Surface finish measurement on CMMs

The aerospace is one of Middle East's most demanding industries with a need for ongoing research, development and testing. Mubadala Aerospace, a business unit of Mubadala Development Company, is driving the development of Abu Dhabi's aerospace industry to establish the Emirate as a global aerospace hub. However, success comes from not only investing on highly skilled engineers but also from continuous improvement in systems and technology.

Building the industry around composite aerostructures and OEM manufacturing require very stringent validation process. Your existing metrology tools must be up to the job.  Renishaw plc's REVO is a dynamic measuring head and probe system, designed to maximise the throughput of new and existing coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) by providing greater accuracy, faster measurement, more automation and new capabilities. It uses synchronised motion and Renscan5? measurement technology to minimise the dynamic effects of CMM motion at ultra high speeds. It also uses Renishaw's MODUS? software, which works with standard industry programming languages, to take full advantage of CAD-driven programming.

In July, the company added a new probe option for its revolutionary REVO? five-axis measurement system, which for the first time, allows surface finish inspection to be fully integrated within CMM measurement routines.

With a measurement capability of 6.3 to 0.05 Ra, the SFP1 surface finish probe provides a unique 'single platform' that will eliminate the need for hand-held sensors, or the necessity to move parts to costly dedicated surface finish measuring machines, reducing labour costs and inspection lead times. CMM users will now be able to automatically switch between part scanning and surface finish measurement, with analysis all contained in a single measurement report.

High quality surface finish data

As a fully integrated option for the REVO 5-axis measurement system, users of the SFP1 surface finish probe will benefit from a range of powerful features that will boost inspection speed and flexibility.

The probe incorporates a C axis, which combined with the infinite positioning capability of the REVO measuring head and a choice of stylus holders, allows the probe tip to be automatically orientated to any angle to suit the part, ensuring that the highest quality surface data is acquired. The SFP1 is supplied with two dedicated styli, the SFS-1 straight stylus and SFS-2 cranked stylus, which are selected under full measurement program control using the REVO system's modular rack system (MRS). This enables flexible access to component features combined with the consistency of a fully-automated CNC methodology.

A skidded probe type with a 2μm (0.000079 in) tip radius diamond stylus, the SFP1 surface finish probe outputs Ra, RMS and raw data formats to the metrology application client software via Renishaw's UCCServer software using the I++ DME protocol. The raw data can subsequently be presented to specialist surface analysis software packages for further detailed reporting.

Calibration of the sensor is also automated and carried out within a CMM software programme. A new surface finish calibration artefact (SFA) is mounted on the MRS rack and is measured using the SFP1 probe. Software then adjusts parameters within the probe in accordance with the artefact's calibrated value.

Steps to increase Emiratisation

Through partnerships with world leading companies such as Boeing, EADS, Finmeccanica and GE, Mubadala Aerospace has combined global expertise and local resources to develop an advanced, technology-driven global aerospace business based out of Abu Dhabi. Mubadala Aerospace is building the industry around composite aerostructures and OEM manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services and pilot training.

These sectors are underpinned with education & trainiNew Arrivals