𝐀 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐖𝐞𝐧𝐳𝐞𝐥 𝟑𝐃 𝐂𝐌𝐌

The 𝐖𝐞𝐧𝐳𝐞𝐥 𝟑𝐃 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 (𝐂𝐌𝐌) is a leading solution in industrial metrology, known for its high precision and stability. To maintain optimal performance and ensure reliable measurement results, it is crucial to follow a strict calibration and measurement procedure.

𝟏. 𝐖𝐞𝐧𝐳𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐌𝐌 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐞

Periodic calibration is an essential activity for identifying and correcting machine errors, ensuring the CMM always operates within its permitted tolerance limits. This process typically includes the following key steps:

– 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:

+ Clean the X, Y, and Z axes, the granite base, and the probe with a specialized soft cloth.

+ Check the compressed air system and air filter, ensuring appropriate pressure and no leaks.

+ Inspect the mechanical condition of the axes, bearings, and cables.

– 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:

+ Use calibrated artifacts (such as Gage Blocks, Standard Reference Bars, or Socket Balls) to verify the machine’s accuracy.

+ Perform measurements to check perpendicularity, parallelism, and other geometric parameters on the artifacts.

+ Compare the measurement results with the standard values to determine the machine’s error.

– 𝐄𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐢𝐟 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲):

+ If the measurement error is small, a technician will use specialized software to compensate for the error.

+ In cases of a large error, the machine’s hardware needs to be inspected and realigned.

– 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞:

+ Back up the calibration data.

+ Create a detailed results report and issue a calibration certificate.

𝟐. 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐖𝐞𝐧𝐳𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐌𝐌

To perform an accurate and efficient measurement, the operator must follow a professional workflow:

– 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:

+ Environment: Ensure the measurement room temperature (typically 20°C) is stable.

+ Part: Clean the part and place it on the granite base. Make sure the part has reached thermal equilibrium with the environment.

+ Operator: The operator needs to have expertise in CMM machines and control software.

– 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐩:

+ Define the Coordinate System: Define the coordinate origin for the part in the software.

+ Program the Measurement: Use the control software to program the points, curves, or complex surfaces to be measured. This can be done directly on the machine or offline.

+ Probe Calibration: Calibrate the probe to ensure the sensor’s accuracy.

– 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:

+ The machine will automatically move the probe according to the programmed path to collect coordinate data points on the part.

+ Wenzel CMMs can use various probes, such as a touch probe or a laser scanner, to suit specific applications.

– 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:

+ After the measurement is complete, the software processes the data and generates a results report.

+ This report may include dimensions, form, geometric tolerances (GD&T), and a comparison to the original 3D CAD model.

+ The data is stored for later retrieval and analysis.

Strict adherence to the calibration and measurement process not only helps the Wenzel CMM maintain peak performance but also ensures the quality of the final products, minimizes errors, and optimizes the manufacturing process.