DuraMax Shop floor: Measuring in Production

Date: 7 September 2011
Source: http://www.zeiss.de
With a number of additional components and functions, the compact coordinate measuring machine DuraMax from Carl Zeiss is now even better suited for Shop floor measurements and can also accommodate several workpieces at once.

The compact coordinate measuring machine is now available in a Shop floor version. With its additional functions, DuraMax is tailored for use in rough production environments. Furthermore, it better supports the measurement of multiple workpieces in one measuring run. DuraMax turns manual measurements with gauges and complex equipment into a thing of the past. The elimination of manual measurements also minimizes the susceptibility to errors.



"Speed is among the most pressing future challenges in production technology – in all industries," says Alexander Dollansky, Product Manager at Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology. "One approach to accelerating measuring technology is Shop floor measurement – and that is exactly what DuraMax Shop floor does," adds Dollansky.



Ready for the Shop floor


Two components make DuraMax Shop floor even less sensitive and more compact, the measuring results even more accurate: a base for the measuring machine and a temperature compensation function. The latter uses sensors to measure the workpiece temperature. CALYPSO measuring software then calculates this with the measuring results, taking into consideration the expansion coefficient of the workpiece, providing users with an even more precise result. This even works when multiple workpieces are positioned and measured in one run.



The Shop floor base also provides space for the measuring computer in a metal cabinet under the measuring machine, thus protecting it against contamination. The coordinate measuring machine is therefore even better equipped for production environments where space is at a premium and temperatures fluctuate.



Standardized user interface


To ensure that the measuring machine is optimally integrated in the software environment, the package solution also includes the standardized FACS light user interface. This user and communication interface, which has been standardized for the first time, enables the exchange of data via 12 fixed inlets and eight outlets, making it easier for the user to control measuring plans and parameters.



In addition to CALYPSO measuring software, CALYPSO Flex is also used to evaluate the results: the software for statistical process control uses easy-to-read graphics to illustrate the measuring results, e.g. standard deviations and mean values. Benefits for the user: a fast overview of the measuring result evaluation – in the same environment as the machine tool.



Ready for pallet measurement

DuraMax Shop floor supports the measurement of multiple workpieces in one run, primarily through an ergonomically designed manual loading table. A retractable aluminum table simplifies and accelerates the preparation of an entire pallet of workpieces. While the coordinate measuring machine quickly and independently completes the measurements, the user has time to prepare the next measurement.



Shop floor measuring technology is increasingly becoming a key element of a flexible production process. With DuraMax Shop floor for the production environment, users are well equipped to face the challenges of the future.





Manual loading table for DuraMax with Shop floor base for ergonomically correct loading.





DuraMax measuring corner in production with setup station and workpiece pallet shelf.

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