A position encoder apparatus comprising a scale and a readhead comprising at least one scale-signal sensor configured to detect a scale signal from which at least one position signal indicative of the relative position of the scale and readhead along the scale's measuring direction is generated and output, in which the encoder apparatus is configured to compensate for a change in the relative pitch of the readhead and scale so as to reduce pitch-induced position-displacement error in the at least one position signal.
G01D 5/244 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means generating pulses or pulse trains
G01D 5/38 - Forming the light into pulses by diffraction gratings
A measurement strut for measuring a separation between two relatively moveable support members of a machine (for example, a robot arm). The strut is removably couplable between the two support members and is adapted to become at least partially decoupled from at least one of the support members when a compressive force developed in the strut by relative movement of the support members is greater than a predetermined threshold. By becoming at least partially decoupled from at least one of the support members, at least some of any excess relative movement of the support members towards each other can be absorbed, thereby helping to prevent damage being caused to the strut by attempting to compress the strut beyond its minimum range of travel.
G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points
G01B 21/16 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects
Encoder module and method of setting up an encoder module An encoder module (100) for mounting onto a machine so as to measure relative displacement of first and second parts of the machine and a method of setting up an encoder module. The encoder module comprising, a scale (202), a readhead (300) comprising a guided scale signal receiver (304) coupled to a mount (302). The encoder module (100) is configured to determine and output information indicative of the relative positional relationship (d, d1, d2) between the mount (302) and the guided scale signal receiver (304).
G01D 5/244 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means generating pulses or pulse trains
A method of determining the time delay between echoes of an ultrasound pulse emitted by an ultrasound inspection device into an object, the method including: with the ultrasound probe in engagement with a front-wall feature of the object such that the ultrasound inspection device's ultrasound axis is arranged at an angle relative to the nominal surface normal of the front-wall feature, taking an ultrasound measurement which includes the ultrasound inspection device emitting an ultrasound pulse and recording echoes thereof; and determining the time delay between echoes of the pulse via a time delay determination process which adjusts the time delay calculation based on the angle of the ultrasound inspection device's ultrasound axis with respect to the nominal surface normal of the front-wall feature.
G01N 29/32 - Arrangements for suppressing undesired influences, e.g. temperature or pressure variations
G01N 29/07 - Analysing solids by measuring propagation velocity or propagation time of acoustic waves
G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object - Details
G01N 29/34 - Generating the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
A method for determining information about a step in the depth of an object, between relatively shallow and deep portions of the object, as measured by an ultrasound inspection device taking ultrasound echo measurements from a front surface of the object, the method comprising: taking a set of ultrasound echo measurement data that extends across the step in the depth of the object and using, from therewithin, ultrasound step-echo measurement data which was created by the step in the depth of the object to determine information about the step in the depth of the object.
A method of determining the time delay between echoes of an ultrasound pulse emitted by an ultrasound inspection device into an object, the method including: with the ultrasound inspection device in engagement with a front-wall feature of an object at a point to be measured, taking an ultrasound measurement, which includes the ultrasound inspection device emitting an ultrasound pulse and recording an ultrasound measurement signal including a front-wall echo and at least one interface echo reflected by an internal or back-wall feature of the object; and determining the time delay between the front-wall echo and the at least one interface echo via autocorrelation of at least a segment of the ultrasound measurement signal which comprises the front-wall echo and the at least one interface echo.
A method of operating a machine tool apparatus, including: causing a tool mounted on the machine tool apparatus to work on a workpiece, during the working of the workpiece by the tool, at least one sensor monitoring the tool, machine tool apparatus and/or workpiece, for one or more signals indicative of the condition of the tool; and using the output of the one or more sensors to automatically configure when and/or how the tool and/or workpiece is inspected by at least one inspection device, the output of which is used to determine whether or not to keep using the tool.
B23Q 17/09 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools for indicating or measuring cutting pressure or cutting-tool condition, e.g. cutting ability, load on tool
G05B 19/4065 - Monitoring tool breakage, life or condition
An encoder apparatus including a reflective scale and a readhead. The readhead includes at least one light emitting element, at least one sensor and at least one optical device, which together with the scale form an optical system in which the optical device forms an image of an illuminated region of the reflective scale onto the sensor. The system's optical path, from the light emitting element to the sensor, passes through the optical device on its way toward and after reflection from the scale. and includes an unreflected optical path between the light emitting element and the optical device and an unreflected optical path between the optical device and the sensor.
G01D 5/347 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells using displacement encoding scales
G01B 11/04 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness specially adapted for measuring length or width of objects while moving
A positioning apparatus including a support extending in a first direction, and a beam extending in a second direction. The beam movably mounted to the support so as to be movable in the first direction and exerts a load on the support. The support includes a profile which when the beam exerts the load thereon the profile of the support is deformed such that the beam is maintained at a substantially constant orientation for all locations of the beam along the support.
G01B 5/008 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring coordinates of points using coordinate measuring machines
F16M 13/02 - Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
A coordinate positioning machine includes a plurality of drive axes, each being a rotary or linear drive axis, for positioning a platform within a working volume of the machine, and a separate linear counterbalance axis for counterbalancing the platform. With this arrangement the counterbalance axis can be substantially invariant to changes in orientation of the drive axes and can be counterbalanced by a simple counterweight. Also, an arrangement wherein the counterbalance axes and force generator are arranged so horizontal movement of the platform causes substantially no net movement of and/or no work to be done on the generator. Also, an arrangement wherein a series of counterbalance axes has at least one rotary counterbalance axis, and the generator is arranged behind or at a predetermined distance from the counterbalance axis. Also, an arrangement having a series of counterbalance axes with at most one rotary counterbalance axis between the generator and ground.
G01B 5/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
B23Q 17/22 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools for indicating or measuring existing or desired position of tool or work
G01B 5/008 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring coordinates of points using coordinate measuring machines
A coupling arrangement (30) is provided for coupling a measurement device (14) to a coordinate positioning machine (1), wherein the coupling arrangement (30) is adapted to provide over-travel protection for the measurement device (14) when the measurement device (14) is moved relative to the coupling arrangement (30) towards an interface (37) therebetween. The coupling arrangement (30) is advantageously adapted to provide over- travel protection by causing the measurement device (14) to become at least partially decoupled from the machine (1). The coupling arrangement (30) is advantageously adapted such that the measurement device (14) remains partially coupled to the machine (1) when in an over-travel state.
A position measurement encoder including a scale and a readhead, the readhead including a sensor for sensing the scale, the sensor including a one-dimensional array of columnar pixels, configured such that the one-dimensional array of columnar pixels is divided into a plurality of rows wherein each columnar pixel has at least one individual sensing section in each row arranged to contribute to the columnar pixel's output. Each row is individually activatable so that which one or more of the individual sensing sections in the columnar pixels contribute to each columnar pixel's output can be selectively chosen and changed on a row-by-row basis.
G01D 5/347 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells using displacement encoding scales
This invention concerns a laser solidification apparatus for building objects by layerwise solidification of powder material. The apparatus including a build chamber containing a build platform, a device for depositing layers of powder material on to the build platform, an optical unit for directing a laser beam to selectively solidify areas of each powder layer and a spectrometer for detecting characteristic radiation emitted by plasma formed during solidification of the powder by the laser beam. The invention also relates to a spectrometer for detecting characteristic radiation generated by interaction of the metal with the or a further laser beam. The spectra recorded using the spectrometer may be used for feedback control during the solidification process.
G01N 21/27 - Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
B22F 10/00 - Additive manufacturing of workpieces or articles from metallic powder
B22F 10/28 - Powder bed fusion, e.g. selective laser melting [SLM] or electron beam melting [EBM]
B22F 10/31 - Calibration of process steps or apparatus settings, e.g. before or during manufacturing
B22F 10/36 - Process control of energy beam parameters
B22F 10/366 - Scanning parameters, e.g. hatch distance or scanning strategy
B22F 10/368 - Temperature or temperature gradient, e.g. temperature of the melt pool
B22F 12/41 - Radiation means characterised by the type, e.g. laser or electron beam
B22F 12/44 - Radiation means characterised by the configuration of the radiation means
B22F 12/90 - Means for process control, e.g. cameras or sensors
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
B29C 64/268 - Arrangements for irradiation using electron beams [EB]
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
14.
