Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division launched the Leitz Reference BX coordinate measuring machine (CMM) designed for blade and glass manufacturers. The specialized system combines leading-edge technologies to accurately capture detailed measurement data across the entire surface of a freeform shape, while dramatically reducing cycle time. The CMM’s optical white light sensor performs well on matte and reflective surfaces, including glass and polished metal. Its fixed scan probe maintains the high precision needed for critical alignment on the root of turbine and fan blades, and also measures inclined fir tree or dovetail root surfaces, which are not easily accessed by an optical sensor.
The Leitz Reference BX CMM’s integrated rotary table and sensor exchange interface help to reduce cycle time even further by providing accessibility to a part’s surfaces without moving the part, and reducing inspection delays caused by manually exchanging sensors. The system’s combination of an optical white light sensor and fixed scanning probe enables accessibility of hard-to-reach-features such as the curvature of edging on glass, or the profile of a fan blade, while maintaining precision for tight tolerance sections such as the blade root. The CMM’s data capture, speed, and flexibility are all enhanced by its integrated rotary table, horizontal sensor alignment, and 4-axis scanning delivering a cycle time reduction of up to 50 percent.
“Manufacturers today are leveraging new and innovative materials for their designs and freeform components, such as carbon fiber in the aerospace sector or 3D glass in the consumer electronics industry,” said Lukas Kaps, product manager for the ultra-high accuracy CMM line for Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division. “The Leitz Reference BX is the only CMM in the marketplace that addresses the inspection challenges evolving from these exciting trends and advancements. This sophisticated measurement system delivers a complete solution for complex surfaces like the curvature of a smartphone screen or intricate components such as fan and turbine blades.”
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