5-axis measurement system and new probes

The engineering technologies company Renishaw is pleased to announce the launch of REVO-2, a new improved version of the revolutionary multi-sensor 5-axis measuring head for use on co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs).   REVO-2 and its new CMM controller UCC S5, build upon the successful REVO multi-sensor system with enhanced power and communications capability to carry the latest REVO sensors such as the RVP vision measurement probe and RSP3-6 extended reach scanning probe. The head also has an increased range of movement in the negative A-axis which can improve part access and reduce the complexity of stylus set-ups.

New REVO-2 5-asix multi-sensor system

REVO-2 incorporates Renishaw's own ATOM™ optical incremental encoder system that uniquely combines miniaturisation with ruggedness and exceptional metrology performance. ATOM is the world's smallest readhead using filtering optics. It offers speeds up to 20 m/s (29,000 RPM on a 17 mm disc) and resolutions to 1 nm (0.004 arc second on a 108 mm disc) with a range of linear and rotary (angle) scales available in stainless steel and glass.

REVO-2 is the only scanning system for CMMs that simultaneously controls the motion of three machine and two head axes whilst collecting workpiece data using its range of 2D and 3D tactile probes, surface roughness measurement probe and now non-contact vision probe too. The head's novel design incorporates sophisticated laser measurement and electrical signal transmission technology for precise workpiece measurement at extremely high rates of data capture. The five-axis control system removes most of the unwanted dynamic errors associated with machine movement because the measuring head performs most of the work. As the head is much lighter and more dynamic than the CMM, it is able to quickly follow changes in the part geometry without introducing harmful dynamic errors. The REVO-2 multi-sensor system is managed by the same I++ DME compliant interface as the original REVO product.

Renishaw is also pleased to announce the new RVP vision measurement probe and RSP3-6 extended reach scanning probe for use with the REVO 5-axis measurement system.

RVP vision measurement probe

RVP increases the multi-sensor capability of REVO by adding non-contact inspection to the existing touch-trigger, high-speed tactile scanning and surface finish measurement capability of the system.

For certain applications, non-contact inspection provides clear advantages over traditional tactile probing techniques. Thin sheet metal parts or components with large numbers of holes as small as 0.5 mm, and parts which are not suited to tactile measurement, can be fully inspected with the RVP system. RVP also gives exceptional improvements in throughput and CMM capability by utilising the 5-axis motion and infinite positioning provided by the REVO head.

The RVP system comprises a probe and a range of modules that are automatically interchangeable with all other probe options available for REVO. Data from multiple sensors is automatically referenced to a common datum. This flexibility means that the optimum tool can be selected to inspect a wide range of features, all on one CMM platform. When using RVP, part illumination is provided by integrated programmable LED lighting inside each module. Background feature enhancement is also available using backlighting combined with bespoke part fixturing.

The RVP system is managed by the same I++ DME compliant interface as REVO and full user functionality is provided by Renishaw's MODUS™ metrology software.

RSP3-6 extended reach scanning probe

RSP3-6 extended reach scanning probe provides enhanced capability for accessing and inspecting features deep within bores by combining long extensions of up to 800 mm with REVO's 5-axis movements. The probe can be used for both 3D touch-trigger and 2D scanning applications and is ideal for inspecting large parts, such as engine blocks and components for heavy machinery used in the construction, mining, automotive and defence industries.

The RSP3-6 system consists of a probe and a range of stylus holders, for applications requiring straight and cranked extensions. The RSP3-6 probe is automatically interchangeable with all other probe options available for REVO. This flexibility means that the optimum tool can be selected to inspect a wide range of features, all on one CMM platform. The RSP3-6's straight stylus holders offer extensions up to 800 mm from REVO's A-axis centre of rotation, and its cranked stylus holders offer extensions up to 600 mm from the same reference point.