Gear Technology Magazine
www.geartechnology.com/articles/23799

Renishaw Offers CMM Retrofit Program

November 16, 2010

Renishaw is now offering certified coordinate measuring machine (CMM) retrofits to upgrade existing machines to state-of-the-art capabilities including REVO five-axis ultra-high-speed scanning. The comprehensive retrofit program applies to all brands of machines, including Hexagon and Zeiss, and ensures a future upgrade path with an all-Renishaw package of controller, software and probing system. The Renishaw Retrofit service enables manufacturers to raise CMM inspection throughput by factors of four, five and more, increase measurement automation, collect more data points for form measurement, and utilize open source software and future probing technology developments.  According to the company, this new technology includes surface finish measurement fully integrated within the automatic CMM inspection program.  Renishaw has increased its own retrofit staff and is establishing retrofit partners in North America to meet demand.

The new single-source service from the inventor and global leader in automated probing technologies gives CMM users performance beyond the capabilities of many new CMMs-yet at a fraction of a new machine investment, said Ben Taylor, Assistant Chief Executive at Renishaw. "The new retrofit program addresses critical manufacturing needs - faster throughput, greater process control and higher automation efficiencies while giving management an affordable means to improve competitiveness," he said. The program utilizes Renishaw's UCC2 universal CMM controller and new MODUS metrology software, along with the company's range of touch-trigger, scanning and five-axis sensors and proven, global service operations.

"While the REVO five-axis measuring system has been available on new Mitutoyo, Wenzel, Dukin and Metris CMMs, users of some other machines have not been able to take advantage of this game-changing technology," noted Taylor.  "We can now offer users of all brands of CMM a complete solution that features leading-edge technology in every respect, backed by the security of service and support direct from Renishaw."