In January of this year, Bruker Alicona, the Austrian manufacturer of optical metrology solutions, launched the FocusX. This measuring device has completely reshuffled the cards in quality assurance. What makes it special? The Advanced Focus-Variation, which makes it possible to measure micro-geometries and roughness on smooth and even reflective surfaces with just one sensor, is built into a compact device and can be used for a wide range of applications directly in production. The product was already highly praised for its versatility when it was released. Now, just nine months later, the system has been given a further versatility upgrade.
The rotation and tilting units in Bruker Alicona’s measurement technology
The rotation unit has been one of Bruker Alicona’s most important USPs for many years. It enables 360° measurements by merging 3D data from different perspectives, allowing users to carry out comprehensive checks using CAD files. The release of the rotation unit was announced back in January under the tagline “Access All Areas.” Now the time has come: the first FocusX with five axis will be delivered to the customer in December 2024.
Shape symmetry or free form – the strengths of the Real3DUnitX
In principle, it can be said that the Real3DUnitX is intended and useful for all samples whose geometry and surface properties need to be viewed holistically. At the market launch of the FocusX, Urban Muraus, Managing Director of Bruker Alicona, has already stoked anticipation for the corresponding applications: “The FocusX is a smart overall package that is given an enormous boost by the rotation unit. I can see lots of applications in the field of cutting tools, but the 3D view also supports comprehensive quality control in electronics. Here I’m talking about plugs, pins and connectors.” Muraus also sees great potential for the FocusX in medical technology. Components such as screws and the associated surgical instruments can be fully measured using the Real3DUnitX. In general, the production of turned parts benefits enormously from the rotation and tilting options in measurement. In spring 2024, the MetMaX software update brought the feature “Round Tool Alignment” to the market, which will now also be available for the FocusX thanks to the rotation unit. The focus here is on the automated measurement of edge preparation.
Turn 3 into 5 – 5 axis for a 360° view
The FocusX has a travel range of 100x100x100 mm on the x, y and z axis. The Real3DUnitX, which drives the motorized rotation and tilting, gives the product two additional axis. Pierre Baumann, Product Manager of the Real3DUnitX at Bruker Alicona, on the advantages: “The FocusX was developed to integrate measurement directly into production. It is fast, precise and robust. The measurement volume is more than sufficient for most applications. However, the Real3DUnitX gives the system maximum versatility. In production, the digital twin of components is a decisive factor that enables exact planning, efficient use of resources and early detection of problems.”
The user benefit is obvious: the Real3DUnitX enables complete automation in the MetMaX operator software: all you have to do is click on the region of interest on the CAD and the software automatically knows how to rotate, tilt and move the sample to reach the point. This way, the FocusX measures exactly where the user wants it.
5 applications on 5 axis – the online event
Bruker Alicona is organizing an online event with the title “5 applications on 5 axis” to show how much potential there is in measuring with the rotation unit. Using five precision components, the application engineers will demonstrate not only what the rotation unit can do, but also how the user can benefit from it. The audience will be presented easy measurement of:
- A round tool with the new Round Tool Alignment
- Two different punched parts such as EloPins and connectors
- Two different screw profiles such as bone screws and hexagonal geometries
The dates for the respective languages can be found in the info box.
7 good reasons for the FocusX
The FocusX was launched in January with a set of 6 good reasons. And of course these are still justified.
- One device, Limitless Applications: FocusX is the most versatile measuring system in its class.
- One Click Roughness: Fast, easy and ISO-compliant roughness measurement – even without expert knowledge
- Speed in Focus: FocusX is the fastest measuring device on the market in its precision class.
- See every detail, measure every detail: No detail is too small for FocusX to display, inspect and measure in high resolution.
- The Answer to Miniaturization: FocusX embraces miniaturization and provides its best performance for small and high-precision parts.
- Unmatched value: FocusX delivers category-leading measurement performance in a smart package.
The Real3DUnitX adds another selling point here: FocusX as the ideal sparring partner for production with comprehensive quality assurance and the best automation features, true to the tagline “Access all Areas”.
Global export leader in measurement technology – the systems from Bruker Alicona
Since 2019, Alicona, the Austrian provider of industrial optical metrology, has been under the patronage of the American Bruker Group. Founded in 2001, the company develops, produces, and sells measurement systems worldwide from its headquarters in Raaba near Graz. Over 90 % are sold abroad. Based on the technology of Focus-Variation, Bruker Alicona closes a gap between classic coordinate measurement and surface metrology with its measuring systems.
INFO Online Event “5 applications on 5 axis”
