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LK Metrology Introduces New Range of Compact CMMs With the Latest Multi-Sensor Technology

LK Metrology announces the new Altera C ceramic-bridge coordinate measuring machine range. Using the latest metrology software, multi-sensor technology and CMM designs, the compact systems are intended for demanding quality control applications.



BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. - November 19, 2019 - (PressRelease.com)

A range of CMMs has been introduced by British manufacturer LK Metrology offering high accuracy and repeatability in a compact footprint. Manufactured at the company's factory near Derby, the new ALTERAC machines are available in three sizes — 7.7.5, 10.7.5, and 10.7.7 — their respective X, Y, Z axis movements being 700 x 650 x 500 mm, 1,000 x 650 x 500 mm and 1,000 x 650 x 650 mm. Typical applications are likely to be found in the aerospace, automotive, medical and other industries with demanding inspection requirements.

ALTERAC is equally at home in an inspection department or on the shop floor, especially as pneumatic mounts isolate the CMM well from nearby sources of low-frequency vibration such as large machinery. The CMM control may be either stand-alone or integrated into the machine base with a keyboard on an arm at the side, giving the customer a choice that best suits the installation site. The latter option also facilitates relocation of the equipment once installed. The inclusion of Renishaw encoders with 0.05 μm resolution optical scales for high volumetric accuracy not only leads to outstanding metrology but also provides immunity to the ingress of contaminants.

Measurements taken with a touch-trigger probe at a series of points, ideal for acquiring information on dimensional accuracy, are increasingly being augmented by continuous-contact probing (analogue scanning) and laser scanning to allow high-speed collection of data on complex freeform surfaces. ALTERAC measuring machines can deploy all three types of sensors. Such flexible data acquisition boosts measurement throughput to avoid bottlenecks in the metrology department, provides a comprehensive awareness of component conformance, and meets today's manufacturers' requirement for a CMM that underpins concurrent engineering practices to speed time to market for new products.

The CMM structure has been optimized using computer-aided solid modeling and finite element analysis, particularly within the bridge section, and is finely tuned to maximize stiffness, reduce vibration and provide smoothness of axis motion, all of which are fundamental to delivering high accuracy measurements. Such is LK's confidence in its design methods that it offers an unparalleled 10-year guarantee covering dimensional stability.

All guideways use LK-designed, low maintenance, pre-loaded air bearings of wrap-around design offering 3.5 times higher stiffness than standard air bearings. They run with a reduced air film thickness for low energy consumption and give repeatable measurement results, even at fast axis speeds. Friction drives provide smooth motion and exact positioning at continuously varying speeds, as well as zero backlash, overload protection and low maintenance costs.

Careful selection of materials in the machine construction includes, as with all LK CMMs, the use of ceramic for the moving bridge and spindle. It is more than three times stiffer than aluminum yet only one-third heavier by volume, resulting in higher machine acceleration and speed. Ceramic does not stress-relieve like aluminum, leading to better long-term dimensional stability. The thermal expansion coefficient of ceramic, which is like that of granite but four times lower than aluminum's, makes the structure highly resilient to thermal movement. Moreover, ceramic is three times harder than aluminum, so is more resistant to abrasive wear and indentation.

ALTERAC is available with LK's powerful CAMIO8 DMIS-based, multi-sensor software enabling programming and measurement based on 3D CAD data and comprehensive reporting.

About LK Metrology

LK Metrology is renowned for innovative CMM hardware and software solutions. The company's metrology products are used worldwide to control and improve the quality of manufactured components. Its precision technology underpins the process chain from design, development, production and assembly through to quality assurance in global industries such as automotive, aerospace, defense, motorsport, energy, medical and contract inspection.

Established in England in 1963, LK Metrology has an impressive heritage in metrology dating back to the birth of CMM technology. Founded by CMM pioneer Norman Key and his father-in-law Jim Lowther, LK Metrology is credited with many of the CMM industry's firsts including the first bridge-type design, first OEM to integrate computers, first to use a touch trigger probe, first to develop inspection software, first to use all air bearings and granite guideways, first to use carbon fibre composite spindles, first to use microprocessor-controlled drive systems, first to produce a truly thermally stable CMM and first to produce a high-accuracy horizontal-spindle CMM.

In 2018, LK Metrology was relaunched as an independent CMM manufacturer after several years as a division of Nikon Metrology. Headquartered in the UK, LK's CMM development and production are at the company's facility in Castle Donington. Sales and support offices are in the UK, North America, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and China, supplemented by a worldwide distributor network.

For Further Editorial Information: Allan Hall, Hall Industrial Publicity, Inc. alhall@industrialpublicity.com

Send all Inquiries to: Joe Szymanski, VP Sales & Marketing, Lk Metrology marketing.us@lkmetrology.com


Related Links
https://www.lkmetrology.com



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Original Source: LK Metrology Introduces New Range of Compact CMMs With the Latest Multi-Sensor Technology
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