Telecentric measurement system.

Keyence has introduced a new range of inline telecentric measurement system which employ highly advanced silhouette-based analysis for guaranteed accuracy.

Richard De Courcy, Product Specialist, Keyence UK Vision and Measurement, commented: “Accurate measurement of parts is vital to guaranteeing quality and consistency, and for identifying any possible production issues at the earliest possible opportunity. Our new portfolio harnesses the power of state-of-the-art silhouette-based technology to deliver exceptional accuracy alongside ease of set-up and use, ensuring consistent, reliable measurement of a wide range of parts. This will bring peace of mind to manufacturers seeking to reassure their customer of the quality and consistency of their offering.”

Designed specifically to measure parts rapidly and consistently as they pass through the system, the TM-X5000 line-up boasts an exposure time of just 25 μs – 40 times faster than conventional models, allowing accurate measurement of high-speed targets by eliminating blur from the image.

It provides a versatile solution for a broad spectrum of industrial measurement applications, offering geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T); outer diameter and profile measurement; abnormality detection; and runout and positioning.

The specially designed telecentric optics greatly improve measurement repeatability by increasing uniformity throughout the field of view. Compared with conventional telecentric optical systems, the TM-X5000 Series offers around 100 times greater telecentricity – just 0.0001°, ensuring confidence in results even for misaligned targets.

The dual telecentric silhouette-based system provides exceptional stability while the large ±15 mm depth of field, based on telecentric lenses in both the transmitter and receiver, provides clear, sharp edges and stable measurement results, even where the target position may vary.

Users can select from two installation methods – with or without the included base. A handy optical alignment function enables rapid, simple installation, while the user interface features a wide variety of measurement tools, enabling intuitive configuration of settings.

The range consists of three models to cater for a wide variety of requirements: the compact, ultra-high accuracy TM-X5006; the standard TM-X5040 model; and the TM-X5065 fore wide field applications.

@Keyence_Int @mepaxIntPR #telecentricity #PAuto

Speed, consistency and ease of dimension measurement.

Keyence has further enhanced its market-leading dimension measurement system range delivering all the benefits of thir IM-7000 series but with even greater speed, accuracy and ease of use.

Boasting a rotary unit allowing 360-degree multi-surface measurement capability for both turned and machined parts, the IM-8000 is fitted with a 20-megapixel CMOS – more than three times that of conventional systems – as well as a new algorithm for stable edge detection. In addition to the new CMOS, the screen is now larger and features enhanced resolution.

As well as standard metrics, the IM-8000 can perform a whole range of new measurements including symmetry, plane measurements, flatness, cylindricity, coaxiality and run-out, delivering new data visualisations including roundness graphs. This makes it suitable for parts with even the most complex geometries.

Able to measure more than 300 dimensions per part, the system starts to measure automatically as soon as the object is placed on the stage, which now moves at up to 80mm/s – twice as fast as the IM-7000 series, which is itself significantly faster than most alternative systems allowing even more rapid results. Highly precise dimensional measurements can be achieved in as little as 1 second.

The wide field camera now boasts single field of view accuracy of +/-3.9µm, compared with +/- 5µm previously, with this camera and the high precision camera able to be used together in a single program.

No positioning or datum set-up is needed, meaning even inexperienced operators can get the most out of the system. Measurements can be rapidly set up with just a few clicks, and it is equally simple to set up virtual lines and points. All of the specified dimensions can then be measured at the touch of a button, with focus automatically adjusted.

Measurement points are automatically identified, meaning the same measurement results are obtained each time, while automated focus adjustment prevents inconsistent values. Up to 100 parts can be measured simultaneously, drastically reducing measurement time when compared with alternative systems.

A highly intuitive programming procedure enables quick and easy selection of the required measurement. An automated diagnostic function assesses the stability of each measurement point during programming, displaying any variations in measured items clearly and simply, making it easier and faster to create program settings.

Meanwhile, the automated measurement function can automatically detect measurement points on parts up to 300 × 200 mm 11.81" × 7.87", even if these parts have not previously been measured. An integrated light probe can also measure features at specific heights.

