Alicona FOCUSvariation production, English

The magazine for InfiniteFocus in production

E , l i m i t e d e d i t i o n , 2 0 11 / 2 0 1 2

AUTOMATIC CUTTING EDGE MEASUREMENT IN PRODUCTION

MOBILE MEASUREMENT HOW TO LEAVE THE LAB AND GO IN-LINE

IN PRODUCTION

content JANUARY 2011 I JANUARY 2012

4–5

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The InfiniteFocus line in production What makes the optical technology of Focus-Variation so suitable for industrial use.

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IF-EdgeMaster A case study: How the cutting edge measurement system is used at SIMTEK milling tools. And why an Alicona device was chosen.

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In Focus: Cutting edges Which surface geometries have an influence on cutting performance and tool durability. And what roughness measurement achieves in tool optimization.

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IF-Portable How Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG uses Focus-Variation for measuring cups on platens.

And why a mobile system was demanded.

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IF-Sensor Leave the lab and go in-line: Focus-Variation is used in both research and production.

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IF-Robot What happens when the robust 3D IF-Sensor and a flexible 6-axis robot join forces.

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Dr. Stefan Scherer, Alicona CEO

editorial

Dr. Manfred Prantl, Alicona CEO

Demands in the global production market in an ever increasingly competitive market are high. International standards have to be met and robust, efficient and sustainable quality assurance has to be implemented in production. With this limited special issue of FOCUSvariation, a magazine about the optical 3D measurement system InfiniteFocus, we suggest various possibilities for establishing that kind of quality assurance.

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The demand is as clear as it is challenging: Metrology that is used either in advance development or quality assurance in research has to be equally easy to use in production. You could also say “Leave the lab and go in-line� which implies a high level of suitability for production. Focus-Variation manages this in providing the transfer from research to production.

For quality assurance this means that the same measurement process is applicable in both environments with only one technology.

This transfer is possible as Focus-Variation is stable even in extreme environments with both vibration and ambient light and due to our long-standing experience in the field of automation. Practical knowledge provides the basis for sustainable and future-oriented development allowing the professional development of optical metrology.

We hope you will enjoy discovering a new level of quality assurance!

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THE InfiniteFocus PRODUCT LINE ONE FOR ALL: ONE TECHNOLOGY, ALL POSSIBILITIES Based on the technical principle of Focus-Variation, Alicona produces measurement devices that are designed to meet the needs of industry. The measurement accuracy of these systems is not affected by vibration, ambient light or temperature fluctuations.

The same performance that is accomplished in research is also obtained in a production environment: high resolution measurement of form and roughness, stable results and high repeatability.

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AUTOMATIC CUTTING EDGE MEASUREMENT AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON

MOBILE MEASUREMENT OF FEATURES ON LARGER COMPONENTS

IF-EdgeMaster

IF-Portable

ONE GOOD CUT.

MEASURE, WHERE NEEDED.

IF-EdgeMaster is an optical 3D measurement device for measuring indexable inserts. It is easy to operate, extremely resistant to vibration, fast and precise and operates effectively in a harsh environment, making it ideal for production:

IF-Portable is a mobile 3D measurement device that is positioned wherever it is needed. The system is light, handy and easy to transport making measuring of features on large components simple: Place the system on the component, start, measure!

AT THE CUTTING EDGE » chipping including roughness of indexable inserts are measurable –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– » status is indicated at the touch of a button ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– » comparison with CAD dataset ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– » wear measurement ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– » even with ambient vibration and light ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– » of the basket arch form, including waterfall type and trumpet type ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– » on green compact up to the polished insert ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– » type management ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– » visual documentation to also prove quality assurance to customers

FLEXIBLE » surface measurement including form of large components ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– » IF-Portable is used on flat and curved components ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– » a rotating nosepiece makes time consuming and error-prone adjustments after changing the objective obsolete ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– » features are measured regardless of form, type and size ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– » measurement of large areas are quick, repeatable and traceable ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– » cup measurement on platens in the printing industry

alicona I Product overview

IN PRODUCTION One technology for multiple applications is the Alicona response to the demand for high resolution, repeatable and traceable measurement in production quality assurance. With the EN-ISO conforming principle of Focus-Variation the supplier of optical 3D measurement solutions has established a robust, flexible technology that is internationally used in both research and production.

