CMM Provides Range of Measuring Volumes, Sensors

Zeiss offers the next generation of its Contura coordinate measuring machine featuring a variety of optical sensors and eight different sizes for measuring volumes ranging from 700 × 700 × 600 mm to 1,200 × 2,400 × 1,000 mm. Sensors are available in the “direkt,” “RDS” and “aktiv” versions. The CMMs feature precise air bearings and can be equipped with Zeiss’ AirSaver to reduce compressed air consumption by as much as 60 percent.

The direkt model configuration features the company’s Vast XXT probe and is suitable for scanning small workpieces requiring one small or star-type stylus. The CMM’s scanning capabilities make it possible to efficiently and precisely measure the form in addition to the size and location.

For workpieces with different angular positions, the RDS configuration’s articulating probe holder can be freely positioned in 2.5-degree increments, resulting in more than 20,000 possible positions. With the RDS-CAA, the data from every single position can be mathematically calculated in a few minutes, according to the company. Its sensor interface enables the flexible use of contact and optical sensors for fast optical measurement of features.

The aktiv configuration is recommended when long styluses are needed for measurements deep inside a part or for additional demands on precision and speed. It can be equipped with company’s Vast XTR Gold and Vast XT Gold Premium probes. According to Zeiss, the CMM’s active regulation enables accurate measurements with very long, heavy stylus systems. Navigator technology, which enables a tangential approach without a stop-and-go, as well as circular or helical scanning, results in added productivity.