capabilities include nibbling, punching and laser machining technologies. When used with the integrated PLC 317-2DP, the company says the NCU provides approximately 160 percent higher numerical control performance and 300 percent PLC performance over previous versions, as well as additional CNC user memory. When expanded to the maximum, the NCU 573.5 has 31 axes/spindles and 10 channels/10 mode groups. The CNC also has features for high speed and five-axis machining.

The GibbsCAM Multitask Machining (MTM) option supports machine tools with multiple spindles and turrets or tool groups. The software addresses synchronizing multiple tools through its Sync Manager, an element in the intuitive, graphical user interface environment. The Sync Manager allows multiple process flows to be displayed relative to one another to facilitate setting synchronization points. The Sync Manager also takes into account dominant tooling and automatically adjusts operation durations based on which tooling controls the spindle speed, another level of detail that programmers would normally have to address. To be able to support this range of machine tools, which includes models such as Mazak Integrex 200 III ST and Mori Seiki MT 1000SZ, 2000SZ and 2500SZ, MTM was designed with machine configuration capability. The company says it ensures that when the software is delivered to the customer, it is completely set up for its machine tool from the machine configuration to the post processor used to generate edit-free, machine-specific NC code.