Sensor System speeds up measuring times of CMMs.

Zeiss, Carl, Inc. Oct 02, 2002

Press Release Summary:

VAST Navigator, available for CenterMax Production Measuring Center, is based on dynamic stylus calibrations performed once for stylus configurations. Configuration can then be used for all scanning speeds and on different diameters. Helix Scanning function allows cylinder to be probed in continuous helical line as 1 element. Tangential probing provides continuous travel from probe path to probing process without having to stop and maneuver as in conventional methods.

Original Press Release:

Zeiss Introduces New Generation Vast Navigator - Innovative Measuring Technology for Enhanced Performance and Shorter Measuring Times

MINNEAPOLIS, September 4, 2002 - Carl Zeiss IMT Corporation today
introduced at IMTS '02 (Booth # 4501) the new generation VAST Navigator sensor system. With the new VAST Navigator - available for the CenterMax Production Measuring Center - Zeiss meets the demands for shorter measuring times, higher accuracy and repeatability of measurement results, particularly in the manufacturing environment.

VAST Navigator is a result of continuous improvement of the ZEISS
VAST high-speed scanning technology that was introduced in 1994. VAST scanning technology permits fast and reliable data acquisition.

The technology of the VAST Navigator is based on dynamic stylus
calibrations performed once for a stylus configuration. This configuration can be subsequently used for all scanning speeds and on different diameters. In other words: The operator benefits greatly from reduced complexity and minimized calibration times.

Only a measuring system that is developed in conjunction with the
sensor, control technology and software consistently produces the desired results. The VAST Navigator reaches this level of performance through solid technological principles.

The new Helix Scanning function allows a cylinder to be probed in a continuous helical line as one element. Helix mode 1 guarantees higher reliability, because the feature surface is captured virtually in its entirety in one process (gage simulation). Helix mode 2 permits extremely fast determination of
both, the size and location of a cylinder.

Tangential probing provides continuous travel from the probe path to the probing process without having to stop and maneuver as in conventional methods. Completely redeveloped control algorithms achieve drastic measuring time reductions, combined with more balanced travel routes and probing methods.

An increase in performance means that large data quantities are
captured within a short time. The VAST Navigator now provides even faster scanning. The formula is called "enhancing performance through shorter measuring times". Compared to conventional scanning, the VAST Navigator saves up to 30% measuring time on such a typical application as a cylinder bore.

Carl Zeiss IMT designs and manufactures coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and other industrial metrology equipment. For more information, contact Carl Zeiss IMT Corporation, 6250 Sycamore Lane North, Maple Grove, Minnesota 55369, (800) 752-6181, or visit http://www.zeiss.com/imt.