Impact - bridging the gap between manual and CNC CMMs

Citation

(1998), "Impact - bridging the gap between manual and CNC CMMs", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 70 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1998.12770aab.015

Impact - bridging the gap between manual and CNC CMMs

Impact ­ bridging the gap between manual and CNC CMMs

With high accuracy, the latest Virtual-DMIS CAD integrated software disengageable drives, a very competitive pricing structure and class leading acceleration rates of 1.5 m/sec² to reach 30 m/min rapid traverse rate through its measuring volume, the IMS Impact co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM) is said by IMS to significantly be more productive than comparable CMMs.

The British developed and built Impact range bridges the price gap in the market between the manual and the high speed CNC machine. One of the major advantages claimed of the Impact development is that operators can switch directly between CNC and manual modes without having to re-boot the control system.

The transputer-based 32-bit control uses IMS Virtual -DMIS, the CAD integrated Windows 95/NT-based CMM software with fully certified algorithms. Virtual-DMIS was developed at the Los Angeles software laboratory of IMS using the recognized industry standard DMIS 3.0.

Impact claims class leading credentials of best accuracy, pricing, acceleration and top speed. Indeed, it is the high speed capability that contributes significantly to reduced measuring times and higher productivity. The Impact gives customers a choice of three colours: Pulsar Silver, Tahiti Blue and Moonraker Blue.

Measuring volumes are up to 750 mm by 750 mm by 550 mm with a table loading of 750 kg in Impact II versions and an accuracy of 2.5 + L/300.

Impact was developed following extensive market studies that revealed that many CMM users were particularly concerned over current pricing structures of CMMs, the low overall productivity of many machines, accuracy, reliability and shopfloor contamination.

We are informed that Impact has addressed these requests and has been constructed using proven industry standard high specification alloy for the bridge structure giving low mass and high thermal stability that is in tune with the working environment. All slideways and scales are protected to resist contamination from the shopfloor environment and the centre of gravity of the bridge structure is low within the measuring volume.

IMS Impact now available with Virtual DMIS CAD integrated software

A wide bearing spread further enhances mechanical stability with carbon fibre faced air bearings that avoid any pick-up and guarantee smooth operation.

DC servo motors are mounted directly onto threadless drive bars to lower cost and reduce assembly requirements. Within the design, the disengageable drives are de-activated by depressing a single control button on the quill to accommodate quick manual checking or scanning tasks.

Details from IMS (UK), DMIS-CMM Centre, Faraday Road, Dorcan, Swindon, Wiltshire SN3 5HQ. Tel: 01793 619580.