Haimer USA (Villa Park, IL) offers an affordable digital 3D sensor called Zero Master to its line of three-dimensional edge finders. Incorporating technology that has become the standard throughout Europe, this gage enables anyone to accurately and easily measure and identify X,Y and Z workpiece dimensions.
The Zero Master has a 0.2000 in ball that is offset 0.1000 in on the digital read-out. The workpiece can be approached from any of three directions (X, Y, or Z). Once the gage reaches 0, the machine is resting directly over the edge of the workpiece. No calculations are needed ? the digital read-out of the machining center or EDM machine gives operators the true location of the workpiece.
"It's no longer is it necessary to lean into a machining center in order to measure or align a workpiece," explains Brendt Holden, president of Haimer USA. "All of the data is right in front of the operator for safe and easy use."
In addition, no calculations are necessary when finding an edge ? simply stop when the digital read-out of the Zero Master indicates 0. This eliminates calculating or problems with positive or negative signs. Common applications include:
? Finding the "zero-point" at which a machine-tool program begins,
? Measuring workpiece dimensions (length, width, depth of a slot, width of a slot, etc.) while the part is still mounted on the machining center,
? Tramming in the workpiece on a machine,
? Tramming in the fixture, vise or tombstone on a machine,
? Measuring the surface flatness of a workpiece, and
? Finding the center of a bore.
The digital display has large numbers that measure in increments of 0.0005 in. It can be read easily from a distance, even on large horizontal or vertical machining centers. The digital display is splash-proof and dust-proof and can be stored in a tool holder in the tool magazine of the machine tool. The extended overrun distance in connection with the proven preset breaking point of the probe give additional security, and makes it virtually impossible to destroy the gage itself through over-travel.
"The compact design works well in small working envelopes or when Z-axis travel is limited," Holden says. "A replaceable standard battery allows for years of use with one gage."
The Zero Master, Haimer says, reduces extra set-up costs, increases productivity on the shop floor and offers relief to operators through its ease of use and improvement on more traditional edge-finding. The entire gage is machined and assembled at Haimer's high-tech factory near Munich, Germany.
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