The high automation of the sensor-technology even across large scan heights and measurement values in combination with fast processing of measurement results enables repeatable measurements in highest vertical resolution irrespective of vibrations or ambient light. The fast processing of measurement results is achieved by high-end export and import functions in data transport and standardized interfaces allowing easy integration into the process. The high measurement speed, high stability and flexibility are the core features of the systems to achieve production capability.

Each measurement system of the InfiniteFocus product line offers the same benefits in production as the Focus-Variation technology does in research. This includes a high vertical resolution, measurement of steep flanks as well as surfaces with varying material and reflective properties, high measurement speed and registered color information.

FORM AND ROUGHNESS IN-LINE

INSPECTION VIA MEASURING ROBOT

IF-Sensor

IF-Robot

LEAVE THE LAB.

A MASTER OF ACROBATICS.

IF-Sensor is an independent high-end measurement system for automatic surface measurement in production. High resolution measurements are no longer available only in the measurement lab but can be obtained from an IF-Sensor in-line.

IF-Robot is a robot based 3D measurement system for production. The measurement sensor is mounted on the robot that controls the movement and direction. This intelligent interaction enables the access to virtually all surface characteristics making them measureable.

ROBUST » solid 3D measurement of complex forms in production ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– » one technology in the laboratory and production ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– » rapid change to varying production conditions and processes with only one technology

DEPENDABLE » high reproducibility and low rejects rates ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– » flanks are measured up to 86° ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– » higher process reliability via automation

Product overview I alicona

“WE GET A QUICK AND PRECISE RESULT WITHOUT Ulrich Weber, tool construction SIMTEK Precision Tools

Practical 3D measurement in production particularly means: precise, quickly, simple. This is why IF-EdgeMaster not only offers repeatable and traceable measurements within a few seconds but also an extremely simple and intuitive user interface. Also SIMTEK Precision Tools has discovered the benefits of the ideal device for edge measurement and provable quality assurance.

"If we as a manufacturer expect our employees to work with an optical 3D measurement device in all production fields, we have to make sure that we offer a convenient system. We therefore need a device with an intuitive, user friendly software without troublesome clicking procedures. With IF-EdgeMaster by Alicona we get exactly what we want: a quick and precise result!” Ulrich Weber, special tools-construction at SIMTEK Precision Tools, knows exactly what is needed to carry out 3D measurements in production that are fit for practice. When SIMTEK decided to add a 3D measurement device for the edge roundness measurement of indexable inserts to quality assurance in production, potential 3D measurement systems were being tested carefully. The IF-EdgeMaster by Alicona was chosen for various reasons. “Additionally to the large variety of measurement possibilities, it was the user friendly operation of the system that convinced us in the first place. IF-EdgeMaster has an extremely intuitive user interface and is very easy to operate. These characteristics combined with the high measurement accuracy make the device an ideal application for our production!” Weber concludes.

“OPTIMIZED BEVEL GEOMETRIES DECREASE WEAR AND INCREASE DURABILITY. THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT WE AS A MANUFACTURER WISH TO OFFER TO OUR CUSTOMERS!” Measu remen t of a n egative b ev el with IF-E dgeMaster. The cutting edge measurement system measures the classical edge roundness including the supporting bevels of an indexable insert.

This is also used at SIMTEK: “Optimized bevel geometries decrease wear and increase durability.”

Application process reliability is provided through a proper tool geometry SIMTEK Precision Tools uses IF-EdgeMaster mainly for radius measurement of carbide cutting edges with very small radii. However, this is only one

of the measurement capabilities offered by the system.

In addition to the classics, form and chipping, operators also measure clearance, wedge and chip angle, positive

and negative bevel as well as the basket arch type (waterfall type and trumpet type) of the edge. The optic system’s intelligent lighting technology supports the high resolution

Ulrich Weber, S IMTEK milling tools: “In addition to the large variety of measurement possibilities, it was the user friendly operation of the system that convinced us in the first place. IF-EdgeMaster has an extremely intuitive user interface and is very easy to operate. These characteristics combined with the high measurement accuracy make the device an ideal application for our production.”

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The user SIMTEK Precision Tools develops, manufactures and distributes high performance precision tools. The manufacturer is one of the top suppliers in the European, Asian and American key markets. The standard range includes about 10,000 standard tools for cutting, general turning, milling and push slotting, to name a few applications. Main purchasers are among others, the automotive industry, mechanical engineering and medical technology. SIMTEK’s main focus lies on the production of tools with added value for their customers. These include process reliability, increase of tool life and reduction of cycle time.