MAPPING OF SENSOR ERROR DATA FROM A COORDINATE POSITIONING MACHINE
A method of generating a spatial map of sensor error data from a coordinate positioning machine including: receiving measurement data collected by measuring or tracking an artefact as it is moved by the machine along at least one machine axis; deriving error data by comparing the received measurement data with expected or ideal values for the measurement data; and generating a spatial error map from the error data, with each cell including an error representation derived from multiple sources of error within the error data.
G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points
An articulated head for facilitating reorientation of a mounted tool, including: a first member for mounting the head on a positioning apparatus; a second member coupled to the first so its orientation relative thereto about a first axis can be changed between, and locked at predefined orientations, the members can be unlocked by separating the members along the first axis for reorientation of the second member about the first axis; a third member coupled to the second so its orientation relative thereto about a second axis can be changed between, and locked at predefined orientations, the second and third members can be unlocked by separating the members along the second axis for reorientation of the third member about the second axis, the first and second axes are not parallel; and a powered mechanism independently controlling separation of the first and second and the second and third members.
G01B 5/008 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring coordinates of points using coordinate measuring machines
An encoder readhead for reading an encoder scale is described. The encoder readhead includes a detector, such as a one-dimensional optical imaging array, having a plurality of sensor elements (302) that generate a plurality of analogue sensor signals. A digitiser is provided for converting the plurality of analogue sensor signals into digitised sensor values and an incremental position generator (308) is configured to receive the digitised sensor values and to generate therefrom an incremental position output (310). The digitiser comprises a plurality of analogue-to-digital convertors (304) and the incremental position generator receives a plurality of the digitised sensor values from the plurality of analogue- to-digital convertors (304) in parallel. The plurality of analogue-to-digital convertors (304) and the incremental position generator (308) may both be provided on a first microchip (300). An absolute position generator (402) may be provided on a second microchip (400) to generate an absolute position output from the digitised sensor values. The encoder allows faster calculation of position and hence improved measurement accuracy.
G01D 5/347 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells using displacement encoding scales
G01D 5/245 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means generating pulses or pulse trains using a variable number of pulses in a train
G01D 5/249 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means generating pulses or pulse trains using pulse code
A method of calibrating a coordinate positioning machine is described. The machine is controlled into a pivot pose in which a target point associated with a moveable part of the machine and a pivot point associated with a fixed part of the machine are separated from one another by a known separation. An error value for that pose is determined based on the known separation and a separation expected for that pose from the existing model parameters of the machine. The machine is controlled into a plurality of different target poses, and for each target pose a separation between the target point and the pivot point is measured and an error value for that pose is determined based on the measured separation and a separation expected for that pose from the existing model parameters.
G05B 19/402 - Numerical control (NC), i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control arrangements for positioning, e.g. centring a tool relative to a hole in the workpiece, additional detection means to correct position
A Raman spectroscopy apparatus comprising an optical input (16); an optic selector (32),(33) arranged to selectively locate a pair of optics (30a), 34a selected from a set of different pairs such that the pair of optics (30a), (30b), (30c), (30d); (34a), (34b), (34c), (34d) disperses incoming light received by the optical input (16) into a spectrum; and a photodetector (24) arranged to detect the spectrum. Selecting a different pair of optics (30a), (30b), (30c), (30d); (34a), (34b), (34c), (34d) from the set changes the spectrum detectable by the photodetector (24).
A wireless measurement probe (104) for use on a machine tool is described The probe includes a carrier element (142) comprising an emitter or receiver of radiation (140) and a probe body (110) that encloses the carrier element (142). The probe body (110) includes a window (130) that is substantially transparent to the emitted or received radiation. The carrier element (142) is engaged with or affixed to the window (130) such that the emitter or receiver of radiation (140) is maintained in a substantially invariant location relative to the window (130). The probe may include a gas permeable window (130) and batteries (190). The probe may be a touch trigger probe (104) mountable to a machine tool.
G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points
G01B 5/008 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring coordinates of points using coordinate measuring machines
G01B 7/008 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring coordinates of points using coordinate measuring machines
G01B 11/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques
A machine tool accessory (40), such as a measurement probe, for attachment to a machine tool shank (20) is described. The accessory comprises a housing (42) 5 having a connector portion (44) that enables the housing (42) to be secured to a machine tool shank (20). The connector portion (44) comprises a surface (48; 81) having one or more raised contact faces (50,52; 82, 84) for engaging with a substantially flat surface (28) of the machine tool shank (20). In one example, the first and second raised contact faces (50,52; 82, 84) are provided in the form of 10 concentric annuli.
An apparatus including an encoder scale disc and a mount, the encoder scale disc including radially and/or tangentially resilient features located radially outwards of a scale configured to interact with the mount so as to locate the scale disc on the mount. The encoder scale disc may include radially resilient features which may deviate radially from the disc. A method of manufacturing an apparatus including an encoder scale disc, including mounting a disc including radially resilient features to a device, wherein the radially resilient features of the disc interact with the device to place the disc in radial compression, mounting the disc on an apparatus, wherein mounting features on the device and the apparatus interact in the same manner to place the disc in radial compression.
G01D 5/244 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means generating pulses or pulse trains
G01D 5/347 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells using displacement encoding scales
A method for removing noise from spectral data recorded using a spectrometer. The method includes normalising spectral data to generate normalised spectral data and applying a machine learning model to the normalised spectral data. The machine learning model is trained to remove noise from spectral data using normalised training data, wherein the spectral data is normalised based on a different scaling to the normalisation of the training data.
G01N 21/27 - Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
A rotary encoder apparatus comprising: i) a scale member on which is provided at least one curved scale track that is centred on and extends at least partially annularly around a scale-track axis, the at least one curved scale track comprising substantially radially-extending scale features; and ii) a scale reading apparatus configured to obtain readings of the substantially radially-extending scale features, at first and second radially-offset locations. In use the scale reading apparatus and the scale member are configured to rotate relative to each other about an axis of rotation which is substantially parallel to the scale-track axis. The rotary encoder apparatus is configured to use the readings of the scale member's radially- extending scale features obtained at both the first and second radially-offset locations to determine, at least one of: a) information about the arrangement of the scale reading apparatus and/or the scale member other than, or in addition to, information about their relative rotational arrangement about the axis of rotation; and b) a compensated measurement of the relative position of the scale reading apparatus and the disc scale member about the axis of rotation, wherein said compensated measurement is compensated for position errors about said axis of rotation caused by a change in the relative arrangement of said scale reading apparatus and the scale member other than, or in addition to, a change in their relative rotational arrangement about the axis of rotation.
G01D 5/244 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means generating pulses or pulse trains
A method is disclosed of calibrating or otherwise characterising a coordinate positioning machine (1) having a first member (3) that is moveable relative to a second member (2). One or more length-measuring devices (51) is/are coupled in a plurality of different configurations between at least one support (34) mounted on the first member (3) and a plurality of supports (24) mounted on the second member (2) via a base plate 22. For each of the plurality of different configurations, the machine (1) is controlled to move the first member relative to the second member to collect calibration data. The geometry of the machine (1) is characterised by a set of model parameters, and the calibration data are used to determine a better estimate for at least one of the model parameters.
G01B 5/008 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring coordinates of points using coordinate measuring machines
G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points
G05B 19/18 - Numerical control (NC), i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form
G05B 19/401 - Numerical control (NC), i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control arrangements for measuring, e.g. calibration and initialisation, measuring workpiece for machining purposes
A metrology apparatus including an articulated joint having: first and second bodies which can be locked together in a plurality of different angular orientations about a first axis; the first body including a prop which is actuatable by a motor between a retracted configuration at which the first and second bodies are in their locked state, and an extended configuration at which the first and second bodies are held apart by the prop along the first axis such that the first and second bodies are unlocked thereby permitting relative rotation of the first and second bodies, the prop and the second body being magnetically biased toward each other so as to magnetically retain the first and second bodies; and further including at least one supplemental bias member configured to bias the prop towards its retracted configuration.
G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points
G01D 11/30 - Supports specially adapted for an instrument; Supports specially adapted for a set of instruments
A position measurement encoder apparatus, comprising: a scale comprising a series of features which are readable by a readhead so as to determine a relative position of the scale and the readhead, and which diffract light into multiple diffraction orders; a readhead comprising a light source for illuminating the scale, and at least a first sensor configured to detect a signal produced thereat by one or more diffraction orders produced by the scale; wherein the readhead further comprises a diffraction order encoder which encodes at least one diffraction order with a different optical state to that of at least one other diffraction order.
