Vision Probe for CMM System Handles Sheet Metal, Small Holes

Renishaw has expanded its Revo five-axis measurement system for use on coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), with an RVP vision measurement probe. This probe increases the multi-sensor capability of Revo by adding noncontact inspection to the existing touch-trigger, high-speed tactile scanning and surface finish measurement capabilities of the system. Thin sheet metal parts or components with large numbers of holes as small as 0.5 mm can be fully inspected with the RVP system. The probe also is said to improve throughput and CMM capability by using the five-axis motion and infinite positioning provided by the Revo head.

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