News | February 4, 2000

Software from Mahr Federal Automates Geometry Measurements

Software from Mahr Federal Automates Geometry Measurements

Users of the Formscan 6200 circular geometry gage from Mahr Federal Inc. (Providence, RI) now can measure up to 20 features on a part with one push of a button. Called Multi-Trace software, this tool automates geometry measurements for complex parts. In fact, it's said to boost gage throughput by 50–100% or more during inspection of large quantities of identical workpieces. And because gage head positioning is consistent from part to part, users may note an improvement in repeatable measurements.

How It Works
The Formscan 6200 gage features a gage head stand motorized in the vertical and horizontal axes. Multi-Trace software can be used to control all gage movements, making the measurement process almost completely automatic. When the gage is programmed, the user simply fixtures the workpiece on the air-bearing spindle and pushes the "measure" command on the touchscreen controller. The gage then measures up to 20 traces at different heights or radii, and the gage head returns to a "home" position, awaiting the next part. Roundness, concentricity, coaxiality, datum, and other setup parameters and analyses can be combined in a single part program.

Multi-Trace software for the Formscan 6200 circular geometry gage automates geometry measurements for complex parts, resulting in improved measurement repeatability as well as an increase in throughput by 50–100% or more.

Programming Flexibility
The software offers three programming modes for different measurement situations. Precise positions can be entered numerically using a touchscreen keypad display. In teach mode, the joystick positions the gage head and the touchscreen is used to monitor and enter the positions. An "equidistant" function lets the user set a top and bottom trace by either method, then automatically program up to 18 equidistantly spaced traces between them. The gage can also be programmed to "back off" between traces — to clear obstructions on parts. And a "pause" function lets you manually reorient the gage head between traces (for example, to normalize the gage head to a tapered surface).

The software is available as an option with new systems or as an upgrade.

Mahr Federal is a worldwide supplier of dimensional measurement solutions and manufactures a variety of precision gaging products.

For more information contact Mahr Federal Inc., 1144 Eddy St., P.O. Box 9400, Providence, RI 02940-9400. Tel: 800-FED-GAGE (U.S. only) or 401-784-3100; Fax: 401-784-3246.