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Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division announced the introduction of full IP54 protection for its latest Absolute Arm models, as well as even more user-friendly features and compatibility with the HxGN SFx service | Asset Management.
From the highest precision probing with the Absolute Arm Compact to the high-productivity 3D laser scanning offered by the 7-axis Absolute Arm and The As1 Absolute Scanner, each new Absolute Arm model can meet the requirements of measurement and monitoring in the harshest environments.
Ip54 protection is a first for portable measuring arms and comes with another environmental improvement, namely the maximum working temperature of the system, which has been raised to 45°C. Combined with the Excellent Portability and Flexibility features of absolute Arm, these upgrades form a perfect system to meet the demands of hot and dusty environments. Metrological level inspection is increasingly present in these areas, and this on a global scale.
"In recent years, the location of our measuring arms has changed ," explains Anthony Vianna, Product Manager Portable Measuring Arms at Hexagon. Whereas in the past, most measuring arms were installed in a clean metrology room, today they are used in manufacturing workshops, foundries and near machining centers. That's why this upgrade to the Absolute Arm range is so important. We want our customers to be able to use it with confidence, among other things, in this type of environment. Another trend has been emerging in recent years. Absolute Arm is also of increasing interest to small companies that do not necessarily have large infrastructures, including an appropriate air conditioning system in the measuring areas. The world is constantly changing and new markets are emerging regularly. It is therefore important that we listen to these customers and make them relevant improvements. »
This upgrade goes hand in hand with the optimized features of the Absolute Arm's new wrist touchscreen and the RDS software that controls it. These changes are intended to further facilitate measurement processes on the ground by providing more functionality at the point of measurement and reducing the back and forth between the measuring arm and the control computer, whether to control the collected data or to adjust measurement profiles. The RDS platform now provides one-click diagnostics and updates for simple maintenance and support within Hexagon's renowned global service network.
Interfacing with the Hexagon HxGN SFx solution | Asset Management covers another aspect of the reliability and portability requirements for metrological systems, and further extends the scope of the new Absolute Arm range. With this service – a one-year subscription included as standard with all-new Absolute Arm – the portable measuring arms can be tracked and monitored remotely via a dedicated dashboard. Users can easily keep an overview of where their measuring arms are used and ensure that each one is up to date, properly calibrated and certified. They even receive alerts in case of shock or change of status.
"In recent years, we have seen metrological equipment manufacturers perform 'linear' upgrades to their products. For example, the accuracy of devices has been improved by a few microns, says Duncan Redgewell, president of the Metrology Systems unit at Hexagon. With the new Absolute Arm, we have integrated new features into the measurement arm that will allow customers to measure even better, faster and easier. »
On-site measurement with the Absolute Arm has become even simpler with these new models thanks to the optimized connectivity since the first launch of the current Hexagon generation. With the CP-W Wireless Pack – also with IP54 protection rating – each Absolute Arm performs high-speed measurements and scanning at any time, even with a wireless connection. Another feature that makes the Absolute Arm portable measuring arm perfect for non-traditional measurement applications, carried out outside the quality laboratory.
This high speed performance is particularly evident in the 3D scanning tasks performed with the Absolute Scanner AS1, on the market since 2021. Alongside the new Absolute Arm models, the AS1 scanner will also feature IP54 protection, whether used with a portable measuring arm or as a handheld or automated 3D scanner in combination with a laser tracker.
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www.hexagonmi.com
