Features & Benefits
Accurate and Repeatable
An ultra-precision air bearing rotary axis is the foundation for all MicroForm gages. Standard single lever-type probe or optional dual probes with nearly perfect linearity (correlation coefficient of .9999 out of a possible 1.0000) contribute to an overall system accuracy under 5 millionths of an inch ( 0.125 μm). Systems with capacities of over 2,000 lbs have an accuracy of 10 millionths of an inch (0.250 μm). With no mechanical contacting parts to wear or create drag, air bearings produce virtually no friction. This translates into ultra-smooth, repeatable and maintenance-free operation.
Stable and Reliable
Frustrated by frequent measurement errors? That’s why our platforms are engineered to minimize the need to take repeat measurements. For added shop floor durability, and to maximize thermal and vibration stability, each air bearing is recessed in a finish machined metal base – with no branded plastic housing. And minimal cabling and connectors help reduce electrical interferences that could distort your measurements. With such a robust design, you can be confident that your measurement result is from the part alone, and don’t include “noise” from outside influences.
Quick Part and Probe Setup
Fine adjust features on both the horizontal and vertical arm allow precise alignment of the probe tip to the measurement surface from the tower. On other systems, adjustments are made on the gage head making it difficult to reach on large parts.
To make multiple surface measurements quicker, our dual probe configuration comes with an additional portable or fixed gage stand that can be mounted on the granite surface plate with a second electronic indicator.
With the Tilt and Center adjustable worktable operators can make very fine adjustments to level and align parts to the bearing’s axis of rotation, reducing eccentricity. The spherical seat design maintains the part’s center point when leveling, saving you time and frustration in setting up the part for measurement.
Based on the large girth and short stature of your parts the gage stand was configured to offer the most stability and robustness for the extended radial reach required. A secondary vertical probe arm provides easy access to ID surfaces in deep bores. The gage stand can be encoded so the vertical position can be captured directly into the MicroForm measurement software.
Familiar User Interface with Touch Screen Navigation
We’ve designed our measurement program to display results in a fashion that is familiar for shop floor operators while providing full function analysis for quality control labs. In the case of a user interface often less in more. MicroForm’s intuitive software features two simple views on a large color touch screen monitor, delivering quick and easy results whether you’re a novice or experienced operator. Toggle between the main setup screen with active analog and digital runout meters, to the results screen with graphical polar and linear charts. A sidebar menu of all the form options along with measurement results are always visible And for novice operators, on screen “step-by-step” instructions are available. (Learn more about MicroForm software.)
Operators interface with Mircoform gage using a large 22” touch screen. Two simple screens are used to clearly lay out access and navigation. Operators can easily toggle between the main setup screen with its active analog and digital RunOut meters, to the results screen with graphical polar and linear charts. Measurement results and a sidebar menu of all the form options are always visible.
Unique, Dedicated Processing Power for Fast Measurements
Our gages are driven by a “real-time” operating system with dedicated FPGA processing platform and signal conditioners. These are the workhorses for performing the measurement algorithms, eliminating resource conflicts typical with systems running on PCs. The gage’s dedicated processor results in high speed data acquisition and instantaneously synchronizes the indicator displacement with a high resolution encoder for pin-point accuracy. This powerful processing platform not only provides tremendous system performance but also permits future system enhancements without the cost and downtime associated with hardware obsolescence.
A Spectrum of Analysis Functionality
To ensure quick and accurate measurements, surface interruptions can be automatically removed during a measurement or easily edited out using our drag and exclude feature. You also have the flexibility to analyze part harmonics (slope and lobing optional) right on the results screen or export the data for statistical process control (SPC).
User definable system preferences for customizing output and displays are readily accessible through the configuration button. Select from four reference circle types: Least Squares Circle (LSC), Minimum Zone Circle (MRS), Minimum Inscribed Circle (MIC), and Maximum Circumscribed Circle (MCC), Gaussian filter settings, units of measure, and other options to match your part drawing’s requirement.
Quickly print or save a PDF file to share the measurement results and graphical charts and document traceability. And each PC includes an Ethernet network card to provide remote file storage and enterprise connectivity.