THE ANNOYING CLICKING PROCEDURE!” measurement of components irrespective of their surface characteristics i.e. reflective properties. As a result, IF-EdgeMaster is used to measure all kinds of insert-types regardless of size, shape and surface finish – both the measurement of the “green body” and the polished tool achieve results with highest vertical resolution.

need to offer to our customers!” For SIMTEK Precision Tools it is a key priority to only deliver tools that with each batch are of the same geometry and perform identically. “This is the only way to meet the demands for process reliability which is very important for us and our customers”, Weber explains.

SIMTEK Precision Tools also makes use of the extras IF-EdgeMaster has to offer additionally to the measurement of edge roundness. These “extras” include the measurement of the insert’s supporting bevels, as tool specialist Weber outlines: “The measurement of supporting bevels is an enormous benefit for our production development. Negative bevels for example increase the cutting pressure and at the same time protect the cutting edge. Optimized bevel geometries therefore decrease signs of wear and increase durability. That is exactly what we as a manufacturer

There are further benefits the Alicona system offers. With its technology of Focus-Variation, IF-EdgeMaster enables traceable roughness measurement. That can play a significant role during the second part of chip formation. While the edge radius plays a crucial role in the first stage i.e. the penetration of material („Anstauchen“), the cutting edge’s roughness can be particularly decisive for the ideal chip flow in the following stage, the so-called leading crack.

Quality assurance is not only a matter of internal use. Also customers require verification of quality results.

Provable quality assurance for the customer.

Quality assurance is not only a matter of internal use today. Also customers demand verification of quality results and increasingly ask for state of the art technologies. Ulrich Weber is familiar with that, “Our customers want to know how and in what form we provide quality assurance. Thanks to the clear documentation of the IF-EdgeMaster we are now able to verify the quality of our tools.” Documented quality assurance also makes complaint processing more efficient. “A clear documentation and visualization of measurements is beneficial for both manufacturers and customers as information are given that consequently allow to take appropriate steps”, Weber states.

Waterfall and Trumpet. If a cutting edge is in “good shape“ is dependent on more than a single parameter. This is why the IF-EdgeMaster measures more than classical features such as radius and chipping. In addition, the cutting edge measurement system measures the basket arch form of inserts, including both waterfall-type and trumpet type.

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IN FOCUS:

WHY FORM IS NOTHING

WITHOUT ROUGHNESS

The geometry of an indexable insert is

AND ROUGHNESS IS NOTHING

more than its radius. A series of rele-

WITHOUT FORM

vant parameters plays a significant role

IF-EdgeMaster is one of the measurement solutions of Alicona that all conform to the EN ISO certified technology of Focus-Variation. In addition to the high vertical resolution and the stable, repeatable results in research and production, Focus-Variation is a multifunctional, modern and practical technology allowing operators to measure the form of a surface in combination with roughness. A demand that is increasing in industrial production integrated quality assurance and research. “Being able to measure both, the roughness of a tool cutting edge and the form, is taking us further in tool optimization”, explains Dirk Oberschmidt, head of the department microproduction technology at the Fraunhofer-Institute

A m on g o t h e r a c t i v i t i e s Dir k O b er sc hmid t d e als wit h s u r f a c e g e o m e t r i e s o f m i c ro p re c i s i o n t o ol s a n d h i gh a c c u r a c y c o m po n e n t s a t F r a u n h o fe r I P K. for Production Systems and Design Technology IPK. “That gives me the opportunity of capturing a tool cutting edge in its entirety.” For tool specialists this means that measurements become “readable” as a result.

“A roughness value that is only representing itself has little meaning. I cannot establish a relation between a single roughness value and the surface quality, durability or potential wear behavior of a tool cutting edge. That is possible with Focus-Variation which offers combined roughness and form measurement.”

in terms of cutting performance and tool duration. The IF-EdgeMaster knows about them. Consequently, users know them as well.

Chipping

Measurement of chip, wedge and clearance angle

Radius measurement

The area based technology combines traditional surface metrology with micro coordinate metrology establishing that unique connection. “In practice this means that I’m not only able to measure roughness but I can also assess how it influences the surface and my cutting process.”

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Basket arch type: waterfall and trumpet alicona I Cutting edge measurement

CUTTING EDGES

BASKET ARCH TYPE: WATERFALL AND TRUMPET … gives the edge its true form and consequently influences the cutting performance.

CHIP ANGLE … has an influence on cutting performance, chip evacuation, cutting temperature.

WEDGE ANGLE

CLEARANCE ANGLE

CHIPPING

… or cutting angle defines the tool’s stability.

