The G-Scan's 6-axis arm and rotary laser scanner tackles inspection of a variety of parts and assemblies.
A special mounting system allows the G-Scan and a contact probe to work together on a portable arm.
A NEW INSPECTION SYSTEM COMBINES A PORTABLE CMM, A LASER scanner, and special software to measure a variety of parts, even large items like an automobile. The G-Scan also employs the first-ever rotary laser scanner, according to its manufacturer, Axila Inc., Farmington Hills, Mich.
The G-Scan mounts on a high-accuracy, 6-axis arm and includes its own rotary axis. This configuration ensures easy and accurate scanning, reports Axila. Another advantage to the system is that it quickly converts the company's 2000 or 2500-series portable CMMs into scanning arms.
When scanning a part, a shop often has to use contact probes and laser scanner at the same time — for example, to align on a part. Switching from one to the other takes time and can be tricky. Thanks to its special mounting, G-Scan and any contact probe can be used at the same time. In addition, the company's optional VPS electronicsensor grid lets shops scan large parts and assemblies with one or several G-Scans working together.
Repeatable positioning ensures G-Scan always keeps the same calibration. And there's no need to calibrate G-Scan each time it is installed — a huge timesaver.
G-Scan works on a traditional laptop for full portability, or on a desktop computer. It comes with G-Pad inspection-andreverseengineering software. G-Pad lets shops measure geometric features or align on a part and then switch to G-Scan to digitize the part under the appropriate reference.
The unit is compatible with Axila portable CMMs (Axila's portable arms range up to 12 ft in spherical volume) and some other articulated arms. In addition, the G-Scan has a maximum laser-beam length of 4 in. and measures up to 16,200 points/sec. During the scanning process, the system screen displays points in real time.