G01D 5/34 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells
G01D 5/38 - Forming the light into pulses by diffraction gratings
G03F 7/00 - Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printed surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
A position measurement encoder apparatus comprising: a scale comprising a series of position features which are readable by a readhead; and a readhead comprising: a polarised light source for emitting polarised light toward the scale; a first sensor configured to sense light filtered along a first polarisation axis, the first sensor being arranged to sense light from the polarised light source that has interacted with the scale; and a polarisation manipulator, located in the optical path between the polarised light source and the first sensor, configured such that regardless of the polarisation state of the light emitted from the polarised light source, light that leaves the polarisation manipulator toward the first sensor will have a polarisation state which is at least partially resolvable along the first polarisation axis.
G01D 5/34 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells
G01D 5/38 - Forming the light into pulses by diffraction gratings
G03F 7/00 - Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printed surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
A position encoder readhead for reading a scale member, the readhead comprising: a primary sensor comprising a substantially continuous array of primary sensor elements for detecting a primary scale signal falling thereon, said array extending along a measuring dimension, the primary sensor configured to output a signal that is dependent on the relative position of the readhead and a scale along the measuring dimension; a secondary sensor comprising at least a first secondary sensor element positioned along the measuring dimension at a location between the ends of the primary sensor, for detecting a secondary scale signal falling thereon; configured such that: i) the influence of the primary sensor elements on the position signal output by the primary sensor varies along the measuring dimension, according to a multimodal distribution that tapers toward its ends; and ii) a first notional line can be identified that extends parallel to the measuring dimension and that passes through the at least first secondary sensor element and, on either side of the at least first secondary sensor element, passes through at least one primary sensor element.
G01D 5/34 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells
G01D 5/38 - Forming the light into pulses by diffraction gratings
G03F 7/00 - Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printed surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
A position measurement encoder apparatus comprising: a scale comprising a series of position features which are readable by a readhead, the series extending along a measuring dimension; a readhead comprising: a polarised light source for emitting polarised light toward the scale; a sensor configured to detect an optical signal from the scale's position features which can be used to determine the relative position of the scale and readhead along the measuring dimension; and a polarisation manipulator, located in the optical path between the polarised light source and the sensor, configured such that regardless of the predominant input polarisation orientation of the footprint of polarised light received by the polarisation manipulator, the degree of polarisation of the light output from the polarisation manipulator is less than that of the polarised light received by the polarisation manipulator.
G01D 5/34 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells
G01D 5/38 - Forming the light into pulses by diffraction gratings
G03F 7/00 - Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printed surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
A position measurement encoder apparatus, comprising: a scale comprising a series of features which are readable by a readhead so as to determine a relative position of the scale and the readhead, and which diffract light into multiple diffraction orders; a readhead comprising a light source for illuminating the scale, a first sensor, and a second sensor; wherein at least one diffraction order has an optical state different to that of at least one other diffraction order, and configured such that, by way of the optical state of the diffraction orders, a signal sensed by the first sensor is formed from a diffraction order composition that is different to that of a signal sensed by the second sensor.
G01D 5/34 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells
G01D 5/38 - Forming the light into pulses by diffraction gratings
G03F 7/00 - Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printed surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
A powder bed fusion method comprising scanning a laser beam across a powder bed to melt powder of the powder bed at selected locations, the laser beam scanned along a scan path comprising a series of offset loops.
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
A motorised measurement arm apparatus for a machine tool includes a base for attachment to the machine tool and an arm member extending from the base for holding one or more sensors. The arm member is moveable relative to the base between a stowed position and an operative position, the operative position being defined by engagement of a mechanical stop arrangement. The apparatus also has a motor for moving the arm member relative to the base and a motor controller for energising the motor to move the arm member relative to the base. The motor controller is configured to energise the motor when the arm member is in the operative position to maintain engagement of the mechanical stop arrangement. An operative position having improved repeatability is thus obtained.
B23Q 17/22 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools for indicating or measuring existing or desired position of tool or work
B23Q 17/09 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools for indicating or measuring cutting pressure or cutting-tool condition, e.g. cutting ability, load on tool
A neurosurgical kit includes a catheter and a guide tube. The catheter includes a distal section of tubing having a distal end with a port or ports for delivering fluid to a target site within the brain. The distal section of tubing has an outer diameter that is smaller than an internal diameter of the guide tube. The catheter and guide tube are arranged such that, when the catheter is inserted into the guide tube to locate the port or ports at the target site, a recess is provided in a distal end section of the guide tube between the guide tube and the distal section of tubing of the catheter.
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
A61B 90/10 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges for stereotaxic surgery, e.g. frame-based stereotaxis
A61B 90/11 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges for stereotaxic surgery, e.g. frame-based stereotaxis with guides for needles or instruments, e.g. arcuate slides or ball joints
A frequency hopping radio communications system includes a measurement station having a first clock and an interface station having a second clock. The measurement station transmits measurement information from a measurement event. The measurement information includes timing information relating the measurement event to the first clock. The interface station receives the measurement information and generates a measurement output including timing information relative to the second clock. One of the first and second clocks is designated as a master clock and a periodic clock adjustment of the other is performed to maintain synchronisation with the designated master clock. The timing information of the measurement output generated by the interface station takes into account any of the periodic clock adjustments that are applied between the occurrence of the measurement event and the generation of the measurement output. In this manner, jitter is reduced and metrology performance is improved.
A frequency hopping radio communications module includes a clock and a memory for storing a hopping pattern. The communications module is switchable between first, second, and third modes. The first and second modes respectively transmit and/or receive data using a series of frames having first and second frame times. The first frame time is equal to, or an integer multiple of, the base time interval. The second frame time is an integer multiple of the first frame time. Operation in the third mode includes transmitting and/or receiving data using a series of frames having a third frame time, the third frame time being an integer multiple of the second frame time. Each successive base time interval is associated with a successive frequency channel of the hopping pattern sequence and each frame uses the frequency channel associated with the base time interval that occurs at the start of that frame.
H04B 1/7156 - Arrangements for sequence synchronisation
G01B 5/008 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring coordinates of points using coordinate measuring machines
36.
RADIO COMMUNICATIONS APPARATUS FOR A MEASUREMENT SYSTEM
A frequency hopping radio communications module for a measurement system, including a measurement probe and an interface for a machine tool. The communications module is configured to transmit and/or receive radio signals using at least ten frequency channels and can operate in at least a metrology mode for communicating measurement data and a standby mode. Operation in the standby mode includes hopping between fewer frequency channels than operation in the metrology mode. In particular, operation in standby mode includes hopping between three of the at least ten frequency channels in accordance with a second hopping pattern, the three frequency channels being from different thirds of the frequency band. This allows faster frequency hopping synchronisation to be achieved and improves battery life.
An industrial manufacturing system is described that comprises multiple machine tools (50a-50d; 102) and one or more measurement probes (54a-54d; 120) for mounting on the machine tools (50a-50d; 102). The system includes an industrial communications network (100) that is interfaced to the machine tool controller (52a-52d; 118) of each machine tool (50a-50d; 102) and a cellular radio network (60; 106) having a plurality of cellular base stations (62a-62c; 110) for wireless communication with a radio transceiver of each measurement probe (54a-54d; 120). A cellular locating unit (66; 108) is provided for calculating a cellular location of the radio transceiver of each measurement probe (54a-54d; 120) and a measurement control unit (70; 122) uses the calculated cellular location of each measurement probe (54a-54d; 120) to determine which machine tool (50a-50d; 102) that measurement probe (54a-54d; 120) is mounted on. The measurement control unit (70; 122) thus enables the measurement data from each measurement probe (54a-54d; 120) to be used with corresponding machine position data from the machine tool (50a-50d; 102) on which it is mounted. A method of operation of such an industrial manufacturing system is also described.
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control (DNC), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), integrated manufacturing systems (IMS), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
A metrology apparatus includes an indexed articulated joint including: first and second relatively reorientable bodies, respectively having mutually engageable engagement elements, which can be locked together in different angular orientations about a first axis to provide a plurality of angularly indexed positions of the bodies; at least one verification sensor configured to provide a measure of the relative spatial configuration of bodies when in their locked state; and wherein the apparatus is configured such that when the bodies lock together at an indexed position, the sensor measures the relative spatial configuration of the bodies, and wherein information obtained from the measure is compared to calibration information obtained from at least one other measure of the relative spatial configuration of the bodies when the bodies were locked at said indexed position at an earlier point in time, in order to establish information about the state of engagement of the bodies.
