Surface damage is not possible, unlike contact devices. Finally, to perform the measurements, the instrument’s user does not require any advanced metrology knowledge. The Bruker Alicona system is used at C&K switches as an example of this concoction of benefits. The French-based business produces more than 55,000 standard products and 8.5 million distinct combinations of micro switches, which are small switches used in a wide range of applications in the automotive, consumer electronics, telecom, space, and medical sectors. C&K used Bruker Alicona’s InfiniteFocus G5 optical measurement system with AdvancedReal3D to greatly enhance the manufacturing quality of these mini-switches in order to guarantee the longevity of its goods over time.
According to Laurent Gagey, a specialist at C&K, “the main application is the validation of tools that we create by wire EDM, sinker EDM, or HSM (high-speed machining). “By modifying and comparing the scanned data sets with the nominal shapes from the CAD files, the checks are carried out. The production tolerances for these materials are typically in the range of a few micrometers. We can manage the service life of the microswitches by measuring the manufacturing equipment and stamping dies. As a result, comparison with CAD models is used to continuously check their wear.” These intricately shaped, highly difficult-to-measure subassemblies feature shining surfaces and call for the precise merging of many 3D data sets.
The Advanced Real3D rotation device on the Bruker Alicona system, which automatically accomplishes this, creates high-quality, dense, and trustworthy 3D models that are easily comparable to CAD data, asserts the C&K specialist. The system’s capacity to provide control of an entire shape is its key benefit. As we can alter the machining settings of our manufacturing facilities to the nearest millimeter, users do not need to divide it into separate geometric pieces. The optical 3D metrology system’s capability to quantify surface finish on the 3D model it generates is another feature.
From September 27 to September 30, 2022, users who are interested in the CMM optical 3D metrology systems can take part in a demonstration workshop at the Bruker Alicona stand at the MICRONORA facilities in Besançon.
Click on the following link Metrologically Speaking to read more such blogs on Metrology.
