what's new

New!! For 2009

Houston Precision offers the following On-Site Laser Calibration Service using the latest generation Renishaw XL-80 laser system, powerful LaserXL software and XC-80 compensation sensors for
"best in lab" calibration.

We are now able to calibrate the following equipments to within ± 5 ppm ON-SITE and print-out a full calibration report at the end of our service

  • CMM
  • Gagemaker MicTrac
  • Granite Surface Plates
  • Linear Measuring Systems
  • Machine Alignments

 

XL-80 Laser Measurement System
The new Renishaw XL-80 laser measurement system offers high performance calibration for motion systems, including CMMs and machine tools. Fast, accurate and extremely portable, the XL-80 system retains the Renishaw ML10's key virtues of accuracy, reliability and durability in day-to-day use, where it really matters.Together with advanced software solutions and superior performance, use the XL-80 to improve your businesses performance.

 

 

 

Laser Interferometer Systems
Renishaw's laser interferometer systems are used for comprehensive accuracy assessment of machine tools, co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and other position critical motion systems. They offer the ultimate in high accuracy, repeatable and traceable measurement, using externally mounted beam splitters. Our Renishaw, model XL-80 laser system is the latest technology in use worldwide, since 2007.

 

 

 

Machine Checking Gauge (MCG) for CMMs
Full calibration of a CMM's performance is time consuming and costly, using fixed length ball-ended bars or step gauges and laser measurement systems. Renishaw's MCG (machine checking gauge) enables the rapid and effective interim checking of a CMM's performance as recommended in many international standards. It gives a fast and automatic assessment of machine capability and can also be used for machine characterization.

 

 

 

 

Working with the Machine Checking Gauge
An MCG kit consists of a base, a calibrated pivot point (with various pillar height options) and various length counterbalanced arms. The counterbalanced arm has a seat which locates on a precision ruby ball on an adjustable pillar. The seat allows very accurate arm pivoting, through 360° horizontally and ±45° vertically. At the end of the arm is a second location, formed by the two rods, a tungsten carbide ball and specially calibrated stylus which is fitted to a Renishaw probe. The CMM's probe stylus slots into the end of what is in effect a reference "ball" bar. The arm is able to describe a truncated sphere of radius R (see illustration) about the pivot. As the arm is of constant length, any deviation from radius R is an indication of the volumetric measuring performance of the CMM. Repeatability can also be determined by performing multiple runs and comparing measured radius values at the same locations. Volumetric measuring performance is the maximum error between any two points in any plane, over any distance within the full measuring volume.
The special calibrated stylus can be used with TP1, TP2, TP20, TP6, TP6A with suitable adaptors. The MCG is calibrated and traceable to USA National Institute of Standards and Technology (Ref #731/23897-87).

 

 

 

Benefits of laser verification of machines

Increase Machine Uptime
Whatever your machine or motion system, you need to know that it is up to the job - before you even begin cutting or processing material or measuring components. You can gain a detailed picture of how each characteristic of a machine's positioning performance is varying over time. Predict when maintenance work will be required for specific machines, and establish contingency plans in advance.

Improve machine performance
Renishaw's performance measurement equipment can actually improve machine performance through targetted maintenance and error compensation.

 

Increase knowledge of your machine / manufacturing capabilities
Use the right machine for the job - assigning specific toleranced jobs to machines capable of holding these tolerances ensures that the machine is fit for the required purpose and less likely to produce scrap.

Prove the performance of your machines
When customers need confidence in the quality of your machines or process then calibration graphs and regular performance evaluation results of your machines are excellent proof. These can give you a valuable competitive advantage over other manufacturers, who may not perform such tests.

Comply with quality assurance procedures and standards
It is a requirement of the ISO 9000 series of quality standards that manufacturing and inspection equipment is calibrated, monitored and controlled using recognised and traceable systems and methods.

Provide a professional maintenance service
High quality after-sales service is a must. Using the same calibration tools in the customer's premises as the system OEM uses in his factory is the best way to restore the machine to the original manufacturer's specifications.

 

updated 01/2010