The Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d'Essais is stepping up its investment policy, announcing a major agreement with Zeiss. LNE is expanding its know-how and resources in 3D dimensional metrology to meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of industry.
Since the emergence of 3D metrology, LNE's research activities have been helping manufacturers to implement and master these technologies. It also provides technical assistance and calibration services in its laboratories.
Today, with the acquisition of a Zeiss Accura coordinate measuring machine with adjustable measuring head at its Nîmes site, LNE has access to the latest generation of equipment, enabling it to carry out inspection services at an optimum level for manufacturers, in terms of both measurement uncertainties and the scope of measurable specifications. Many markets are concerned by these needs, such as the aerospace and medical sectors.
Thomas Grenon, General Manager, explains: " With this investment, we are consolidating our position of excellence in 3D measurement, thanks to the skills acquired by our employees over many years in both R&D and service provision. "
To meet the needs of the medical sector and anticipate the need for part inspection in the field of additive manufacturing, LNE has also invested in a Zeiss laser scanner head. It is now possible to scan complex-shaped parts to extract point clouds that can be used for CAD, for reconstruction (obtaining a CAD drawing from the part) or for dimensional control by comparing these point files with theoretical CAD.
As part of this development, LNE and Zeiss have signed a service and technical partnership agreement enabling LNE to benefit from special contact with Zeiss technical support. The agreement also provides for the organization of demonstrations for the manufacturer at the Nîmes site, as well as technical days on the theme of three-dimensional measurement. In addition, the technical partnership contract gives LNE early access to the new-generation sensors developed by Zeiss, as was the case for the Dotscan.
Eric Fargier, LNE Nîmes regional delegate, explains: " Our aim is to constantly develop and improve the measurements we carry out; this year we decided to invest in the Zeiss virtual machine option to be able to provide a measurement uncertainty on each measured quantity based on the calculation algorithms developed by the PTB. "
For Cyril Aujard, the manufacturer's industrial metrology manager: " Zeiss files more than one patent every working day, and we've been a powerhouse of innovation for over 160 years. It is always a great honor for Zeiss, as a supplier of 3D measurement solutions, to be associated with LNE teams on large-scale, high-quality projects. It is through the expression and analysis of their needs that together we can progress and find new solutions in three-dimensional measurement. "
Learn more: www.lne.fr