Close-Tolerance Part Measurement is No Problem for Sony PT's YP20 CMM
The YP20 CMM from Sony Precision Technology America is being demonstrated at Westec. This advanced precision measurement device is designed for close-tolerance parts applications. The system combines non-contact, auto-focusing optical/laser sensing technology and PC-based computer numerical control to provide 3D inspection, measurement, and analysis of microscopic surface features.
Operating within a 20 mm Z-axis measurement range, the CMM uses a semiconductor laser with reflective-activated focusing techniques to read and measure a workpiece surface. A CCD color video camera (which comes standard with 50x optical lens) provides sharp image feedback of measured points to a color monitor via a video capture board within the unit's PC. In addition, 10x, 20x, and 100x optical lenses are optional. A 230 x 230 mm part stage mounted on a lab-grade, micro-flat granite table provides X and Y axis movement of the workpiece within a 110 m x 110 mm range.
CNC movement within all axes is closed-loop controlled by the system's 450 MHz Pentium II PC, which delivers fast movement and reading response at all specified measuring points.
Other specs include:
• resolution in all three axes of 0.1 microns (using the company's scale/sensor technology)
• Z-axis positioning repeatability of ±0.2 microns
• joystick control of manually driven X-Y movement, which lets an operator inspect the first part within the software's "teach" mode, and allows subsequent parts to be measured automatically in CNC mode.
"The fast 0.9 second auto-focus speed of the YP20 is a competitive advantage, particularly when measuring numerous points across small-scale, nominally flat surfaces," according to Hiro Oki, new product manager of the firm's Measurement Products division. "When you factor in other machine performance attributes — such as accurate stage movement and precise positioning-repeatability — the benefits to part throughput, overall manufacturing productivity, and even profitability can be dramatic."
The YP20 also employs inspection software (running within the Windows 98) that provides full-color 3D screen displays to ensure accurate observation, measurement, and analysis of all relevant inspection data. A "perspective view" shows measurement data as a 3D wire-frame object with topographical features delineated in color shadings. This view can be moved, turned, and enlarged to maximize interpretation.
Moreover, a microscope screen shows the image and measurement points beneath superimposed scales, cross-hairs, and grids. Measurement data can also be presented in single-line chart form depicting max, min, and average readings as graphical peaks and valleys; the inspection surface also can be displayed as a flat contour map with surface irregularities depicted by color gradation. With the addition of Microsoft Excel, users can file inspection data and coordinates in a spreadsheet table format for archiving and further processing.
The software that comes with the CMM is self-learning from previous inspection input; it also provides alignment and datum plane setting, inclination compensation, and can produce inspection charts and reports. Optional software adds pan-focus imaging, which combines views of an image taken at different camera focal lengths into an on-screen image that's visually accurate and depicts a fully focused 3D depth-of-field.
Pricing is below $80,000.
Booth 3063
Sony Precision Technology America, Inc., 20381 Hermana Cir., Lake Forest, CA 92630. Tel: 949-770-8400; Fax: 949-770-8408.