High Throughput and Accuracy Drive GSI Lumonics' Non-Contact Measurement System
Billed as "a revolutionary new platform" in non-contact dimensional measurement solutions, the VIEW Pinnacle system from N/A (Simi Valley, CA) is new from the ground up. The company drew on decades of metrology experience in conceiving and creating the product. Its design, the result of extensive research and analysis of customer requirements and system ergonomics, remains fully compatible with thousands of industry-proven application programs from the company's Voyager series systems.
Inherent in the product's design was the need for superior performance, which is exemplified in several key features. For instance, the system's measurement stage and motion subsystems combine "breakthrough speed with unparalleled accuracy," according to the company. The platform employs direct-drive, brushless linear, and rotary motors for fast acceleration and high-velocity positioning; non-contact encoders ensure system repeatability of 0.5 µm at 3 Sigma. These features enable the Pinnacle system to achieve X-Y-Z stage positioning resolution from 0.1 µm down to 0.025 µm.
The platform contains the company's new VIEW metrology software that runs under Windows NT and has an array of features that make the system easy to use. In addition, other software options are available to extend functionality, programmability, and SPC capability.
Another benefit is the speed of measurement cycle times, said to be up to three to six times faster than the company's previous technology, depending on the measured part. This level of performance allows the system to break the confines of traditional offline metrology to deliver near- and in-line metrology capabilities for high-volume manufacturing processes.
Furthermore, the Pinnacle system is Class 1000 cleanroom compatible and is equipped with ESD controls to meet the stringent demands of advanced manufacturing environments.
The system — built to achieve a mean time between failures of 10,000 hours — offers high reliability, as evidenced in standard features such as high-reliability, packaged electronics; programmable red-green-blue-and-white LED-based illumination systems; few wearable parts; and no consumables, all of which contribute to the system's high reliability and low cost-of-ownership. Also, a vibration isolation system, derived from earthquake-resistant building construction technologies, enables the Pinnacle system to function at peak performance on the factory floor, undisturbed by vibration in the customer's facility.
Ergonomics played an important part in the product's design as well. Development was focused on optimizing the human ergonomics of the machine for operation and special ease-of-use improvements over conventional metrology workstations. A number of factors improve overall system ergonomics, including a built-in, fully adjustable workstation, specially designed exterior packaging that maximizes workspace, and a small machine footprint (795 × 953 mm). The result? An advanced metrology workstation that occupies minimal factory floor space and can be operated easily either sitting or standing.
The system also performs video- and laser-based non-contact measurement for metalworking, plastics, electronics, semiconductor, and data storage applications. Options are available for optical lenses, illumination techniques, laser probes, and microscope optics.
"We have invested a great deal of time and resources to investigate the current and future demands of the metrology customer, and to design a solution that exceeds those demands in every possible respect," said Marc Hornbeek, director, VIEW Metrology Products Group. "The final result of this ‘Designed for You' product development philosophy is a superior combination of performance, functionality, and reliability that brings non-contact metrology closer to the manufacturing line than ever before."
GSI Lumonics Inc. provides video- and laser-based automated advanced manufacturing systems, instrumentation, and components to industrial companies worldwide in the automotive, aerospace, semiconductor, electronics, medical, and consumer packaging markets.
GSI Lumonics Inc., Metrology Products Group, 1650 N. Voyager Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93063. Tel: 805-578-5000; Fax: 805-527-5249.
Edited by Nancy Katz