G01B 5/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures
G01B 11/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques
G01B 11/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures
G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points
A method of communicating information to a measurement probe mounted on a coordinate positioning machine includes encoding the information as one or more of a plurality of characteristic movements of the probe, controlling the machine to impart the movement(s) to the probe, detecting the movement(s) at the probe, and decoding the information at the probe from the detected movement(s). A measurement probe for use in such a method is mountable to the machine and includes at least one movement sensor for sensing movement imparted to the measurement probe by the machine, and a controller for determining whether the sensed movement includes one or more of the plurality of characteristic movements of the probe and for performing an operation at or controlling operation of the probe in dependence on the determination.
G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points
G01B 5/008 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring coordinates of points using coordinate measuring machines
A method of determining any offset between: a scale axis of a disc scale member having a planar surface on which is provided a series of scale features defining a scale that extends and is centred around the scale axis, the scale axis extending normal to the planar surface; and the axis of rotation of a machine part on which the disc scale member is mounted, wherein the axis of rotation and the scale axis of the disc scale member are substantially parallel. The method includes: determining any offset between the scale axis and the axis of rotation via inspection of an axially-extending surface provided with the disc scale member.
G01D 5/347 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells using displacement encoding scales
A method of mounting rotary scale member on machine part includes: locating rotary scale member on machine part such that scale axis and axis of rotation are substantially parallel, and subsequently arranging at least a first radial adjustment device to contact both machine part and rotary scale member, and manipulating the at least first radial adjustment device to radially displace body of rotary scale member. At least the majority of any radial reaction force, generated as a result of the interaction of at least one of the flexures with a radial stop member against which it is radially pressed, and which is imparted on the at least first radial adjustment device by rotary scale member in opposition to the radial displacement of the rotary scale member, is directed into, and reacted by, the machine part via the contact between the at least first radial adjustment device and the machine part.
G01D 5/244 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means generating pulses or pulse trains
G01D 5/347 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells using displacement encoding scales
A selective solidification apparatus includes a build chamber, a build platform lowerable in the build chamber, a wiper for spreading powder material across the build platform to form successive powder layers of a powder bed, an energy beam unit for generating an energy beam for consolidating the powder material, a scanner for directing and focussing the energy beam onto each powder layer and a processor for controlling the scanner. The processor is arranged to control the scanner to scan the energy beam across the powder bed to consolidate powder material either side of the wiper when the wiper is moving across the powder bed and to scan the energy beam across at least one of the powder layers during two or more strokes of the wiper across the powder bed.
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
B22F 10/00 - Additive manufacturing of workpieces or articles from metallic powder
B22F 10/28 - Powder bed fusion, e.g. selective laser melting [SLM] or electron beam melting [EBM]
B22F 10/366 - Scanning parameters, e.g. hatch distance or scanning strategy
A readhead (4) is described that can read an encoder scale (6;50) having a series of scale markings (10; 52) arranged in a generally periodic pattern and embedded scale features (10) that encode absolute position information. The readhead (4) includes an image sensor (20) for capturing a snapshot image of a portion of the encoder scale and a position analyser (24) for determining a position (P) of the readhead (4) relative to the encoder scale (6;50) from the captured snapshot image. An absolute position extractor (92) extracts absolute position information (A) from the embedded scale features present in the snapshot image. An incremental position extractor (94) generates a global phase value (Φ) describing incremental position by analysis of the generally periodic pattern of scale markings (10;52) present in the snapshot image. The incremental position extractor (94) is configured to apply an error correction when calculating the global phase value (Φ) to account for variations in the contribution to the calculated global phase value (Φ) from different sensor elements of the image sensor (20). Encoder apparatus comprising a combination of the readhead (4) and the associated encoder scale (6;50) is also described.
G01D 5/244 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means generating pulses or pulse trains
G01D 5/245 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means generating pulses or pulse trains using a variable number of pulses in a train
G01D 5/347 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells using displacement encoding scales
A method of aligning the positioning of laser beams in a laser powder bed fusion apparatus. The laser powder bed fusion apparatus comprises a plurality of scanners (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d), each scanner for directing a corresponding laser beam (118a, 118b, 118c, 118d) to different positions on a powder bed (104), an isotropic position sensitive detector (123a, 123b, 123c, 123d) arranged to detect electromagnetic radiation (160) arising from interaction of the laser beams with the powder bed and a movable optical component (121a, 121b, 121c, 121d) for moving a field of view (150c) of the isotropic position sensitive detector to different positions on the powder bed (104). The method comprises positioning the movable optical component (121a, 121b, 121c, 121d) and/or a first scanner of the plurality of scanners (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d) such that a first point irradiated by a first laser beam of the first scanner is within the field of view (150c) of the isotropic position sensitive detector (123a, 123b, 123c, 123d) and recording a first position of an image on the isotropic position sensitive detector (123a, 123b, 123c, 123d) generated during irradiation of the first point by the first laser beam. The method further comprises positioning the movable optical component (121a, 121b, 121c, 121d) and/or a second scanner of the plurality of scanners (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d) such that a second point irradiated by a second laser beam of the second scanner is within the field of view (150c) of the isotropic position sensitive detector (123a, 123b, 123c, 123d) and recording a second position of an image on the isotropic position sensitive detector (123a, 123b, 123c, 123d) generated during irradiation of the second point by the second laser beam. The method further comprises determining an adjustment to be made to positioning of at least one of the plurality of scanners (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d) based on the first and second positions compared to an expected positioning.
An apparatus comprising first and second relatively reorientable members and an indexer arrangement which is configured to provide a plurality of angularly indexed lockable positions of the first and second members about a first axis. The indexer arrangement comprises: i) a series of features provided on the first member, said series of features extending annularly around the first axis; and ii) at at least three discrete annularly-spaced locations on the second member, an engagement feature is provided which is configured to intermesh with a subset of said features on the first member when in the locked state thereby providing, at each indexed position, a stable, repeatable relative rest position of the first and second members. The apparatus further comprises at least a first non-contact sensor mounted to the second member, the non-contact sensor being configured to sense a region on the first member and thereby provide a signal dependent on the spatial configuration of the first and second members when in their locked state.
G01B 5/008 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring coordinates of points using coordinate measuring machines
G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points
A scale arrangement for a measurement encoder, the scale arrangement comprising a scale (202) and a thermal displacement relief structure (212). The thermal displacement relief structure (212) comprising an intermediate member (206) and a first thermal displacement relief layer (204) for attaching the scale (202) to the intermediate member (206). The coefficients of thermal expansion of the intermediate member (206) and the scale (202) conform to the following: -3 × 10-6K-1≤ CTE(intermediate member) − CTE(scale) ≤ 6 × 10-6K-1.
G01D 5/244 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means generating pulses or pulse trains
G01D 5/347 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells using displacement encoding scales
47.
LASER POWDER BED FUSION ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING METHODS
A laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing method including performing laser melting of layers of a powder bed of steel powder in a protective atmosphere including nitrogen, wherein a temperature of the powder bed is below 220° C. A composition of the steel powder may include, by weight: 3% to 7% Cr, 2-5% Mo, 0.2% to 0.7% V, max 0.7% Si, max 1% Mn, max 1.5% C, and a balance of Fe.
A method produces a workpiece including molybdenum, or tungsten, or chromium, or molybdenum alloy, or tungsten alloy, or chromium alloy by selective consolidation of successive layers of powder by an energy beam. The method includes performing the selective consolidation of the powder layer in a protective atmosphere including nitrogen.
A method of determining an offset of a feature (16) associated with a tool (10) is described, where the offset is defined relative to a first part (3) of a machine (1) to which the tool (10) is coupled. The method is characterised by determining the offset from: (a) values for the position and orientation of the first part (3) relative to a second part (2) of the machine (1) for each of a plurality of sensed states in each of which the feature (16) is in a sensed position; and (b) information relating to where the sensed positions are relative to one another. A particularly beneficial example is disclosed in which the method is used to determine the tool centre point (16) of a measurement probe (10) supported on a robot arm (1) using an artefact (20) placed in the working volume of the robot arm (1).
A method is disclosed of recovering a master calibration state of a coordinate positioning machine (1) having a first member (3) that is moveable relative to a second member (2), wherein the geometry of the machine (1) is characterised by a set of model parameters. The machine (1) is controlled to make point contact between multiple reference surfaces (22, 24) of a tool (20) mounted on the first member (3) and multiple reference surfaces (14, 16) of an artefact (10) mounted on the second member (2). The separations between these contacting surfaces (14, 16; 22, 24) that would be expected from the current model parameters are determined, and these separations are recorded as a set of master separations. The contacting step is subsequently performed again in respect of at least some of the contacts for which master separations were recorded. At least one of the model parameters is updated to provide a closer correspondence between the expected separations and the master separations.