… prevents friction and guarantees a constant feed.

… determines the right quality of the cutting edge and thus of the workpiece.

EDGE RADIUS/ROUNDNESS

POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE BEVEL

ROUGHNESS AT THE CHIP SURFACE

…optimize cutting performance, decrease wear and increase durability.

… has an influence on the right chip formation resp. the chip evacuation of some processes.

… determines edge strength and the surface quality of the workpiece.

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MEASURE, WHEREVER IT I F - P O R TA B L E F O R C U P M E A S U R E M E N T O N P L AT E N S “We have definitely made the right decision choosing IF-Portable! The system has been in operation since April 2010 and the quality of measurement results proves us right.”

Andreas Tillmann, project manager in production, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG

IF-Portable is a mobile 3D surface measurement device which is also used for quality assurance in production, enabling large measurement areas on plain and curved surfaces.

Cup measurement on platens is a common application combining both, surface roughness and form measurement. Registered true color information provided by Focus-Variation is an extra touch that opens up even better color transfer in paper in print industry.

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG has firsthand knowledge of IF-Portable. As the specialist in the field of printing machines, the company has developed a new process to allow cost-effective printing even of small print runs.

At the heart of this new innovation is a new platen. “The engraved platen holds the exact predefined volume of ink and transmits it to the printing plate”, explains Andreas Tillmann, project manager in production. And the more complete the ink transfer from engraved platen to printing plate is, the better the printing result is going to be. One of the decisive factors is the geometry of the laser structured engraved platen.

In terms of quality assurance Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG was looking for an optical measurement device with a series of clearly defined application-related requests: “Due to the platen’s dimensions a mobile solution was required instead of a laboratory measurement device. Also we asked for high resolution and measurement accuracy without overshoots, even for steep

flanks. Equally important was the system’s ease of use”, Tillmann summarizes the specifications. IF-Portable was the perfect match for Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG. M ea s u r e s te ep f l an k s an d cu ps r ig h t on the p laten One of the most important surface reference levels for the leading printing machine expert is volume measurement. It provides information on the dosage of ink that can be stored in the surface.

Further parameters for quality control are flank angle, structural depth, width, roughness, etc. “Among various challenges that the platen’s surface finish entails, edge steepness represents the most striking one.

The Operator Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG – short Heidelberg – is the leading solutions provider for print shops specializing on offset printing technology worldwide. Heidelberg products impress with a technology ranging from precision mechanical engineering over software development to machine control and printing process control. The manufacturer is a front-runner in 170 countries, has 250 branches and ranks among the top enterprises which set technological milestones in sheet fed offset printing.

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alicona I IF-Portable

IS NEEDED MEASURE STEEP FLANKS AND CUPS RIGHT ON THE PLATEN IF-Portable was a great choice, a solution that delivers really precise results!”

Tillmann confirms. In addition to high measurement accuracy also of steep flanks, the mobile measurement system which is based on Focus-Variation comes with another major benefit. The optical measurement procedure provides all measurement results including color information registered to the 3D data. “The true color information was crucial to the purchase decision”, explains Tillmann. Especially in research, this is of major relevance to the project manager who is responsible for implementing investment projects with new innovative technologies.

Besides meeting the demands for highly accurate, repeatable and mobile measurements, Alicona masters the task “ease of use”. Easy handling and measurement guaranteed: the system is positioned right on the component.

Various adapters allow the measurement system to operate regardless of

surface forms and types. The size and weight of the instrument are designed in a way that enables carrying the system by hand from A to B easily.

Another benefit when it comes to measurement accuracy and handling is the nosepiece for an automatic change of objectives. The appealing documentation and visualization of measurement results is a well established tool for demonstrating customers how quality assurance is performed.

IF-PORTABLE is an optical 3D measurement system for mobile operations. The handy device is applicable for measuring both, curved and plain surfaces. The standard version measures geometries with a size of up to (mm) 50x50x19. IF-Portable is used wherever high precision and thus high resolution measurements with large measurement volumes are needed. Another classic application besides measurement of turbines, steel plates or body type surfaces is the surface measurement of platens. The large vertical scan range and the solid results even in production make IF-Portable the perfect measurement device for practical use. Operators gain traceable results.

Changing the objective with a nosepiece enhances measurement accuracy, user friendliness and with that process reliability as well.

One of the optical system’s greatest benefits is the nosepiece. Operators increase the accuracy of their measurements as error-prone readjustments or recalibrations are no longer a matter of concern.

