Metris Releases 7-Axis Articulated Arm for Lab or Shop Floor

By DE Editors

Metris (Brighton, MI,  and Leuven, Belgium)  launched the 7-axis MCA (manual coordinate measuring arm) at the Euromold conference in Frankfurt, Germany last week. Designed to provide accurate and full-freedom laser scanning, the I7 MCA, as it is called, also supports various touch probe sensors through a quick and repeatable sensor exchange mount.

Scanning with the MCA delivers a detailed digital representation of objects for part-to-CAD comparison, feature inspection, reverse engineering, and rapid prototyping applications. The emphasis of the 7-axis Metris MCA is on ease of use and productivity, according to the company. For example, its electromagnetic brake locks the second axis of the arm to make scanning effortless. Metris MCA also offers optimized tube length ratios, a counterbalance for lightweight handling,  and an ergonomic handgrip with integrated buttons to guarantee smooth operation.

The onsite calibration capability of the Metris MCA contributes to maximum measurement uptime as it eliminates the delay and hassle of returning the arm to the factory for annual recalibration. Plus, automatic temperature compensation was added for shop floor use.

The Metris MCA is said to be a precise, reliable, flexible, and comfortable portable measuring system that can be equipped with a range of probing systems for touch-trigger measurements, continuous scanning, and laser scanning in a wide range of measurement tasks.

The Metris MCA offers accuracy levels that are certified according to ISO 10360-2 or ASME B89 standards. Accuracy is further improved by limiting calibration to the actual working envelope. Its truly portable system is due to lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum alloy components; and its temperature compensation is in the +5 to +40 degrees C temperature range.

The MCA can come in a 6-axis and a 7-axis version with two variants. The I6 and I7 variants are suited for applications needing quick verification of dimensions. The M6 and M7 variants provide higher accuracy required for true metrology applications. Both variants come standard with the electromagnetic brake for optimal handling comfort, while the quick mount probe adapter facilitates an easy exchange of measurement probes.

Ideally, the 7-axis MCA is configured with the digital Metris ModelMaker D scanner, a high-frame-rate scanner that comes in three laser stripe width versions,  enabling users to select the optimum balance between scan resolution and speed.

Using enhanced sensor performance technology for continuous parameter adaptation, the ModelMaker D offers complementary material scanning capabilities to ensure maximum sensor performance when surface material, color, and reflectivity may vary. Plus, the Metris KUBE software handles data acquisition and drives onscreen graphics showing real-time surface scans and comparison to the CAD model or other reference. Afterwards, the data can be readily processed in Metris’s KUBE scanning, reverse engineering, and inspection software. Additionally, data can be analyzed in Metris Focus data acquisition and preprocessing software as well as third-party inspection or reverse engineering software.

For further information, click here to go to Metris’ website.

Click here to go to Metris USA, which is based in Brighton, MI.

Click here for more information, specs, and datasheet on the 7-axis MCA from Metris.

Click here to access product brochures; you must first register.

Click here to link to any one of many case studies using the Metris Articulated Arm.

Earlier coverage in DE Online—

Metris K-SCAN MMD Boosts Scanning Performance:
Operator can walk around and efficiently scan the measurement object. (DE, October 2, 2007)

Metris Buys Garda,  Tomelleri Technology:
Acquisitions bolster robot arm project.
(DE, July 31,  2007)