G01B 5/004 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring coordinates of points
G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points
A method is disclosed of calibrating a coordinate positioning machine (1) having a first member (3) that is moveable relative to a second member (2), wherein the geometry of the machine (1) is characterised by a set of model parameters. The machine (1) is controlled to make point contact between multiple reference surfaces (23, 25) of a tool or artefact (20) mounted on the first member (3) and multiple reference surfaces (15, 17) of an artefact (10) mounted on the second member (2). At least one of the model parameters is updated knowing or taking into account that the actual separations between the relevant surfaces (15, 17; 23, 10 25) are zero when making contact, even if the expected separations between the relevant surfaces (15, 17; 23, 25) as derived from the current model parameters are non-zero.
G01B 5/004 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring coordinates of points
G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points
A method of mounting a rotary scale member on a part, the rotary scale member including a body on which a series of position features defining a scale is provided, and at least one mounting flexure configured to engage the part, the method including: force-fitting the rotary scale member and the part together, whereby the at least one flexure is displaced by the part and thereby urged via a radial reaction force into engagement with the part so as to form a friction fit with the part such that the body of the rotary scale member self-locates at an initial default radial location with respect to the part; and tweaking the radial location of the body relative to the part away from its initial default radial location to a new radial location.
G01D 5/347 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells using displacement encoding scales
An optical distance measurement or ranging apparatus, the apparatus including at least one optical pulse generator for generating a train of gating pulses and a train of probe pulses, the train of gating pulses having a different repetition rate than the train of probe pulses. The gating and probe pulses may be ultrashort laser pulses generated by different free-running, mode-locked lasers. An optical probing arrangement for directing the train of probe pulses to one or more objects and for collecting returned probe pulses returned from the one or more objects. The objects may include a target object and a reference object. The apparatus includes a multi-photon effect detector and is configured to direct both the train of gating pulses and the returned probe pulses to the multi-photon effect detector. The apparatus may be used for industrial inspection, machine calibration, position measurement or the like.
A powder bed fusion apparatus for building an object, including a processing chamber having a processing chamber aperture, scanner arranged to direct an energy beam to locations in a plane of the aperture and debuilding chamber having a debuilding chamber aperture. The apparatus includes a build chamber including a build sleeve and platform movable therein for supporting powder, the platform including a seal for engaging with the sleeve walls to prevent flow of powder past the platform; and at least one drive mechanism for driving movement of the platform. A translation mechanism moves the chamber between a building position, wherein the sleeve aligns with the processing aperture so an energy beam can be delivered to consolidate powder to build the object, and debuilding position, wherein the sleeve aligns with the debuilding aperture so the object and powder can be inserted into the debuilding chamber through movement of the platform.
B22F 12/00 - Apparatus or devices specially adapted for additive manufacturing; Auxiliary means for additive manufacturing; Combinations of additive manufacturing apparatus or devices with other processing apparatus or devices
B22F 10/32 - Process control of the atmosphere, e.g. composition or pressure in a building chamber
B33Y 40/20 - Post-treatment, e.g. curing, coating or polishing
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
An ultrasound measurement device for an industrial measurement apparatus is described. The device includes a base (20) comprising an ultrasound transducer driver (29) and an elongate stem (22) comprising an ultrasound transducer (33). A connector assembly releasably attaches the elongate stem (22) to the base (20). The connector assembly has a first connector portion (28) provided on the base (20) and a second connector portion (36) provided at a proximal end of the elongate stem (22). The first and second connector portions (28,36), when connected, provide mechanical alignment of the elongate stem (22) relative to the base (20) and an electrical connection between the ultrasound transducer (33) and the ultrasound transducer driver (29). The connector assembly also includes a co- axial electrical connector (44, 46) that provides the electrical connection between the ultrasound transducer (33) and the ultrasound transducer driver (29) and also allows the elongate stem (22) to be secured to the base (20) in any rotational orientation about the longitudinal axis (50) of the elongate stem (22). In this manner, a compact arrangement can be provided in which the elongate stem (22) can be easily attached and detached from the base (20).
G01B 17/02 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations for measuring thickness
G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object - Details
A method of determining instructions to be executed by a powder bed fusion apparatus, in which an object is built in a layer-by-layer manner by selectively irradiating regions of successively formed powder layers with an energy beam. The method includes determining an exposure parameter for each location within a layer to be irradiated with the energy beam from a primary exposure parameter, the exposure parameters varying with location. An amount each exposure parameter varies from the primary exposure parameter is determined, at least in part, from a geometric quantity of the object derived from the location of the irradiation.
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B22F 12/90 - Means for process control, e.g. cameras or sensors
B22F 12/41 - Radiation means characterised by the type, e.g. laser or electron beam
A method and an additive manufacturing apparatus comprising a device (105) for generating an energy beam (118) for consolidating a build medium (104) and a build chamber (101), the build chamber (101) comprising a build chamber window (107) through which the energy beam (118) may enter the build chamber (101) and a build area where the build medium (104) can be located to be consolidated by the energy beam (118), wherein the additive manufacturing apparatus is configured to monitor process emissions from the build area to detect damage of the build chamber window (107).
B22F 12/90 - Means for process control, e.g. cameras or sensors
B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
A coordinate positioning machine includes a plurality of drive axes, each being a rotary or linear drive axis, for positioning a platform within a working volume of the machine, and a separate linear counterbalance axis for counterbalancing the platform. With this arrangement the counterbalance axis can be substantially invariant to changes in orientation of the drive axes and can be counterbalanced by a simple counterweight. Also, an arrangement wherein the counterbalance axes and force generator are arranged so horizontal movement of the platform causes substantially no net movement of and/or no work to be done on the generator. Also, an arrangement wherein a series of counterbalance axes has at least one rotary counterbalance axis, and the generator is arranged behind or at a predetermined distance from the counterbalance axis. Also, an arrangement having a series of counterbalance axes with at most one rotary counterbalance axis between the generator and ground.
G01B 5/008 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring coordinates of points using coordinate measuring machines
G01B 5/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
B23Q 17/22 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools for indicating or measuring existing or desired position of tool or work
59.
POWDER BED FUSION ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING METHODS AND APPARATUS
A powder bed fusion additive manufacturing method in which an object is built in a layer-by-layer manner. The method includes, for each layer of a plurality of successively fused layers, melting material of the layer by irradiating the layer with one or more energy beams a first time using a first set of irradiation parameters and allowing the melted material to solidify to define a fused region of the layer and reheating the fused region by irradiating the layer a subsequent time with one or more of energy beams using a second set of irradiation parameters. The first set of irradiation parameters includes at least one different irradiation parameter to the second set of irradiation parameters.
A method of calibrating a coordinate positioning machine is described. The machine is controlled into a pivot pose in which a target point associated with a moveable part of the machine and a pivot point associated with a fixed part of the machine are separated from one another by a known separation. An error value for that pose is determined based on the known separation and a separation expected for that pose from the existing model parameters of the machine. The machine is controlled into a plurality of different target poses, and for each target pose a separation between the target point and the pivot point is measured and an error value for that pose is determined based on the measured separation and a separation expected for that pose from the existing model parameters.
G05B 19/402 - Numerical control (NC), i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control arrangements for positioning, e.g. centring a tool relative to a hole in the workpiece, additional detection means to correct position
A method of generating scan parameters for a powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process, the method comprising receiving at least one desired property (105) of a material modified zone, the material modified zone formed by melting material and/or changing a microstructure of the material through an exposure of a powder bed to an energy beam, and determining the scan parameters (106) for the energy beam estimated by a powder bed fusion model to result in a material modified zone having a property corresponding to the at least one desired property (105). The powder bed fusion model may comprise a look-up table or function that associates the at least one property to one or more scan parameters. Generation of the look-up table or function may comprise receiving, for each of a plurality of material modified zones formed by melting material and/or changing a microstructure of the material through exposures of material to an energy beam, a measured or numerically calculated property of the material modified zone, each material modified zone generated using a different set of scan parameters; calibrating parameters of a powder bed fusion model using measured or numerically calculated properties to provide a calibrated powder bed fusion model; and generating the look-up table or function based on the calibrated powder bed fusion model. A powder bed fusion process or apparatus may be checked using a calibrated powder bed fusion model. The powder bed fusion model may include a heat conduction model that uses an equivalent volumetric heat source to model the material modified zone.