Based on the Focus-Variation technology, IF-Portable provides all benefits that are also offered by the in EN ISO 25178 included procedure in research: high resolution measurement of steep flanks even across large measurement areas, 3D color information as well as the measurement of surfaces with varying surface characteristics and reflective patterns. Representing a standard of all InfiniteFocus measurement systems, an intelligent lighting technology allows the software to adapt to all surface structures and characteristics.

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LEAVE THE LAB AND GO

IN-LINE When 2D solutions or simple tactile devices for measuring highly complex geometries are no longer sufficient for production, quality assurance becomes more difficult to achieve. Even operating with a well equipped nearby measurement room can be both time and resource-intensive. IF-Sensor is a valuable instrument in terms of efficient, reliable and precise quality assurance enabling a profitable advantage: with the high resolution 3D measurement sensor Alicona succeeds in moving optical metrology from the measurement room to in-line applications.

In-line quality assurance is usually associated with simple tactile sensors, optical sensors and a few other methods. In most cases, 2D is the standard solution for the OK/not OK identification.

Also it has become increasingly obvious that the complicated geometries of complex components and partially sensitive surfaces can no longer be measured accurately with conventional methods only.

It seems as if production is way ahead of metrology: the highly precise and/or miniaturized forms that are produced today often cannot be measured precisely enough with 2D sensors and tactile procedures. As a result there is a rising demand for production-ready optical 3D measurement solutions which measure structures and functionally critical surface structures in 12

alicona I IF-Sensor

high resolution. Alicona now offers such a solution to industry: a high resolution optical 3D measurement sensor capable of measuring complex forms with steep flanks and/or extremely small radii even in production – in high resolution, with repeatable and traceable results. Industry gains a new system which, based on the technology of Focus-Variation, is used for in-line inspection and delivers solid results in a production environment.

There have been many efforts in industry to integrate optical 3D measurement into production. Many industrial manufacturers use a nearby measurement room or a lab for their quality assurance and provide it with optical systems. However, this approach is not suitable in many places as it can be time-consuming and insufficient.

Also it has to be considered that the measurement accuracy of these highly sensitive systems may be affected by temperature fluctuations, ambient light and vibration. Therefore it is difficult to integrate optical systems from the measurement room to in-line use. Consequently, this means so far it has been hardly possible to implement the same measurement process in the production line and in research.

Now this can be achieved with Focus-Variation since the optical process is effortlessly and quickly transferred from the measurement room into production.

In times where economic profit is very dependent on production costs, this transfer performance means a great increase of efficiency. “We know from experience that successful in-line quality assurance implies working with a flexible, robust and cost-ef-

THE PRINCIPLE OF FOCUS-VARIATION

The specimen is placed onto the

The light is reflected by the speci-

As the distance between speci-

Essential to the measurement result

For every position on the object the

stage and is illuminated with modu-

men and projected on to a digital

men and objective is varied the

is the correct interaction of modu-

sharp regions are measured. The

lated light. This light is transmitted

sensor in the precision optic. De-

change of sharpness is measured.

lated illumination with continuous

variation of the sharpness values is

through the optic and focused

pending on the objective selec-

Depending on the 3-dimensional

vertical movement and the quality

used for the measurement of the

through a beam splitter onto the

ted various lateral and vertical

structure of the specimen some

of the sensor measurement. This

3D-postion. This is how dense

specimen. Coaxial illumination is

resolutions can be achieved.

areas are depicted sharp or not,

process is achieved with the

3D-datasets are created.

created.

the sharp data is used to construct

SmartFlash technology developed

the 3D dataset.

by Alicona.

fective solution. Even a single unaccomplished demand, makes the whole measurement process unreliable”, outlines Dr. Stefan Scherer, Alicona CEO. Furthermore he says “IF-Sensor fulfills each and every requirement as it is flexible, robust and cost-effective!”

Due to standardized interfaces (QDAS) the technology of Focus-Variation, conforming to EN ISO 25178, is quickly and easily integrated into the production process. Scherer explains to what extent this can apply the required flexibility into practice: “Flexibility means quick, uncomplicated and clever adaptation to varying production conditions and production processes. This is exactly what Focus-Variation does. IF-Sensor’s core technology is adaptable to an arbitrary number of cross-sectoral measurement tasks and applications. The software is adjusted within a very short time. The operator gets exactly what he needs for his application”. Further enhancements or modification of the modular concept’s hard and software are guaranteed for at any time.

