Quality for all

Important developments in measurement technology are the simplification of operation and integration into production processes. In this context, it is crucial that employees are able to carry out the measurements with a reasonable amount of training, thus ensuring quality. This year, this development was particularly evident in the improvement of the user interface and the integration of new technologies such as tablets and wireless transmission of measurement data. Automation further improves quality assurance.

Less is more

Equipped with a tablet and reduced to the essentials, the RONDCOM TOUCH form tester from Zeiss achieves a good balance between accurate measurement and very easy operation. This makes this entry-level device particularly suitable for workers' self-inspection.

A special feature of this measuring system is that the measurement and the evaluation are made on a tablet. The tablet is connected to the RONDCOM TOUCH via Bluetooth. Due to the compact design, the space requirement is low compared to a computer with monitor. By reducing the software to essential functions, operation is greatly simplified.

Infrared 3D scanner without pre-treatment

The fringe projection method has become established in industrial metrology for determining 3D surface data. However, conventional fringe projection systems reach their limits when it comes to scanning reflective or transparent surfaces. In these cases, the measured object can be digitized by treating the surface beforehand, for example by spraying it. In many cases this is not possible, for example if the parts cannot be cleaned or cleaning would take too much time. The greater measurement uncertainty due to a coating should also not be neglected.

The AiMESS R3Dscan, a novel fringe projection system that celebrated its world premiere at Control 2013, now eliminates the need for pre-treatment of the measured object. In contrast to the systems available on the market to date, the 3D scanner from AiMESS does not analyze the reflection, but the energy absorbed by the measured object, which is converted into heat. The system detects this energy with the help of an infrared detector. Since the surface condition is irrelevant for the AiMESS patented method, the infrared scanner can create a precise scan of transparent, dark or reflective surfaces.

However, not only spraying, but also time-consuming mark gluing is unnecessary when using the R3Dscan. Thanks to the most precise positioning, the various views of a measurement object can be combined to form a complete data set. Furthermore, the system is not sensitive to ambient light. It delivers highly accurate measurement values under all lighting conditions.

Less scrap with inline CT

A 3D component characterization with computed tomography (CT) can determine all essential defect features in contrast to a 2D radiographic inspection (radioscopy). If all manufactured objects are already inspected within the manufacturing process, this is referred to as inline inspection.

This allows a very differentiated handling of defects in components and thus, taking into account the "Effect of Defect", can contribute to a reduction in reject rates. This means that if a blowhole is located in an area that is later no longer present on the component, the part is not a reject. Accurately determining the location of defects in the object also leads to a better understanding of the entire manufacturing process. Automatic feedback of the information obtained about the part into the parameterization and optimization of the overall process has so far only been perceived as a vision. With lnline CT, this is now within reach for the first time.

The three-dimensional description of the defects includes the detection of voids and porosities as well as the dimensional accuracy of the wall thicknesses in relation to the internal cooling channel. This high level of detail allows a precise analysis and evaluation of all process-relevant data.

Micro scanner with controlled scanning mode

The WFP/S fiber probe from Werth has already been in use with Werth coordinate measuring machines for several years. Due to its characteristics such as high precision paired with the smallest probe ball diameters, it has proven itself on the market. Thanks to modern signal processing and 64-bit control technology, controlled scanning operation is now possible without the use of preset contours.

With the fiber probe, negligible probing forces in the μN range ensure that the workpieces are not damaged, even when scanning "unknown" contours. Stylus lengths, stylus electronics, sensor offset and sensor drift have only negligible influence on the measurement result.

Combination of fringe projection and photogrammetry

The ATOS Triple Scan is based on the principle of fringe projection. High-resolution measuring cameras with up to twelve megapixels resolution and special optics are used for precise measurement. The highest resolution for filigree components with measuring volumes of up to 38 mm is possible, as is very fast digitization of large components with measuring volumes of up to two meters. This wide range of applications means that a large spectrum of components can be measured quickly and reliably with just one sensor head. In combination with TRITOP, even the measurement of large objects of more than 30 meters with high resolution is possible.

In addition to the fringe projection system, ATOS Plus features high-resolution photogrammetry cameras with up to 29 megapixels and specially developed optics that realize large measuring ranges and short working distances. The integrated multi-faceted illumination enables uniform illumination regardless of the measuring range or ambient conditions. All ATOS sensors that can be used for automation are expandable with the Plus Box.

ATOS Plus is used for automated inspection processes, for example in the automotive and aerospace industries. The system is used to calibrate larger components so that measurement errors do not add up. Component fixtures and backdrops are also referenced with ATOS Plus. Adaptive fixtures in particular are frequently adjusted depending on the component or become distorted due to temperature or movement influences. The self-monitoring ATOS system detects such changes and automatically triggers a remeasurement of the fixtures in these cases. In this way, ATOS Plus enables safe and reliable measurement processes in automated environments, even over longer periods of time.

Terahertz spectrometer in letters

In areas of public safety, it is always necessary to detect explosives or drugs. These can be government buildings, airports or correctional facilities. This special field of application for the THz spectrometer provides security agencies with an easy way to search for explosives in letters or small packages, for example.

Terahertz spectrometry operates at frequencies from 100 GHz to 10 THz. Paper, many plastics and textiles appear almost transparent to THz radiation, with metals and other electrical conductors being impenetrable. Molecules have a characteristic absorption spectrum. The absorption spectrum for alpha-lactose is used as a "fingerprint". If the sample now contains traces

of the substance, then a match with the absorption spectrum is detected.

The suspicious letter is inserted into the scanner unit and pulled in. The system scans the sample with THz beams and compares the measured values with a previously created database of explosives and drugs. If such a substance is detected, an alarm even transmits the information as to where the substance is located. Electronic circuits such as the detonator of an explosive device are visible because the conductor paths cannot be penetrated by the radiation. In this way, even substances under the stamp can be detected reliably and without danger. The radiation is also harmless to the human body.