A method of mounting a rotary scale member on a part, the part being rotatable about an axis of rotation, the rotary scale member comprising a body on which a series of scale features defining a scale that extends around a scale axis is or can be provided. The method comprises: i) mount on the part one or more intermediate scale-positioning members and manipulating the radial configuration thereof until a desired radial configuration with respect to the axis of rotation is achieved; and ii) subsequently fitting the rotary scale member onto the one or more intermediate scale-positioning members, whereby the body of the rotary scale member adopts a default radial location with respect to the one or more intermediate scale-positioning members.
G01D 5/244 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means generating pulses or pulse trains
63.
IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO AN OPTICAL SCANNER FOR DIRECTING ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION TO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS WITHIN A SCAN FIELD
A method and apparatus for determining an alignment of an optical scanner for directing an electromagnetic beam to locations within a scan field. The method may include locating a reference element within the scan field of the optical scanner and controlling the optical scanner to cause the electromagnetic beam to be directed to a plurality of different points in the scan field, including at least one point on the reference element. Reflected electromagnetic radiation is detected. The method may include determining when the electromagnetic beam is directed to a reference position in the scan field given by the reference element from a comparison of an intensity of the detected electromagnetic radiation for the different points and determining a corresponding demand signal that causes the optical scanner to direct the electromagnetic beam to the reference position.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Microscopes; Raman microscopes; image capturing and
developing devices; scientific research and laboratory
apparatus; spectroscopy apparatus [other than for medical
use].
65.
A METHOD FOR DETERMINING A MODE OF MELT POOL FORMATION
A monitoring method for monitoring a melting process comprising receiving sensor values captured with a sensor system measuring a property of a plasma plume generated during formation of a melt pool with an energy beam; and determining a measure of turbulence in the plasma plume from the sensor values.
An improved method is described for measuring a dimension (e.g. diameter) of a non-toothed tool, for example a grinding tool such as a diamond coated burr. The method may be implemented on a machine tool, such as a lathe, machining centre or the like. The method comprises passing a beam of light from a transmitter to a receiver. The receiver produces a received intensity signal related to the intensity of received light. Analysis of variations in the received intensity signal is performed when a rotating tool is moved relative to the light beam to enable a dimension of the tool to be measured. In particular, it may be determined when the received intensity signal has crossed a threshold for at least a defined duration, the defined duration being less than the time taken for one complete rotation of the tool.
B23Q 17/24 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools using optics
B24B 49/12 - Measuring or gauging equipment for controlling the feed movement of the grinding tool or work; Arrangements of indicating or measuring equipment, e.g. for indicating the start of the grinding operation involving optical means
G01B 11/02 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness
An optical apparatus for use with an analytical apparatus arranged to project an analysis beam along an analytical axis towards a sample within a sample chamber. The optical apparatus may comprise a collection optic mounted on an arm, the arm insertable or inserted into the sample chamber through a port in the sample chamber. The arm may be insertable or inserted into the sample chamber to locate the collection optic for directing light scattered or generated from a point on the sample out of the sample chamber. A drive mechanism may be provided for moving the collection optic within the sample chamber in at least two transverse directions. The drive mechanism may be arranged such that, when the arm is inserted into the sample chamber to locate the collection optic for directing the light out of the sample chamber. The drive mechanism may be located external to the sample chamber. The optical apparatus may further comprise a delivery optical train for delivering illumination or excitation light from a light source to the collection optic such that the illumination or excitation light is incident on the sample.
H01J 37/02 - Discharge tubes with provision for introducing objects or material to be exposed to the discharge, e.g. for the purpose of examination or processing thereof - Details
A system for calibrating or otherwise characterising a machine (1), comprising: a launch unit (20) which is operable to launch an optical beam (22) into a working volume of the machine (1); a sensor unit (10) which is moveable by the machine (1) to a plurality of sensor unit positions along the beam (22), and which is operable, for each of the plurality of sensor unit positions, to measure a transverse beam position at a plurality of measurement positions along the beam, with a position of the sensor unit (10) relative to the beam (22) in at least three degrees of freedom being derivable from the measurements; and a processor unit which is operable to use the measurements to calibrate or otherwise characterise the machine (1).
G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points
In a workpiece production method a plurality of nominally similar workpieces are produced in a production process on one production machine. The order or time of production of some of the workpieces on the production machine is recorded. Some of the workpieces recorded are measured at two or more inspection stations. Dimensions or points of one workpiece are measured at one of the inspection stations, and corresponding dimensions or points of another of the workpieces are measured at another of the inspection stations. The results of the measurements of corresponding dimensions or points made at the two or more inspection stations are analysed together, taking account of the order or time of production of the workpieces. An output signal is produced based on the analysing of the results together. The output signal indicates performance of the production machine or of one or more of the inspection stations.
G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points
A probe for use with a sample chamber, the probe comprising a probing element mounted on an arm, the arm insertable or inserted into the sample chamber to locate the probing element within the sample chamber, a drive mechanism for moving the arm, and a drive control system. Movement of the arm causes movement of the probing element within the sample chamber. The drive control system is for limiting movement of the arm to a specified range, the drive control system programmable to adjust the specified range.
An optical apparatus for use with an analytical apparatus arranged to project an analysis beam along an analytical axis towards a sample within a sample chamber. The optical apparatus may comprise at least two collection optics mounted on an arm, the arm insertable or inserted into the sample chamber through a port in the sample chamber. A sealing element may be provided for sealing the port, the sealing element comprising a window. The arm may be insertable or inserted into the sample chamber to locate the at least two collection optics for separately directing light scattered or generated from a point on the sample out of the window.
H01J 37/02 - Discharge tubes with provision for introducing objects or material to be exposed to the discharge, e.g. for the purpose of examination or processing thereof - Details
A method of inspecting at least one feature of a part having a predetermined nominal shape, including: i) loading a contact probe onto a probe mount of a coordinate positioning apparatus which facilitates exchanging of probes thereon and relative movement of the mount and a part in three orthogonal degrees of freedom, the contact probe includes a reference member for engaging the part, and a stylus relative to the reference member and having a tip for contacting the surface to be measured; ii) bringing the reference member and stylus into contact with the part on one side of the feature, and then causing the stylus to traverse collecting measurement data concerning the relative position of tip and the reference member; and iii) extracting feature dimension information from the measurement data, and comparing the extracted dimension information to nominal dimension information for the nominal shape of the feature of the part.
An ultrasound inspection probe (1) for a machine tool is described that includes a probe body and an elongate member (40;98) that extends from the probe body (60; 96) and has a datum surface (44;106) for contacting an object (34;50) to be inspected. The probe also includes an ultrasound transducer (28; 112) and an ultrasound coupling assembly (20; 110) for acoustically coupling the ultrasound transducer (28; 112) to the object (34) to be inspected. The ultrasound coupling assembly (20;110) comprises a carrier shell (24;115) containing an ultrasound coupling element (22;114) having a transducer-contacting face (26;118) coupled to the ultrasound transducer and an object-contacting face (32;116) for acoustically coupling to the object (34) to be inspected. A bearing mechanism (90,92; 113,130) movably attaches the ultrasound transducer (28;112) and the ultrasound coupling assembly (20; 110) to the elongate member (40;98) allowing movement between an extended position in which the object-contacting face (32;116) of the ultrasound coupling element (22;114) extends beyond the datum surface (44;106) and a measurement position in which the object-contacting face (32;116) of the ultrasound coupling element (22;114) is substantially flush with the datum surface (44;106). The bearing mechanism (90,92; 113,120) is configured to guide the ultrasound transducer along a linear axis of the elongate member such that the ultrasound transducer maintains a substantially invariant orientation relative to the surface normal of the datum surface (44;106).
An ultrasound inspection probe (10;80;300) is described for use with a coordinate positioning apparatus, such as a machine tool. The probe (10;80;300) includes a probe body (12;82;196;302) for mounting to a coordinate positioning apparatus and an elongate member (14;40;50;60;84;198;304) extending from the probe body. The elongate member (14;40;50;60;84;198;304) includes an ultrasound transducer assembly (44) and a datum surface (18;48;59;70;89;206) at its distal end. A movable joint (16) connects a proximal end of the elongate member (14;40;50;60;84;198;304) to the probe body (12;82;196;302) and this movable joint (16) is configured to permit both lateral and rotational movement of the proximal end of the elongate member (14;40;50;60;84;198;304) relative to the probe body (12;82;196;302) such that the elongate member (14;40;50;60;84;198;304) can rotate about its distal end to allow the datum surface (18;48;59;70;89;206) to angularly align with a surface of an object (20;104) to be inspected. In this manner, the datum surface (18;48;59;70;89;206) aligns with the surface of the object (20; 104) being inspected to optimise acoustic coupling.