Program files can be rapidly located on the system by placing the QR code from the inspection report on the stage. This ensures correct file selection even in the presence of multiple file types.

Ailsa Morrison, Applications Engineer for the Metrology Division at Keyence explains: “Speed, accuracy and ease of use are the key attributes being sought from measurement systems by users irrespective of the sector they work in. We have harnessed our measurement expertise to create a system which delivers unrivalled precision but does not require extensive training to obtain the best results. We therefore anticipate strong demand for the IM-8000 from customers in multiple sectors and applications.”

Available options include an IM-specific calibrated graticule to allow users to perform their own verifications. Keyence customers also benefit from regular software updates and extensive after-sales support wherever they are located.

@Keyence_Int @KeyenceUSA @KeyenceD  @mepaxIntPR #Pauto

Instant measuring system. for print sector.

Inspecting parts in all phases of a manufacturing process is crucial for the many customers of Keyence. The company offers a wide range of measurement and inspection products, deployed across both production, assembly line and laboratory environments, to ensure its customers achieve their quality goals. The company’s industry-leading IM Series Image Dimension Measurement systems allow customers to accurately and instantaneously perform dimensional inspections at a level of precision that that was not previously possible.

For high precision measurement applications, they offer a variety of measurement systems that quickly communicate whether manufactured parts are good… or no good. When so much is at stake, Keyence measurement systems consistently deliver benefits to customers – including first-time customers.

Enter Rudd Macnamara, formerly an engraving company established by Ernest Rudd in 1890. The Rudd Macnamara of today is a diverse manufacturing organisation centred on print. The company is based in Handsworth near Birmingham, in the very heart Britain's industrial area.

“We have a very wide range of in-house processes and we offer our customers innovative print solutions, which they may not be able to find elsewhere” explains Graham Caunce, Managing Director at Rudd Macnamara. “Two of the most important markets we serve are the brewery & drinks sector where we manufacture bespoke font branding, beer pump clips, and bar signs; and the aerospace sector where we manufacture nameplates and labels used on equipment that is incorporated into aircraft, and also branding decals for aircraft exteriors.”

Rudd Macnamara management identified a need for more precise measuring equipment as a direct result of end users’ complex requirements. “Dimensional integrity of our nameplates is critical to our business” continues Caunce. “Most of the nameplates we make are in anodised aluminium or stainless steel manufactured using a variety of processing techniques resulting in some level of variability that needs to be controlled and eliminated”

The Midlands specialist had been manufacturing these parts for many years. However, it became of the utmost importance to improve assurance processes according to Graham Caunce. “We started looking not only at digital optical measuring solutions but also at our internal manufacturing processes to reduce those variabilities which includes hard tooling.”

Being able to guarantee parts were consistently within tolerance was crucial to Rudd Macnamara’s future success. With that in mind, company management took a closer look at tooling. “We felt that to achieve the tolerances required on a consistent basis some of the processes employed needed to be replaced by blanking and piercing tools as well as CNC processing where possible.”

Staff also needed a quick way of checking that what they were manufacturing was in line with drawing. This is where the investment in a Keyence IM-7000 system proved especially helpful: it allows faster, easier and more consistent measurements of width, radius and height... all with a single device. The amount of time and effort required for inspection is reduced drastically. In addition, measurement data from the IM-7000 system is automatically saved as soon as a part is measured. Inspection reports can be created with the push of a button, increasing post-measurement work efficiency.

According to Rudd Macnamara’s managing director, the best word to describe how this acquisition helped the company is ‘assurance’. It is now possible to quickly check a large number of parts and identify any rejects. Rudd Macnamara’s personnel know that what is supplied is correct, in line with drawing and within tolerance. Moreover, where the Keyence machine identifies a high number of rejects, staff are able to review the route to manufacture and quickly identify any improvements that are required.

“We looked at other machines but we found the Keyence IM-7000 system was quick to program and even quicker to use” analyses Caunce, who says Rudd Macnamara found its own ‘sweet spot’: “We find it is best to load the bed with some 10 parts. That makes it is easy to keep track of the good parts and identify any rejects. We can also identify and measure print whereas competitive machines could not.”