From the outside it does not give a hint about the covert resistance inside. Still the sensor’s stability surprises in terms of stability and measurement accuracy. Focus-Variation takes on the toughest rivals: Vibration, dust, temperature fluctuations or ambient light are conditions that the sensor is able to cope with.

The high measurement accuracy including repeatability and traceability remain even under tough conditions.

At the end of the day standards are set in order to see whether investments that have been made finally pay off and how quickly the ROI (Return of Investment) is achieved. After all, the decisive factor is what remains at the bottom line. For IF-Sensor this is highest accuracy and resolution without wear or maintenance effort, fully integrated quality assurance with high measurement stability even in a production environment and a technology which is easily adjustable to changing production conditions.

That sustainable form of quality assurance contributes to the IF-Sensor occupying the lead position to achieve efficient, dependable and accurate quality assurance.

Quality assurance of complex geometries via traditional 2D solutions or simple tactile sensors is often not satisfactory anymore. This is why Alicona offers a high resolution optical 3D sensor that measures even complex forms and/or small radii area-based, traceable and repeatable. This sensor is applied also in production. Here the 3D measurement of an embossing tool including the embossed component is shown. Both, the tool’s form tolerance as well as the component’s dimensional accuracy are measured with IF-Sensor.

IF-Sensor I alicona

MEASURE VIA ROBOTS When a robust 3D measurement sensor and a flexible 6-axis robot join forces, the IF-Robot is born. It bends and stretches towards the pre-programmed direction.

This is how even surface characteristics of large, voluminous and difficult to access components are easily measured. IF-Robot is based on the Focus-Variation technology like all the other InfiniteFocus measurement systems. It delivers solid, high resolution results with high and repeatable accuracy.

When a component other than the typical miniaturized kind has to be measured, like a component that is large, heavy and voluminous, it takes measurement systems that move to various measurement positions. The requirements for measuring injection nozzles or micro switches are different to those for measuring micro geometries on turbine blades or rotor blades. Components of this size are not that flexible any more. If in such a case various points need to be measured, it is not the component but the measurement system which needs to move to the desired position.

A combination of the 6-axis robot and an in-line optical sensor offers that possibility. This is how even surface characteristics which are difficult to access become measureable in high resolution. Traditional applications are error analysis, tolerance measurements or corrosion analysis.

racy even at components with varying material characteristics. In addition to the high resolution results, the area based surface measurement delivers new parameters for the optimization of production processes.

Conclusion: longer durability under higher reproducibility and stable measurement in high resolution.

At the Loughborough University (UK) for example the system is being used to verify stability in the process. Amongst other benefits, the IF-Robot is particularly suitable due to its measurement accuIF-Robot measures roughness, form and geometry of large components, e.g. turbine blades. With the robot based measurement system users also reach difficult to access surface characteristics.

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alicona I IF-Robot

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TU Hamburg Harburg

Universitätsklinikum Tübingen

This is a selection of InfiniteFocus users who have contributed to this issue of "FOCUSvariation production"

VW alicona

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Alicona France Alicona SARL Rue de Savoie 11 91940 Les Ulis France phone +33 169 86 9137 fax +33 169 86 9137 sales.fr@alicona.com

Alicona Headquarters Alicona Imaging GmbH Teslastraße 8 8074 Grambach/Graz Austria phone +43 316 4000 700 fax +43 316 4000 711 info@alicona.com Alicona Germany Alicona GmbH Buchenötz 2 83471 Schönau Germany Tel: +49 8652 6553901 Fax: +49 8652 6553902 info@alicona.de

Germany North Ingo Böhm phone +49 175 2932223 ingo.boehm@alicona.com

Alicona US Alicona Corporation 1261 Humbracht Circle Suite G, Bartlett IL 60103 USA phone 630 372 9900 fax 630 372 9965 sales.us@alicona.com

Alicona UK Alicona UK Ltd. Lime Tree House 15 Lime Tree Walk Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1YH UK phone +44 1732 746262 fax +44 1732 465500 sales.uk@alicona.com

Alicona Asia Alicona Korea Pacific Co. Ltd. 104-1606, 16th Floor, Hangangno Byucksan Megatrium 2-8 Hangangno 2-ga Yongsan-gu 140-780 Seoul South Korea phone +82 2795 5045 fax +82 2795 5044 sales.asia@alicona.com Germany South-West Daniel Soares phone +49 151 1214 3339 daniel.soares@alicona.com

Germany South-East Matthias Strößner phone +49 151 23530254 matthias.stroessner@alicona.com

G4-20102011

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