Infinitely variable rotary/tilt head for optical distance sensors and tactile sensors

Some workpieces, such as thin sheets, must not be contacted or moved, but are also too large and heavy for rotary axes. In such cases, a multi-sensor capable rotary/tilt head is required for measurement on both sides. The new WRT is suitable for higher loads than conventional rotary/tilt heads and is therefore suitable for a wide variety of sensors. For example, it can be used on coordinate measuring machines with a fixed bridge or on the new VideoCheck® S with up to three independent sensor axes.

The WRT enables measurements in any probing direction both with conventional scanning probes and, for example, with the Chromatic Focus Point optical distance sensor. The limit angles specified by the numerical aperture of the lenses for capturing the light reflected from the workpiece surface and the resulting limitations for the surface inclination are no longer necessary. Combined measurements in several swivel positions mean that even very steep flanks can be measured, for example.

Higher accuracy and better accessibility

The eccentric measuring head mount results in a smaller distance between the tilt axis and the probe tip for the scanning probe, for example, and therefore a smaller swivel path when measuring a complex workpiece. This increases accuracy, as the length measurement error of the machines increases with the measuring length, mainly due to temperature.

Another benefit compared to conventional rotary/tilt heads is the infinitely variable adjustment range for rotation and tilt, which offers better measuring object and element accessibility. The eccentric arrangement of the tilt axis also results in a larger usable measuring range.

One application example is fuel cells: A vertical set-up of the bipolar plate enables the measurement of wall thickness, tool center offset and weld center offset. The geometry of the flow field can be captured on the half plates. Other areas of application include the measurement of cylinder head gaskets, turbine blades or protective glass on dashboards.