Since Rudd Macnamara introduced this new measurement machine, internal reject rates have improved. “That can only help the bottom line” concludes the company’s managing director.

@Keyence_Int #Print

Optical Loss Meter.

Viavi Solutions sets new standards introducing the industry's first dedicated optical loss test set for MPO and MTP fiber connections. The device distributed by Laser Components needs less than six seconds to measure fiber length, optical loss and polarity of all twelve fibers in a standard MPO connection.

It also enables visual inspection of the fiber end faces. All the results are shown on a user-friendly 3.5" touchscreen. The color-coded pass/ fail display lets the user know if all the values are within the permitted limits. Customer specifications, test wavelength, and reserve are also displayed to provide in-depth analysis. If required, the MPOLx also generates a detailed certification report.

An MPOLx test set consists of two devices, each with its own light source, power meter and connector microscope. Measurements can be conducted from both sides of the fiber with the results also being displayed on both devices. Thus, the technician can do his work most efficiently without constantly moving between both measurement points.

So far, MPO and MTP multi-fiber connectors have mainly been used to bundle transmissions inside a data center. Adapting to the ever-growing demand, many companies and data centers now use bandwidths of 40 to 100 Gbit/s to connect terminals. It goes without saying that optical losses in these kinds of fiber connections must also meet all specifications. These Tier 1 certifications can be conducted fast and with outstanding precision using VIAVI's new MPOLx.

@LaserComponents #Pauto

Utra-compact high specification laser sensor.

A new matchbox-sized 2D laser triangulation sensor from RIFTEK, represented in Britain by Ixthus Instrumentation Ltd, combines a choice of red or blue laser sources with a power output of 0.95 mW for measurement ranges up to 500 mm and linearity to 0.05% of range. Easily adapted for measurement of thickness, dimension/displacement, form and profile as well as object sorting etc., the new RF602 series laser triangulation sensors are particularly aimed at applications where restricted space or minimal weight are important machine design requirements.

The new series includes six sensor models with measurement ranges from 10 to 500 mm and base distances from 20 to 105 mm. Full range resolution is 0.01% (0.02% for 105/500 version) and temperature drift is 0.02% of the range per °С. These laser safety class 2 sensors have a maximum sampling rate of 9.4 kHz that suits high speed/high throughput measurement. A red laser source is available for general use or an optional blue UV wavelength version is offered for applications where high temperature objects or organic materials are measured.

It joins a family of laser sensors from Ixthus that share a common PC-based service software platform. A wide range of configuration parameters allow flexible parameter set-up and digital measurement reading via RS232 for single sensors or RS485 for multiple sensors. Measured data output may also be can also be read through 4…20 mA and 0…10 VDC outputs.

The sensor is housed in a robust IP67 rated anodised aluminium housing with a high strength glass window for maximum durability. With a -10 to +60 ⁰C operational temperature range and vibration and shock ratings that will suit moving machinery applications, the RF602 is well suited to heavy industrial use but can be equally practical for less severe environmental conditions. Cable connection with flying leads is standard and the diminutive 30.5 x 45 x 17 mm (w x h x d) housing includes front fixing holes for straightforward mounting.

Ixthus provides a complete sales and technical support service for RIFTEK’s comprehensive range of optoelectronic 2D and 3D measurement devices and systems. The Towcester based sensors and transducer manufacturer works closely with other select distribution partners to offer high precision inspection and test systems solutions for its customers across industry and research.

@IxthusInst #Pauto

Clever height measurement.

The measurement of object height is an important aspect in quality control applications. With the PosCon HM light-section sensor, Baumer offers a unique, compact measuring device for this kind of tasks. The smart, pre-configured profile sensor offers five measurement modes for different measurement tasks. An exact positioning of the measured objects is not required.

Smart at-Line quality control of rubber seals 

The PosCon HM provides reliable measurements even on shiny and very dark surfaces. In conjunction with its high measuring accuracy of up to 2 μm, it is suitable for a large number of applications in at-line, off-line and in-line control.