G01B 17/02 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations for measuring thickness
B23Q 17/20 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools for indicating or measuring workpiece characteristics, e.g. contour, dimension, hardness
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Microscopes; Raman microscopes; image capturing and developing devices, namely, for capturing an image of a spectrum emitted from a sample illuminated by a laser spot or line; scientific research and laboratory apparatus, namely, microscopes, Raman microscopes and spectroscopes; spectroscopy apparatus, namely, spectroscopes, other than for medical use
76.
METHOD OF CALIBRATING A SURFACE SENSING DEVICE, CORRESPONDING CALIBRATING PROGRAM FOR A CONTROL COMPUTER AND CORRESPONDING CALIBRATION KIT
A surface sensing device is mounted on an articulating probe head of a coordinate measuring machine. The device includes an elongate probe holder which is rotatable about an axis. An elongate sensing module includes a surface finish or surface roughness probe with a stylus tip. This is connected to the probe holder via an adjustable knuckle joint. To determine the geometry of the surface sensing device, including the tip normal and drag vector of the stylus tip, the orientations of the probe holder and the sensing module are determined by probing points which are spaced along their lengths, using a separate probe.
G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points
A powder bed fusion additive manufacturing method comprising exposing layers of a powder bed to an energy beam to selectively melt at least one area of each layer, wherein the energy beam is progressed along a scan path to melt material of 5 the at least one area using a pulsed exposure. Initial and/or end pulses of the pulsed exposure may have a shorter pulse duration than a pulse duration of a mid-pulse between the initial and end pulses.
A laser comprising a gain medium, a pump for pumping the gain medium, a power circuit and an inertial load located between the power circuit and the pump. The power circuit may comprise a switching power amplifier for generating a pulse-width modulated signal to the inertial load. The laser may be used in a powder bed fusion apparatus. A powder bed fusion apparatus may comprise a laser, the laser comprising a gain medium, a pump for pumping the gain medium and a controller for controlling the pump. The controller may be arranged to control the pump such that a response time of the laser is less than 17 microseconds.
A powder bed fusion additive manufacturing method comprising exposing layers of a powder bed to an energy beam to selectively melt areas of each layer, at least a proportion of the areas are melted using a pulsed exposure. The method may further comprise commanding an energy beam source to produce at least one pulse of the pulsed exposure having a pulse duration of less than 200 microseconds. The step of commanding may comprise specifying a plurality of raised power levels above a base power level for the powder waveform of the at least one pulse.
An additive manufacturing method wherein an object is formed by selectively solidifying layers of powder with at least one energy beam. The method includes forming the object from a nickel-based superalloy, wherein exposure parameters and an exposure pattern for the at least one energy beam result in the object having a directionally solidified microstructure with columnar grains aligned with a build direction, perpendicular to the layers. A composition of the nickel-based alloy by weight % may include: 9.3-9.7W, 9.0-9.5Co, 7.5-8.5Cr, 5.4-5.7Al, 3.1-3.3Ta, 1.4-1.6Hf, 0.6-0.9Ti, Mo 0.4-0.6, 007-0.015Zr, 0.01-0.02B with a carbon concentration of around 0.07-0.09 wt % and a balance of Ni.
A tool measurement apparatus for a machine tool includes a transmitter portion (100) including a light source (102) for generating a light beam (104) and a receiver portion (300) including a detector for detecting the light beam (104), the light beam being passed from the light source to the detector along an optical path. At least one of the receiver portion (300) and the transmitter portion (100) comprises a protection device including a gas expulsion aperture (108) configured to expel a bleed gas supplied from an external gas source. The optical path also passes through the gas expulsion aperture (108). The protection device further comprises a check valve (112; 200) located in the optical path. The bleed gas is supplied to the gas expulsion aperture (108) through the check valve (112; 200) and the flow of the bleed gas through the check valve (112; 200) causes the check valve to adopt an open configuration defining a passageway through which the light beam (104) can pass.
B23Q 17/24 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools using optics
B23Q 11/00 - Accessories fitted to machine tools for keeping tools or parts of the machine in good working condition or for cooling work; Safety devices specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools
G01V 8/12 - Detecting, e.g. by using light barriers using one transmitter and one receiver
A protection member for an optical measurement device, such as a break-beam tool setting device for a machine tool. The protection member includes a conduit through which light and air can pass. The conduit is configured such that, in use, a beam of light is passed through the conduit along an optical axis and a stream of air is guided out of the conduit along an airflow axis. The optical axis is non-parallel to the airflow axis and the conduit has a varying cross-sectional profile along the airflow axis. Improved measurement repeatability is provided.
A method is described of generating a spatial map of sensor error data from a coordinate positioning machine. The method comprises: receiving measurement data collected by measuring or tracking an artefact as it is moved by the machine 5along at least one machine axis; deriving error data by comparing the received measurement data with expected or ideal values for the measurement data; andgenerating a spatial error map from the error data, with each cell comprising an error representation derived from multiple sources of error within the error data.10[Figure 9]
G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points
This invention concerns a module for insertion into an additive manufacturing apparatus. The module comprising a frame mountable in a fixed position in the additive manufacturing apparatus, the frame defining a build chamber and a dosing chamber. A build platform is movable in the build chamber for supporting a powder bed during additive manufacturing of a part. A dosing piston is movable in the dosing chamber to push powder from the dosing chamber. A mechanism mechanically links the build platform to the dosing piston such that downward movement of the build platform in the build chamber results in upward movement of the dosing piston in the dosing chamber.
B22F 12/00 - Apparatus or devices specially adapted for additive manufacturing; Auxiliary means for additive manufacturing; Combinations of additive manufacturing apparatus or devices with other processing apparatus or devices
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B29C 64/232 - Driving means for motion along the axis orthogonal to the plane of a layer
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
Selective laser solidification apparatus is described that includes a powder bed onto which a powder layer can be deposited and a gas flow unit for passing a flow of gas over the powder bed along a predefined gas flow direction. A laser scanning unit is provided for scanning a laser beam over the powder layer to selectively solidify at least part of the powder layer to form a required pattern. The required pattern is formed from a plurality of stripes or stripe segments that are formed by advancing the laser beam along the stripe or stripe segment in a stripe formation direction. The stripe formation direction is arranged so that it always at least partially opposes the predefined gas flow direction. A corresponding method is also described.
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
B22F 10/28 - Powder bed fusion, e.g. selective laser melting [SLM] or electron beam melting [EBM]
B22F 12/00 - Apparatus or devices specially adapted for additive manufacturing; Auxiliary means for additive manufacturing; Combinations of additive manufacturing apparatus or devices with other processing apparatus or devices
B23K 26/08 - Devices involving relative movement between laser beam and workpiece
B23K 26/142 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beam; Nozzles therefor for the removal of by-products
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
B23K 26/14 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beam; Nozzles therefor
B28B 1/00 - Producing shaped articles from the material
A positioning apparatus (100) comprising a support (108) extending in a first direction, and a beam (108) extending in a second direction. The beam (110) movably mounted to the support (108) so as to be movable in the first direction and exerts a load on the support. The support comprises a profile (302) which when the beam (110) exerts the load thereon the profile of the support (108) is deformed such that the beam is maintained at a substantially constant orientation for all locations of the beam (110) along the support (108).
G01B 5/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
B23Q 11/00 - Accessories fitted to machine tools for keeping tools or parts of the machine in good working condition or for cooling work; Safety devices specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools
G01B 5/008 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring coordinates of points using coordinate measuring machines
G01B 11/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques
A method of determining the time delay between echoes of an ultrasound pulse emitted by an ultrasound inspection device into an object, the method comprising: i) with the ultrasound probe in engagement with a front-wall feature of the object such that the ultrasound inspection device's ultrasound axis is arranged at an angle relative to the nominal surface normal of the front-wall feature, taking an ultrasound measurement which comprises the ultrasound inspection device emitting an ultrasound pulse and recording echoes thereof; and ii) determining the time delay between echoes of the pulse via a time delay determination process which adjusts the time delay calculation based on the angle of the ultrasound inspection device's ultrasound axis with respect to the nominal surface normal of the front-wall feature.
