Nikon Metrology has introduced the non-contact HN-C3030 3-D measuring system for measurement of complex components including gears, impellers, turbine blades and more. By scanning and comparing the complete shape to the original CAD file, customers obtain better insights in product conformity, resulting in faster problem solving and earlier go-to-market.
Due to the development of more complex components, the demand for high speed, precise measuring of these parts has also increased. In order to achieve the highest precision, Nikon has developed special optics for the laser scanner that also enables scanning of glossy or dark surfaces without manual preparation, such as powder spraying.
The precise positioning by the synchronized 5-axis hardware control is an important element to deliver the accurate measuring results. The HN-C3030 controls a high-precision 3-axis drive system, as well as an unlimited angular rotary stage and a laser scanner swing arm with an arc angle of -20° to +135°. This enables laser scanning of wide areas covering top and side surfaces, and even bottom surfaces, of parts. In addition, the direction of the laser scanner can be changed (-180° to +180° rotatable), allowing scans of various shapes from optimum angles.
Nikon Metrology's compact HN-C3030 solution is capable of inspecting all toothed surfaces on a single automotive bevel gear in five minutes. "The laser scanner acquires surface point clouds at a rate of 120,000 points per second," said a company spokesperson. "This is a massive multiple of the number of points that are measured using classical tactile inspection. The result is a full 3-D scan of the part, while tactile scanning only provides individual points or scan lines. This detailed 3-D digital copy provides not only full shape or section information, but also deep insight into the surface waviness and tooth wear, hardly detectable by tactile measurement."
The main HN-C3030 software features acquisition and analysis tools for optimum scanning of various sizes, shapes and surface conditions. Comparison of acquired point clouds to original CAD file provides colorful, easy-to-interpret 3-D deviation reports. However, for more advanced gear inspection, dedicated gear software enables easy creation of teaching files and gear tooth analysis in the same format as with conventional contact gear measuring systems.
The HN-C3030 particularly excels in the measurement of highly detailed, complex shapes such as hypoid, bevel, helical and all other types of gears with a maximum diameter of 300 mm. It is also suitable for inspection of impellers, blades, oils seals, hob cutters, etc. The HN-C3030 system is not restricted to use inside of temperature controlled rooms. At facilities such as production sites, the HN-C3030 can be used as a shop floor system when equipped with the optional thermal regulator.
For more information contact:
Nikon Metrology, Inc.
12701 Grand River Rd.
Brighton, MI 48116
810-220-4360
sales.nm-us@nikon.com
www.nikonmetrology.com