One example is the inspection of black rubber seals for side windows in the automobile industry. In this case, random samples are tested off-line on a special test bench. The seals are fitted into special mounts on a measuring setup. The forms and the curves of the seal may vary, but they must not exceed special limit values. The challenge for the sensors is not only the form, or, to be more precise, the curves, but also the black, light-absorbing material. In the PosCon HM, powerful algorithms analyze up to 600 items of height information per measurement and determine the maximum height of the object, irrespective of its position. Only the PosCon HM makes it possible to carry out this measurement, and it supplies precise, reliable measurement results with a measuring rate of up to 1540 Hz.

The PosCon HM is also the ideal measuring tool for the inspection of metallic, glossy preformed parts, for example the inspection of car doors. The sensors can check the correct form of the car door, for example, by performing measurements at numerous test points. The sensors can also be mounted close beside each other without influencing each other. The PosCon HM provides the measured values directly in mm, thus allowing an immediate OK/Not OK check for each test point.

 #Baumer #PAuto

Helping performing layout tasks fast.

Fluke has introduced Fluke Laser Levels, a new line of professional-grade, precision tools that are designed to survive a one metre drop and keep working. The Laser Levels feature a fast settling, self-levelling gimbal that quickly delivers accurate reference points, expediting electrical and HVAC layouts.

All laser level models include magnetic wall brackets for easy, stable mounting.

The Fluke Laser Level family

• Fluke-3PR (red laser) and Fluke-3PG (green laser) Point Laser Levels— self-levelling, three-point laser levels for fast, accurate layout of reference points. Accurate to 6mm at 30 metres, it includes a floor stand for fast, easy overhang and centreline measurements. The green laser (Fluke-3PG) is up to three times brighter for improved visibility in outdoor and long-range applications.

• Fluke-180LR and Fluke-180LG Line Laser Levels— self-levelling, horizontal- and vertical-cross line laser levels for rapid, accurate (3mm at 10 metres) levelling and layout.

• Fluke-LDR and Fluke-LDG Laser Line Detectors — laser line detectors for use in high ambient light settings with visual and audible indicators for ease of use. The detectors are compatible with Fluke-180LR (Fluke-LDR) or Fluke-180LG (Fluke-LDG) models and include mounting bracket for quick, steady positioning.

• Fluke-180LR System and Fluke-180LG Systems — comprehensive self-levelling, horizontal- and vertical-cross line laser level systems that include laser line detector and detector bracket for use in high ambient light settings.

High-resolution light grid BLA!

Identify parts and determine positions

Balluff has developed a new, high-resolution light grid for optical object detection with a width of 50 mm and a range of up to 2 meters. Consisting of a transmitter with a high-performance redlight laser and a receiver, the device works completely self-sufficiently, without additional accessories such as PC or special software. All settings can be made via a display in the receiver.

The high resolution of 0.01 mm opens up many application possibilities. Evaluated are not only the light quantity of the especially homogeneous red laser light, but also the location and position within the light grid. In addition, the emitter and receiver are encased in a rugged industrial housing and can be easily and quickly aligned using the live graphic display on the integrated multi-function display. The user can teach-in up to six different objects using the buttons and can hide obstructions in the measuring field (blanking).

This way different objects can be reliably detected, compared and sorted based on minimal differences in size. Other applications include presence and height checks. The result of the inspection is then available at two analog and three digital outputs. Starting in May 2014, there will also be a variant with an IO-Link interface.

Optimising metrological inspection process.

Watchmaker uses Keyence to optimise the metrological inspection processes.

A renowned jewel-bearing specialist uses Keyence's IM Series image dimension measurement system to improve the repeatability and rate of its test.

La Pierrette SA has been a supplier to the most prestigious watchmakers since 1914. Quality, precision and reliability are the three "key watchwords" of this Swiss company, which meets the highest standards in gemstones for movements in fine timepieces, particularly those bearing the Geneva Seal stamp. The main purpose of jewel bearings is to reduce metal-on-metal friction, that in short time, can ultimately result in bearing seizure and vastly reduced contact surfaces. La Pierrette SA produces a broad range of synthetic sapphires and rubies, from the simplest to the most complex, for luxury watch movements at its home base in the heart of Switzerland's Joux Valley, the cradle of fine watchmaking. It is a key player in the luxury watch industry and employs a workforce of more than 100.

