Bruker Alicona: FocusX optical 3D measuring device receives upgrade
Bruker Alicona is upgrading the FocusX to five axes this year with the Real3DUnitX. The versatile 3D measuring device measures dimension, position, shape and surface roughness.
In January 2024, measurement technology manufacturer Bruker Alicona launched the FocusX, an innovative measuring device for quality assurance. The special feature is the Advanced Focus variation, which makes it possible to measure microgeometries and roughness even on smooth and even reflective surfaces with just one sensor. It is built into a compact device and can therefore be used for a wide range of applications directly in production. The product was already highly praised for its versatility when it was released. Now, just nine months later, the system has been given a further versatility upgrade.
The rotation and tilting units in measurement technology from Bruker Alicona
The rotation unit has been one of Bruker Alicona's most important USPs for many years. It enables 360° measurements by combining 3D data from different perspectives. This allows users to carry out comprehensive checks using the CAD files. The release of the rotation unit was announced back in January under the tagline "Access All Areas". Now the time has come: the first FocusX with five axes will be delivered to end customers in December 2024. In principle, it can be said that the Real3DUnitX is intended and useful for all samples whose geometry and surface properties need to be viewed holistically. At the market launch of the FocusX, Urban Muraus, Managing Director of Bruker Alicona, has already stoked anticipation for the corresponding applications: "The FocusX is a smart overall package that is given an enormous boost by the rotation unit. I can see lots of applications in the field of cutting tools, but the 3D view also supports comprehensive quality control in electronics. Here I'm talking about plugs, pins and plug contacts." Muraus also sees great potential for the FocusX in medical technology. Components such as screws and the associated surgical instruments can be fully measured using the rotation unit. In general, the production of turned parts benefits enormously from the rotation and tilting options in measurement. In spring 2024, the MetMaX software update brought Round Tool Alignment to the market, which will also be available for the FocusX thanks to the rotation unit. The focus here is on the automated measurement of edge rounding.
FocusX with five axes for a 360° view
The FocusX has a travel range of 100 x 100 x 100 mm on the x, y and z axes. The rotation unit, which drives the motorized turning and tilting, gives the product two additional axes. Pierre Baumann, Product Manager of the Real3DUnitX at Bruker Alicona, on the advantages: "The FocusX was developed to integrate measurement directly into production. It is fast, precise and robust. The measurement volume is more than sufficient for most applications. However, the Real3DUnitX gives the system maximum versatility. In production, the 3D representation of components is a decisive factor that enables precise planning, efficient use of resources and early detection of problems." The user benefit is obvious: the Real3DUnitX enables complete automation in the MetMaX operator software: all you have to do is click on the point to be measured on the CAD and the software automatically knows how to rotate, tilt and move the sample in order to reach the point. In this way, the FocusX measures exactly where the user wants it to.