Bruker Alicona
Bruker Alicona has announced the release of its new FocusX measuring device, which it says is the product of two years of research and development, close to 10,000 working hours and 13 prototypes. The company claims that the new device is more versatile than any other measuring device in its class.
Urban Muraus, Managing Director of Bruker Alicona said: “The aim with FocusX was to develop a system that solves customers’ most important measurement problems. This relates to both the measurement tasks and the industries.”
The company claims that FocusX is “perfect” for measurements on complex and difficult-to-reach surfaces, as found in micro-precision manufacturing, with small radii and acute angles not posing a problem for the device.
“We are also aware of the importance of the 3D representation of components,” added Muraus.
With Real3D technology, the component is measured from different angles, and the different visualisations are merged into one 3D image.
Bruker Alicona says that an advantage of optical measurement over tactile technology is that it works without contact, whereas tactile systems must scan the components. High-precision rotation and tilting axes ensure the different perspectives can be operated. The generated 3D data then enables the measurement of contour and shape, as well as deviations.
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In the area of medical technology, where non-contact measurement plays an important role, the nature of certain components poses a challenge. Implants or prostheses are often characterised by steep flanks, complex shapes, and high-gloss surfaces. The company says that FocusX determines the dimensions, position, shape, and roughness of the parts in an automated, traceable, and repeatable manner.
Roughness also plays an important role in medical technology, as the surface quality is decisive for how an implant is accepted. Bruker Alicona says that many companies still use tactile profile roughness measurement because it is well established and seems easier, but with the FocusX, users can carry out ISO-compliant roughness measurements with “just a few clicks”.
In optical metrology, high-resolution representations of geometry must be fast according to Bruker Alicona, which is why it says the FocusX delivers millions of measuring points within seconds, and offers the option of automating all measuring tasks. Muraus added: “This makes FocusX the fastest measuring device in its precision class.”
Florian Reinle, Process Engineer at Simulation & Tribology at OTEC, who has been working with the FocusX since November said: “As an experienced user of Bruker Alicona measuring devices, I would say that the FocusX is hardly inferior to the higher-priced devices. It is fast and precise, the decent measuring volume is sufficient for most applications and the compact design convinced me straight away. FocusX definitely is a worthwhile addition.”