"The manufacturing of jewel bearings is a complex process because diamond is the only mineral harder than the gems that we cut. As a result, diamond machining is the only possibility, which makes for very tight manufacturing tolerances. Depending on the target characteristics, the tolerance intervals are between 2 and 8 µ, meaning that production is possible only with specially engineered machines. All this also requires many metrology operations," explains Romain Conti of La Pierrette's R&D department.

"Before, we performed all our inspections using manually operated stands. Because many dimensions have to be characterised repeatedly on each bearing, this process was long. With the IM Series, this process is much more automated and faster. Not only can we inspect a series of pieces at the same time, but our measurements are more complete because we can now also check for flaws in shape."

"The system is really easy to set up and it was up and running in virtually no time. We decided to put it through a probationary period in order to qualify the measurements obtained with it and make sure that they met our accuracy requirements. We 'empowered' the system with the measurements we had obtained with our manually operated stands and calibrated gemstones qualified by METAS, the Swiss national metrology institute. That enabled us to optimise some settings. Nonetheless, and very quickly after putting the IM Series into actual service, we saw that it made the inspection process five times faster," adds Mr Conti.

This time saving is essential at La Pierrette SA, which turns out several million pieces each year. "We have to inspect every visible piece both in terms of conformity and appearance. However, our production volume allows us to inspect only a small fraction of the other pieces. The IM Series enables us to increase the number of inspections and thus improve the quality of our products. That, coupled with the fact that the IM Series allows us to directly view measurement statistics, helps us to identify production deviations much faster.

"The IM Series was an immediate success with the members of our inspection department and is used regularly by 5 or 6 people," says Mr Conti. The IM Series image dimension measurement system makes it possible to obtain high-accuracy, reliable measurements in a minimum of time. Simply place a target on the stage and press the button. Up to 99 points are measured in a matter of seconds with a high degree of accuracy. Its automatic operation and repeatability of ± 1 µm eliminate inter-operator variability problems.

"What's more, it eliminates repeatability problems inherent to our measurement stands, such as button wear and stage alignment," says Mr Conti.

The IM Series also allows simultaneous measurement of several dimensions as well as geometry inspections.

Speeding up and simplification of inspections for Timex

Image dimension measurement system puts much faster in-process inspection within everyone’s reach.

Timex is America's leading watchmaker and is present in more than 80 countries. Fralsen, its French entity, makes watch movements using three technologies — plastic injection moulding of small parts with very fine details; turning and cutting of parts such as wheels, pinions, arbors and rivets; and cutting and coiling of complex springs. These precision parts must be inspected with contact sensors (comparators, Cary equipment, feeler-spindles) and optical systems.

"We wanted more modern and more efficient optical inspection equipment. In other words, we wanted to be able to inspect more parts in less time," says Sylvain Scotto of Fralsen's Quality Control Department. "We also wanted a machine that could be operated by non-specialists and be able to log measurements."

The tolerances and accuracies are 15 µm for concentricity and ± 10 µm for centre-to-centre spacings and distances. There are at least five critical points per part.

The IM System
"With conventional inspection equipment, measurements took too long. As a result, we couldn´t measure many parts and there was a risk of overlooking signifi cant variations within batches. Before obtaining the IM Series, we used a variety of equipment. Our optical measuring device, which, although very accurate, is not very practical for quick measurements on a daily basis. Furthermore, it requires a high level of skill to operate. The shop microscopes provide accurate measurements, but are tricky to operate and severely limit the number of measurements and parts. In addition, a reference point for truing-up has to be created. Lastly, due to the sometimes long inspection times, our templates and projectors allow only a limited number parts to be measured and there is a risk of misinterpretation," adds Sylvain Scotto.

