Carl Zeiss, manufacturer of CNC coordinate measuring machines and provider of metrology solutions, has added a chromatic white light sensor to its O-INSPECT multisensor measuring machine.
The machine enables inspection of complex types of parts accurately, efficiently and easily and is suitable for use in a variety of industries including precision engineering, automotive and medical technology, and plastics and electronics industries.
Certain types of work pieces, such as those that are sensitive and small and have low-contrast, glossy or transparent surfaces can be measured using the white light sensor. Measurement of parts that cameras or contact sensors cannot capture can also be done with the white light sensor.
For performing the measurement, white light is used to illuminate the workpiece. Special optics is used to divide the white light into spectral colors. The reflected light is analyzed with a spectrometer and the color that has the highest intensity is determined. The measuring machine can be utilized to calculate the distance between the surface and the sensor through the spectral color. This helps determine the precise topography of the workpiece.
CALYPSO, a CAD-based measuring software, is used for displaying the information including detailed position, form and size measurements. It aids in quantifying the deviations.