Machine-Tool Scanning System

Renishaw’s new SPRINT system incorporates a new generation of on-machine analog scanning technology to allow fast and accurate form and profile data capture from both prismatic and complex 3D components. With scanning speeds up to 49 ft/min (15 m/min) and the ability to measure 1000 true 3D data points per second, the system's superior analytical capabilities provide unparalleled opportunities for workpiece measurement, inspection, adaptive machining and on-machine process control, while optimizing machine utilization and cycle time. The new scanning technology opens up new process control methods not previously possible with other measurement methods. SPRINT applications are enabled and supported by software packages dedicated to specific industrial tasks, such as the SPRINT Blade Toolkit. The toolkits include on-machine data analysis that runs automatically in-cycle, and provides measurement feedback to CNC machining processes.           

At the core of the SPRINT system is the revolutionary OSP60 scanning probe. The OSP60 probe has an analog sensor with 0.1-μm resolution in three dimensions, providing exceptional accuracy and comprehensive understanding of workpiece form. The analog sensor technology provides a continuous deflection output that combines with machine position to derive the true location of the part surface. In addition to extremely fast, accurate 3D measurement, the SPRINT scanning system is designed to facilitate automated process control with no operator intervention.            

For blade manufacture, the SPRINT system provides unprecedented capability for blade tip refurbishment and root blending applications. The high-speed measurement of blade sections, coupled with high data integrity (even on leading and trailing edges), ensures the indication of true part condition leading to an adaptive machining capability. Automated routines for setup, blade alignment, blade scanning and data collection provide significant accuracy and cycle time improvements over touch-trigger systems.            

For multi-task machining applications, the SPRINT machine tool scanning system offers users completely new process control capabilities, including highly repeatable diameter measurement cycles. By employing master part comparison, the SPRINT system becomes an “active” control enabling measure-cut processes to be automated for accurate diameters on large parts. This capability can enable the size of diameters to be automatically controlled within a few microns of tolerance. Measurement functionality, such as part run out, machine centerline and circularity, also serves to significantly enhance the manufacturing capability of multi-tasking machine tools.            

Other functions include a rapid health check of a CNC machine tool's linear and rotary axes in seconds, making it possible to implement a daily machine-monitoring routine with little or no operator involvement. The SPRINT system’s high-speed and accuracy make it applicable to an exceptional range of applications and process control methods, as it reduces scrap and rework, and increases machine capacity through reduced measurement cycle times.