"The IM Series is simpler to operate, saves time and eliminates variations of interpretation of measurements. Results are conveniently displayed green (for good) or red (for bad). Keyence´s solution allows several parts to be measured simultaneously. The size of the parts and the number of elements making up the program are the only limits. There is no need for manual truing-up because the system does it all by itself by recognising each part´s geometry. Furthermore, results can be saved and statistics tracked. Part profiles can be compared against master profi les imported from CAD fi les. As a result, we no longer need to position templates on parts and measure differences in shape by eye. The machine does so automatically and extracts an image of the contour showing the difference with the tolerance. All in all, measurements are fast and do not require special skills."

The new IM-6500 Series image dimension measurement system reliably measures features in almost no time at all. Simply place a target on the stage and press the button. Up to 99 points are measured in a matter of seconds with a repeatability of ± 1 micron. Targets are found and measured regardless of their position or orientation and there is no risk of measurements being affected by variations in operator skill levels.

Thanks to the iPASS shape detection method, the system determines the position and angle of targets, making measurements automatic.

"Getting to grips with the system was easy because all you have to do is adjust the focus and load the program for the part being inspected. All the QC technicians in the Quality Department use the machine for fi nal inspection of parts before their placement in stock. The operators in the cutting shop also use it to measure certain parts during production. The programming is completely user-friendly. The faster inspection times enable us to track dimensions better and thus improve the quality of a large number of the parts we deliver. What's more, we haven't received a single complaint from clients about any of the parts measured on the machine. For example, we use Keyence´s IM-6500 to inspect the concentricity of every single cut wheel and automatically record the measurements," comments Sylvain Scotto.
The contour of the stator is superimposed on the CAD file. With the old   method (template and projector), this process was long. Now, three  parts  can be inspected in less than one minute instead of five in five  minutes. The profile also allows the Mechanical Engineering  Department  to see where parts need reworking. The red contour shows  that the stator  is at the tolerance limit in places (blue zone).

Wheel corrector: 
Inspection of the concentricity of the toothing with   the inner bore. With a profile projector and a template, three parts   were inspected in three minutes. With the IM Series, Timex can inspect   (and record) more than 10 parts simultaneously in the same amount of   time.

Cut wheels:
Inspection of the concentricity of the toothing with the bore.

Inspection of centre distances of geartrain bores on plastic plates. Less than three minutes are needed to inspect two parts.

More applications for measuring image dimensions

By drastically reducing measurement times, Keyence's IM Series Image Dimension Measurement System has revolutionised full-part inspection. Now with a twice as large field of view (200 × 100 mm) and new illumination options, it can handle larger and more complex targets.

The IM Series measures dimensions in seconds both reliably and with greater accuracy. Simply place a target on the stage and press the button. Up to 99 points are measured in a matter of seconds with a high degree of accuracy. The system simplifies measurement procedures. In addition to recognising and measuring shapes automatically, it features an autofocus complete with a motorised Z-stage with a 30 mm travel range and distortion adjustment. Lastly, it offers the advantage of eliminating inter-operator variability problems and makes managing measurement records easy.

A broad range to cover a maximum of applications.
The IM-6600 controller can be used with four different head units — the IM-6015/IM-6025 (general-purpose models), the IM-6140 (high-precision model, 0.1 µm repetition accuracy) and the all-new IM-6120 (200 mm wide-field model). The IM-6120 features a 200x100mm stage yet still has a remarkably small footprint.

Four types of illumination are now available — backlighting, epi-illumination (for measuring non-through dimensions), ring epi-illumination (for measuring shiny targets or tapered surfaces such as conic sections) and grazing illumination (for measuring targets with uneven surfaces or contours that are hard to delineate due to the diffusion of light).

Plastic cap/Mouldedcapacitor.
Ring epi-illumination makes measuring non-through dimensions on bottle caps and other targets with raised surfaces possible. This high-intensity ring of white LED light is cast onto the circumference of the lens. The ring is divided into four parts that are individually turned on and off to obtain the sharpest image. These settings are retained for each specific target to be measured.

