News
Exciting Project to start 2012
Abco has just finished machining a stainless steel Auger for “Vettiger Vidler Engineers” in Toowoomba. Watching the Auger transform from a square Stainless Steel Bar to the Stainless Auger over the past couple of weeks has definitely turned heads of staff, visitors, and Sales Reps alike.
Machining the ends was the first operation done on our SNK 5 Axis Machine Centre this operation was completed before our Christmas break. Next operation was to rough out and finish the Auger, this was done on our Makino 5 Axis Machine Centre. All programming for the Auger was done on our CAD/CAM Software Unigraphics. This project shows the great skill, knowledge and experience of our Abco tradesman.
For further information or if you would like to come and inspect our CMM facilities please do not hesitate to contact us
Introducing ABCO’s latest machine
To keep up with our customers’ requirements Abco has purchased a Coordinate measuring machine (CMM) to add to Abco’s already high level of quality service.
Abco has had a purpose built temperature controlled room constructed to house our Feranti Merlin Mk 2. The CMM has been retrofitted with a new Renishaw control system(UCC2)with extensive machine error compensation software, new linear scales & reader heads and new motorised articulating probe head (allowing 720 orientations with 300mm probe extension).
Measuring Stroke 1400 mm x 2250 mm x 1000 mm Linear Accuracy : 3 + L/300 microns (eg. 6.3 microns/ 1000 mm) Volumetric Accuracy : 3 + L/250 (eg. 7 microns /1000 mm)
Rapid traverse Speed : 300 mm/s Acceleration 500 mm/s/s
As part of the Retrofit the machine was fitted with new control software (IMS Virtual Dmis version 6.5) which has advanced Cad measuring capability allowing parts to be measured directly from Cad Models (in the following formats: IGES, Step, Catia Ver.4 , Catia Ver. 5 up to rel 16, Unigraphics, Pro Engineer) The IMS software has been independently tested by NPL in England and PTB in Germany and has proven to be in the top 2 off all software available for CMMs.
Virtual DMIS fully links CAD component data with the CMM inspection process and provides a real time, on-line, truly integrated software applauded for its innovation. Virtual DMIS is the benchmark for functionality and CAD integration. Using the latest software development tools, and CAD and CMM industry standards, Virtual DMIS enables, without compromise, seamless collection, analysis, visualization and communication of quality data throughout the manufacturing environment, providing a full-service, software-focused approach to CMM control and Metrology based solutions.
Developed with the Dimensional Measurement Interface Standard (DMIS) as its' foundation, Virtual DMIS is engineered to fully utilize the power and capabilities of this measuring technology standard.
Why did Abco choose Virtual Dmis?
Abco focus is on Quality and by taking advantage of maturing technology that offers competitive performance. The Feranti Merlin Mk 2 with Virtual DMIS represents the ultimate inspection tool. Accommodating CAD integrated inspection, the revolutionary CMM software function of the future. With combined error-correction system, The Feranti Merlin Mk 2 accuracy is better than the original specifications. And, with built-in machine accuracy checking routines, including Ball Bar, Step Gauge, and the Renishaw Machine Checking Gauge, your CMM performance need never be in doubt. The software upgrade utilises the latest practical developments in measuring software to enhance our CMM's capabilities.
For further information or if you would like to come and inspect our CMM facilities please do not hesitate to contact us