Mahr Federal Introduces New And Improved Formtester
- Compact MarForm MMQ44-R doubles roundness accuracy, improves straightness accuracy and measuring speeds by 40%
- New harmonics package measures and evaluates up to 1024 upr
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The new compact MarForm MMQ44-R Formtester from Mahr Federal offers more than double the accuracy in roundness measurements, improved straightness measurements, and faster measuring speeds. In addition, a harmonics analysis software module now evaluates part harmonics up to 1024 upr.
"The roundness error specification on this new MMQ44-R has been reduced to .02 microns, making it one of the most accurate in the industry," said Danny Moss, Senior Product Manager, Surface/Form Systems for Mahr Federal. Straightness error, too, has been reduced to .15 microns per 100 mm, and with our new software package, measuring speeds are as much as 40% faster than earlier versions."
Equipped with an optional CNC 360 degree motorized probe for fast, versatile, and reliable measurements, and the latest version of Mahr Federal's Form-PC software, the MMQ44-R is capable of measuring a wide range of features well beyond the scope of most roundness measurement systems.
The T7W CNC motorized probe can automatically position itself over a full 360 degrees of rotation in less than one-degree increments. This software-driven probe eliminates the need for operator involvement during measurement processes that require probe repositioning. The T7W probe head is the same used on the Mahr Federal Reference Formtester, the MFU 100.
The MMQ44-R Formtester measures roundness, cylindricity, straightness, flatness, concentricity, coaxiality, radial run-out, total radial run-out, axial run-out, total axial run-out, parallelism, perpendicularity and angularity, while adhering to both National and International standards. Whether performing circular or straight-line measurements, interruptions like grooves and cross holes are detected automatically, regardless of their positions, and the corresponding profile interruptions are not evaluated. Circular measurements can be taken in sections as small as 15 degrees.
The system will measure parts up to 620 mm (24.4 in.) in diameter and 640 mm (25.2 in.) in height. Despite its compact size, this Mahr Federal Formtester easily handles large and heavy parts, up to 134 lbs.
A variety of options allows users to easily adapt the MMQ44-R to special requirements. An extensive assortment of probe arms, styli and other accessories is available, and for extremely precise workpieces, linear scales on the X and Z axes provide high precision positioning accuracy. The measuring X-axis can be designated as a horizontal measuring axis, allowing horizontal straightness and multi-radial flatness measurements.
The Windows(r)-based FORM-PC software has been consistently upgraded and field proven. Quick and Easy icons are used to lead the user through individual measurements and Teach-In-Programming creates fast and efficient measurement programs even for complex parts and part families. This powerful software analyzes the data, displays results as the part is being measured, and generates a printout before the next part can be loaded.
Three additional software modules extend the performance of the MMQ44-R system. First is a Data Transport Tool module that allows measurement data to be exported as ASCII, Microsoft Excel files, or in qs-STAT(r) format. A Fouier Analysis (Harmonics) module allows the evaluation of harmonics up to the 1024th harmonic, and a Piston module evaluates ovality, tolerance monitoring of both circular and linear (skirt) profiles, and pin bore axis location relative to the main oval axis.
The MMQ44-R Formtester is designed to be equally at home on the factory floor or in the lab. No air supply is required and its high-precision mechanical bearing ensures stability, exceptional accuracy and repeatability. A reliable collision protection system immediately stops the machine if it encounters even a minor counter force, to protect people, workpieces and the equipment. The MMQ44-R Formtester is designed for easy installation, minimal maintenance and low operating costs.
Mahr Federal, a member of the Mahr Group, is known worldwide for its expertise in providing dimensional measurement solutions. The ISO 9001:2000-certified company manufactures and markets a wide variety of dimensional metrology products, and is headquartered in Providence, RI.
Source: Mahr Federal