Statistical processing of data has also been improved with a new application that extracts measurement data so that it can be imported into conventional spreadsheet software. Users can choose from a set of document templates and customise each layout with a logo or other visual element. The trend graph/histogram function allows on-site analysis of production trends and variations and can help to reduce rejection rates.

Tape extension sensor

ASM Sensor Specialists has launched the NEW WB61 Tape Extension Sensor providing up to 4000mm measuring length in a compact housing. All ASM Tape Extension Sensors have been designed to operate in harsh conditions which make them a perfect choice for the Mobile Working Machine Market as well as other harsh demanding applications.

Due to the design of the sensor and the inherent strength of the stainless steel tape they can be found in environments and areas where other sensors struggle to survive such as hard to reach areas where directional changing pulleys are used or where temperature extremes cause problems such as icing. The life of our range of Tape Extension Sensors is totally unaffected by the use of pulleys which makes them the perfect choice for safety critical areas often found in crane operation or the Mobile Working Market in general.

The NEW Model WB61 is made from a quality moulded housing which enables lower construction costs for a rugged sensor that meets a high sealing level of IP67/69K (operational) making it an affordable choice for today’s demanding markets. The WB61 is also available with a choice of three analogue and three digital outputs (SSI, CANopen or CAN J1939) a linearity of +/- 0.10% with the option of redundant outputs. The WB61 is perfectly suited for installation on cranes, excavators, forklift trucks, hoists and access platforms.

New dimension for dimensional measurement!

The IM-6500 Series from Keyence is a new type of measurement device. It is a completely new concept to rival established measuring equipment such as profile projectors, measuring microscopes or automatic CNC measuring machines.

The dimensional measurement concept of the IM-6500 series utilises state of the art imaging technology, thus enabling any user to perform reliable measurements in a minimum of time and with an increased accuracy. You simply place a part on a measurement stage, push the button and up to 99 dimensions are measured in a few seconds with accuracies down to 0.7 micron. No tiresome positioning, nor risks of measurement variance or deviation between individual operators. The simplicity of use results in the IM-6500 series emerging as a massive cost saving alternative to traditional time consuming measurement processes.

The IM-6500 measurement concept combines the flexibility of a vision system with the accurate execution of a double telecentric lens.

The all new double telecentric lens, with a large diameter of 100mm, captures the complete image of the target element, thus allowing the measurement of all the control points at once. With this technology it becomes possible to capture pixels without image distortion of the component that is placed around the lens circumference. Hence measurement is neither affected by distortion, nor by the distance. The lens size dictates that parts up to 100mm in diameter can be measured.

Measurement data can be stored digitally as Inspection Reports, Data Lists or Trend Graphs along with screen shot images. These files can be exported to other sources as the IM series utilies a convenient PC based data management system.

With the IM-6500 dimensional measurement concept, you simply place the part to be measured in the measurement area. The iPASS method (Intelligent Pattern Analysis Search System) performs a shape scanning (from the already recorded targets) to determine its position and its shape.

Many features can be measured, from internal diameters, circular threads and angles. Previous difficult to measure features with traditional methods can now be performed automatically with reduced risk of operator error.

The IM-6500 series utilies the latest technology to eliminate individual differences. The original sub-pixel concept by Keyence makes it possible to automatically detect the position of the component edges more accurately than with traditional vision systems thanks to the sub-pixel processing with a margin of 0.01 pixels. The IM series has overcome the age old issue of measurement variations from one user to the other. The same applies for errors due to differences in operator competence. In addition, with the IM series absence of an XY stage, measuring time is saved without needing stage movements, and errors due to stage vibrations are not a concern. This has all been made possible by integrating the high speed image processing technology developed for the automation industry with the optical design technology used in microscopes. Increasing the customers’ results and the quantity of controls should thus contribute to improving quality.

The built in temperature sensor allows the IM-6500 series to be installed almost anywhere in a production facility. Temperature compensation ensures accurate measurement once the system is in use. The IM-6500 series is of a compact space saving design with a footprint the size of an A3 sheet of paper. It can be easily mounted near the production lines or in a laboratory.