A method of determining the time delay between echoes of an ultrasound pulse emitted by an ultrasound inspection device into an object, the method comprising: i) with the ultrasound inspection device in engagement with a front-wall feature of an object at a point to be measured, taking an ultrasound measurement, which comprises the ultrasound inspection device emitting an ultrasound pulse and recording an ultrasound measurement signal comprising a front-wall echo and at least one interface echo reflected by an internal or back-wall feature of the object; and ii) determining the time delay between the front-wall echo and the at least one interface echo via autocorrelation of at least a segment of the ultrasound measurement signal which comprises the front-wall echo and the at least one interface echo.
A method builds a workpiece using an additive manufacturing process, wherein the workpiece is built up by consolidating material in a layer-by-layer manner. The method includes receiving an initial geometric model defining surface geometry of the workpiece, determining workpiece slices to be consolidated as layers of the workpiece during the additive manufacturing process from the initial geometric model, determining adjusted positions of the workpiece slices adjusted from initial positions of the workpiece slices as determined from the initial geometric model, the determination of the adjusted positions based upon warping of the workpiece expected to occur during or after the additive manufacturing process, and building the workpiece using the additive manufacturing process, wherein the workpiece slices are formed in the adjusted positions.
B29C 64/393 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
G06T 19/20 - Editing of 3D images, e.g. changing shapes or colours, aligning objects or positioning parts
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
A method of operating a machine tool apparatus, comprising: causing a tool mounted on the machine tool apparatus to work on a workpiece, during the working of the workpiece by the tool, at least one sensor monitoring the tool, machine tool apparatus and/or workpiece, for one or more signals indicative of the condition of the tool; and using the output of the one or more sensors to automatically configure when and/or how the tool and/or workpiece is inspected by at least one inspection device, the output of which is used to determine whether or not to keep using the tool.
A measurement strut (30) is described. The measurement strut (30) is for measuring a separation between two relatively moveable support members (33) of a machine (for example, a robot arm). The strut (30) is removably couplable between the two support members (33) and is adapted to become at least partially decoupled from at least one of the support members (33) when a compressive force developed in the strut (30) by relative movement of the support members (33) is greater than a predetermined threshold. By becoming at least partially decoupled from at least one of the support members, at least some of any excess relative movement of the support members towards each other can be absorbed, thereby helping to prevent damage being caused to the strut by attempting to compress the strut beyond its minimum range of travel.
G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points
B23Q 17/00 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools
G05B 19/404 - Numerical control (NC), i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control arrangements for compensation, e.g. for backlash, overshoot, tool offset, tool wear, temperature, machine construction errors, load, inertia
G05B 19/401 - Numerical control (NC), i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control arrangements for measuring, e.g. calibration and initialisation, measuring workpiece for machining purposes
A scanning probe for a coordinate positioning apparatus, such as a machine tool, is described that comprises a probe body connected to a stylus holder (102) by a strain-sensing structure (100). The strain-sensing structure has an inner portion (202) connected to an outer portion (200) by a plurality of bendable members (204). A proximal end (220) of each bendable member (204) is attached to the inner portion (202) and a distal end (222) of each bendable member (204) being attached to the outer portion (200). The inner and outer portions (200,202) are centred on a central axis and the plurality of bendable members (204) comprise at least one strain-sensing element (210). The proximal and distal ends (220,222) of each bendable member (204) are located at different angles about the central axis. Such an arrangement enables both scanning and touch trigger measurements to be acquired.
A non-contact tool measurement apparatus is used in a machine tool environment. The apparatus includes a transmitter including a first aperture and a laser for generating light that is emitted from the transmitter through the first aperture towards a tool-sensing region. A receiver includes an optical detector and is arranged to receive light from the tool-sensing region. A processor analyses the light detected by the optical detector to enable the measurement of tools in the tool-sensing region. The laser is capable of generating light having a wavelength of less than 590 nm thereby enabling the size of the first aperture to be reduced resulting in a reduction in contaminant ingress. In one embodiment, the laser generates blue light.
A position measurement encoder comprising a scale and a readhead, the readhead comprising a sensor for sensing the scale, the sensor comprising a one- dimensional array of columnar pixels, configured such that the one-dimensional array of columnar pixels is divided into a plurality of rows wherein each columnar pixel has at least one individual sensing section in each row arranged to contribute to the columnar pixel's output. Each row is individually activatable so that which one or more of the individual sensing sections in the columnar pixels contribute to each columnar pixel's output can be selectively chosen and changed on a row-by-row basis.
G01D 5/347 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells using displacement encoding scales
95.
POSITIONING APPARATUS WITH AN ASSOCIATED TRANSFER MECHANISM
An apparatus including an inspection apparatus for inspecting an artefact, and a transfer mechanism for moving a pallet on which an artefact is located relative to the inspection apparatus so as to move the pallet to and from an inspection location, and further including at least one pallet lifter which can be actuated between a retracted and an extended configuration, configured such that when a pallet is at the inspection location the at least one pallet lifter can be actuated to its extended configuration so as to engage with and lift the pallet and thereby decouple the pallet from the transfer mechanism.
A method of determining a form measurement for a curved feature of an artefact. The method includes a positioning apparatus relatively moving the artefact and a measurement device relative along a curved path in a first direction, to obtain a first set of data points along the surface of the curved feature, and the positioning apparatus relatively moving the artefact and the measurement device other along a curved path in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, to obtain a second set of data points along the surface of the curved feature. The method further includes using the first and second sets of data points to determine a form measurement for the artefact.
G01B 5/20 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures
G01B 5/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points
A method of monitoring an additive manufacturing apparatus. The method includes receiving one or more sensor signals from the additive manufacturing apparatus during a build of a workpiece, comparing the one or more sensor signals to a corresponding acceptable process variation of a plurality of acceptable process variations and generating a log based upon the comparisons. Each acceptable process variation of the plurality of acceptable process variations is associated with at least one state of progression of the build of the workpiece and the corresponding acceptable process variation is the acceptable process variation associated with the state of progression of the build when the one or more sensor signals are generated.
B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
G05B 19/4093 - Numerical control (NC), i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by part programming, e.g. entry of geometrical information as taken from a technical drawing, combining this with machining and material information to obtain control information, named part programme, for the NC machine
B22F 10/00 - Additive manufacturing of workpieces or articles from metallic powder
B33Y 30/00 - ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - Details thereof or accessories therefor
B29C 64/153 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only solid materials using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting
B29C 64/393 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
A coordinate positioning arm includes: a base end and a head end; a drive frame for moving the head end relative to the base end; and a metrology frame for measuring a position and orientation of the head end relative to the base end. The drive frame includes a plurality of drive axes arranged in series between the base end and the head end. The metrology frame includes a plurality of metrology axes arranged in series between the base end and the head end. The metrology frame is adapted and arranged to be substantially separate and/or independent from the drive frame, for example by supporting the metrology frame substantially only at the base end and head end and by providing the metrology frame with sufficient degrees of freedom (via the metrology axes) to avoid creating an additional constraint between the metrology frame and the drive frame.
G01B 5/008 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring coordinates of points using coordinate measuring machines
B25J 9/04 - Programme-controlled manipulators characterised by movement of the arms, e.g. cartesian co-ordinate type by rotating at least one arm, excluding the head movement itself, e.g. cylindrical co-ordinate type or polar co-ordinate type
B25J 13/08 - Controls for manipulators by means of sensing devices, e.g. viewing or touching devices
G01B 21/04 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring length, width, or thickness by measuring coordinates of points
A rotary scale apparatus for an encoder apparatus including a planar disc on which at least one track including scale features is provided, in which the planar disc includes a hole through its centre for receiving a cylindrical shaft, and in which the rotary scale member includes at least three cantilevered spring members which are provided substantially in plane with the planar disc and spaced around the edge of the hole, for engaging with, and radially locating the disc on, a cylindrical shaft inserted therethrough.
G01D 5/347 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells using displacement encoding scales
An encoder apparatus including a reflective scale and a readhead. The readhead includes at least one light emitting element, at least one sensor and at least one optical device, which together with the scale form an optical system in which the optical device forms an image of an illuminated region of the reflective scale onto the sensor. The system's optical path, from the light emitting element to the sensor, passes through the optical device on its way toward and after reflection from the scale, and includes an unreflected optical path between the light emitting element and the optical device and an unreflected optical path between the optical device and the sensor.
G01D 5/347 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells using displacement encoding scales
G01B 11/04 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness specially adapted for measuring length or width of objects while moving
