Industrial News
What happens at Control does not stay at Control, but goes straight into production
Optical 3D measurement technology directly in production. This is the claim of Bruker Alicona. From May 6 – 9, the Austrian manufacturer of non-contact measuring systems will be demonstrating at Control where the strengths of its devices lie: in automation, user-friendliness and robustness against environmental influences.
The first trade fair appearance of the FocusX Shopfloor Enclosure
In 2024, the FocusX celebrated its first major trade fair appearance at Control. This year, Bruker Alicona is presenting a series of developments for the system that take the FocusX to a new level in terms of automation and robustness. The shopfloor version of the versatile FocusX will be on show for the first time at a trade fair. The shopfloor enclosure is specially designed to protect the FocusX from external influences such as dust, suspended particles and splash water or oil. This robust housing complies with protection class IP 53 and ensures that the FocusX functions optimally even under extreme conditions
The Shopfloor Enclosure provides an integrated workstation with two monitors, a keyboard and a mouse holder, creating a complete workspace for the operators. The main switch of the enclosure controls the entire power supply, making it easy to switch the system on and off with a single switch. This feature simplifies operation and ensures that the FocusX is always ready for use.
Thermal management is a key aspect of the Shopfloor Enclosure. It has two separate chambers that thermally separate the system from the control server. Each chamber is equipped with two fans that ensure optimum air flow and prevent overheating. It is also mobile. Simply turn off the main switch, pull out the plug and the system can be transported with a forklift or pallet truck. And what better way to show off these functionalities than by exhibiting at Control?
Why are 5 axes better than 3
The rotation unit has been an important unique selling point of Bruker Alicona for many years. It enables 360° measurements by combining 3D data from different angles. This allows users to carry out comprehensive inspections using the CAD files. Since December last year, the FocusX has been available with the Real3DUnitX, the brand-new rotation and tilting unit that significantly increases the automation and versatility of the FocusX and sets new standards in precision measurement. At Control 2025, Bruker Alicona will be doing live demos with booth visitors’ components to showcase the benefits of the five axes.
The Real3DUnitX is ideal for samples whose geometry and surface properties need to be comprehensively analyzed. Without the Real3DUnitX the FocusX has a travel range of 100x100x100 mm on the x, y and z axes. The rotation unit, which enables motorized rotation and tilting, gives the product two additional axes. The FocusX was developed to integrate measurements directly into production. It is fast, precise and robust, and the measuring volume is more than sufficient for most applications. However, the system achieves maximum versatility thanks to the Real3DUnitX. In production, the 3D representation of components is a decisive factor that enables precise planning, efficient use of resources and early detection of problems.
The advantage for users is obvious: the Real3DUnitX enables complete automation in the MetMaX operator software. Simply click on the point to be measured in the CAD, and the software automatically recognizes how the sample needs to be rotated, tilted and moved to reach the desired position. As a result, the FocusX measures exactly at the position desired by the user.
Automatic Round Tool Alignment now also for FocusX
The release of the five-axis FocusX has a wide appeal. This is because it also makes it possible to automate the measurement of round tools on the FocusX. The Automatic Round Tool Alignment from Bruker Alicona enables precise and efficient alignment of drills and milling cutters. This greatly simplifies the measurement process by reducing manual effort and minimizing the source of error, which leads to higher accuracy and repeatability of measurement results.
Automation is particularly useful in series production, where a large number of tools need to be measured quickly and reliably. By integrating it into the existing production environment, the measuring process is seamlessly integrated into the manufacturing process, resulting in more efficient use of resources and higher product quality. The Automatic Round Tool Alignment can be tested at the Bruker Alicona booth at Control.
Contour Scanning for µCMM and InfiniteFocus G6
Bruker Alicona’s Focus Probing technology has long made it possible to measure metrically correct 3D points and contours from sensor data at a single position. At Control 2025, Bruker Alicona will be presenting a further development of this technology. Contour Scanning offers significantly higher speed and ease of use as well as extensive automation options, making even faster and more intuitive contour measurements.
Users can see for themselves the benefits on site:
- Flexible contour scanning of larger areas: Metrically correct contours on larger surfaces can be captured easily and user-friendly.
- Intuitive operation with waypoints: Scan areas can be defined in the live view with just a few clicks using waypoints.
- Automatic illumination: Focus Probing technology automatically performs scans along the defined path with optimized illumination settings.
- Process simulation for optimization: The measuring process can be visualized in advance and flexibly adapted.
- Automatic and robust data acquisition: With one click on “Start”, robust data is acquired that can be seamlessly integrated into the measurement plan.
Tiny cooling holes in turbine blades ensure safety and efficiency
The geometric inspection of cooling holes is one of the greatest challenges in aviation metrology. In addition to the technology for measuring the geometry and position of the holes relative to a reference system, there is a high need for automation.
At Control, Bruker Alicona will be presenting a solution for determining all parameters of cooling holes. The µCMM measuring device combines two technologies to capture the required measurement data. Vertical Focus Probing enables fast, high-resolution and non-contact measurement of the hole geometry and makes it possible to measure deep into the hole – even with flanks of more than 90°. This method ensures that each cooling hole is optimally positioned to guarantee maximum cooling performance and safety. The surface, especially the conical part of the cooling hole, is measured with the Advanced Focus-Variation. Thanks to the working distance of up to 130 mm, there are no accessibility restrictions.
The µCMM in combination with the MetMaX operating software not only enables the measurement of cooling holes, but also automates this complex process. First, the cooling hole is aligned and perfectly centered in the live view. This is followed by the 3D measurement and evaluation of the relevant parameters.
The exhibited systems
In addition to the FocusX with all its innovations, Bruker Alicona will also be making its long-established systems available for demos. The µCMM is the first purely optical coordinate measuring machine for roughness, form and position. With a vertical resolution of less than 3 nm, it sets new standards in 3D metrology. In order to demonstrate the automation possibilities on the coordinate measuring machine, a pick & place system continuously loads the system with samples. The InfiniteFocus G6, the Swiss Army Knife of Bruker Alicona measuring machines, will also be on display at Control. This year, a cobot will also be presented, which will draw particular attention to the versatile applications of Bruker Alicona sensors.
About Bruker Alicona
Bruker Alicona is a leading provider of advanced production measurement solutions, specializing in optical 3D metrology ensuring quality assurance of complex components with tight tolerances. The company’s cutting-edge technology enables manufacturers to optimize their production processes, improve product quality and gain a competitive advantage. With a global presence, 150 employees worldwide and a strong commitment to innovation, Bruker Alicona is dedicated to helping its customers succeed.
Visit Bruker Alicona at Control 2025!
6.5. – 9.5.2025
Stuttgart Trade Fair
Hall 5, Booth 5401
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