LDM is one of the first users of Keyence's new XM series 3D measuring machine. The French manufacturer of high-precision mechanical parts was impressed by the machine's ease of use and rapid implementation. Made available to operators on the shop floor, this solution delivers significant productivity gains. LDM has specialized since 1962 in the manufacture of high-precision mechanical parts in difficult materials for the aerospace industry. The company, based in Maule in the Yvelines region (78), manufactures the injector for Ariane 5's Vulcain engine. It produces prototype parts up to production runs of 1,000 units. With tolerances of just a few micrometers expected, inspection is as essential as it is crucial.
Alongside its fleet of some twenty machines, including a dozen three- to five-axis machining centers, LDM, which is EN9100 and ISO 9001 certified, has two three-dimensional measuring machines to carry out the checks essential for the manufacture of high-precision, quality parts. At the line's edge, operators use 2D measuring columns to validate machined parts. However, additional measurements are sometimes required on the quality control department's CMMs. " The measurement process on this type of equipment takes time, immobilizing the checking fixtures and creating bottlenecks. We were looking for a solution to this problem. We were considering the acquisition of a new small-capacity CMM for production when we were introduced to Keyence's XM measuring system. "explains Christophe Dion, President of LDM.
More compact and less expensive than a traditional CMM, Keyence's XM series 3D measuring machine combines a portable probe with a camera equipped with an infrared filter. The probe is equipped with a stylus and infrared emitters whose position is referenced by the XM's camera positioned above the screen, enabling measurements with an uncertainty of 8 µm. Unlike a measuring arm or a CMM, the hand probe is not linked to any mechanical element. This gives the operator great freedom of movement for the probe and for docking the stylus. You no longer need to be an expert metrologist to measure distances, angles, shapes, geometry, orientation, flatness, circularity and more. The operator places the part to be inspected on the machine table. On-screen, he selects the measurement he wishes to perform from a range of functions (features, geometric dimensions and tolerances), and a tutorial shows him which points to probe.
This ease of use brings three-dimensional measurement within everyone's reach. " Ever since I started working in the world of mechanical manufacturing, I've been dreaming of this kind of measuring system. "says Christophe Dion. " We were convinced from the very first presentation of the XM measuring system. We immediately realized its potential for our company. We were going to be able to make our inspection processes more flexible and faster. "continues Patrice Daras, Deputy Director of LDM.
In fact, around ten of LDM's thirty or so employees use the XM system installed in the workshop on a daily basis. " It's easy to use, with no need for training or measurement expertise. The operating mode, which combines a mobile console with a probe and HMI, is user-friendly and modern. An operator familiar with a measuring column and a PC will have no trouble getting to grips with it. "reports Christophe Dion.
In the workshop, each operator sets the XM system according to the part to be inspected. A visual aid and an integrated interpretation tool are displayed on the screen to help him carry out his measurement range. Measured data is recorded to ensure traceability. " In addition to its ease of use, the XM system can halve inspection times for certain parts. "says Christophe Dion. What's more, operators no longer have to wait for CMMs to be available to carry out the checks they need to continue the manufacturing process. " This leads to undeniable productivity gains "concludes Patrice Daras.
Learn more: www.keyence.fr/XMNEWS