Marposs Corp. has introduced its new generation MIDA VTS visual tool setter to address the needs of micro manufacturing, including micro and high precision part processing and mold production. Due to the requirement for more elevated levels of precision, tools employed in such processes are made smaller and smaller, reaching diameters of 0.1 mm or less. "As a consequence, these micro tools redefine the rules of on-machine tool measurement, making traditional technologies inappropriate," said a company spokesperson.
"Additionally, micro manufacturing machines are usually small, so any in-process measurement device faces the constraint of limited space," continued the spokesperson. The new compact VTS is much smaller than the original device, and thus reduces the occupied machine table area. The VTS unit's strengths remain its repeatability (0.2 µm), which is not affected by the limited dimensions and the variety of elaborated parameters: length and diameter measurement, tool run-out, cutter radius, tool center, single cutter integrity and thermal drift of machine axis.
The basic principle of the VTS system is the measurement of tool dimensions through the processing of images taken by a CCD camera. Such technology allows checking tools as small as 0.010" diameter, reaching repeatability values of 0.2 µm, due to a system resolution of 0.1 µm. "VTS is able to elaborate the variety of parameters listed above with the tool rotating at full spindle speed. The fact that the user does not have to slow the spindle down to check the tool implies reducing pre-setting time and increasing of measure accuracy," said the spokesperson.
VTS can also be used to manually analyze tool surfaces due to a continuous frontal light. The operator can see on a PC monitor the illuminated tool surface and evaluate cutter integrity.
The VTS unit incorporates a double protection system to provide resistance to harsh machine environments and allows it to be installed inside the machine working area. "By doing so, the measurement process is more accurate as it takes place during the actual tool working conditions," said the spokesperson. Pneumatic shutters cover and protect the optical lens when VTS is not working. Furthermore, an air flow from the optical window forms an air barrier that rejects chips and coolant drops, keeping shutter side clean and protecting the optical lens when the shutter is open.
VTS belongs to Diamond, the spearhead of the MIDA part probing and tool setting line that addresses high precision.
For more information contact:
Marposs Corporation
3300 Cross Creek Parkway
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
248-370-0404
marposs@us.marposs.com
www.marposs.com