Solution Proposal from Mitutoyo

Measuring Instrument Overview

What is a Contour Measuring Machine?

• A measuring machine that captures the contour shape of a cross-section by tracing the measurement surface with a sharp-pointed stylus.
  From this, dimensions such as distance, angle, radius, and pitch are calculated. It enables measurements that are challenging to achieve with traditional measuring tools or other machines, such as screw shapes, holes, and very small chamfered dimensions.

• It is often used to evaluate contours by comparing and matching measurement data with ideal shapes.

• In the past, traces were transcribed onto a graph paper and compared against a known shape imprinted on a mylar film.

Items Measurable with a Contour Measuring Machine

Key Point: The contour measuring machine measures minute cross-sectional shapes.

System Configuration

Benefits of Implementation

• Dimensions and contours of cross-sectional shapes, as well as fine shapes within holes, can be measured.
  ・i.e. ：Female thread shape, corner R / chamfer, etc.

• The effective diameter of a screw can be measured using the continuous vertical measurement function (depending on the model).
  ・i.e.：Internal cross-sectional shape of bearing outer ring, thickness and shape measurement of plate material, etc.

• Measurement and evaluation of contour (comparison between ideal shape and measured data) can be performed.
  ・i.e.：Molds, abrasion, etc.

• Allows automatic measurement of multiple locations (electric type).
  ・i.e.：Continuous measurement of multiple locations / multiple locations by combining electric stages.
            Unattended continuous measurement can be performed in conjunction with a transport device.

• Surface roughness measurement detectors can be added at a later stage.
  ・Fine shapes and surface roughness that cannot be measured with contour measuring machines can be accurately assessed.

Points to Consider When Selecting a Model

• Measuring machine body size
  ・Trace length, detection range (height), measurement height, stage size.

• Measurement accuracy（indication accuracy）

• Measurement and evaluation
  ・Note: It cannot be used to evaluate the contour shape of the entire circumference of gears, etc.

• Can also function as a surface roughness measuring machine
  ・Certain models are capable of measuring both contour shape and surface roughness with a single machine.

• Installation environment
  ・Vibration affects the measurement results. It may be necessary to install a vibration isolation table.

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Related Solutions and Applications

FORMTRACER Avant Series - Surface Roughness and Contour Measuring Instrument

The FORMTRACER Avant series offers versatile models that simplify setup and alignment, reduce workpiece securing time, and allow seamless conversion between contour and surface roughness measurement by retrofitting detectors after installation, ensuring precise measurements even in narrow areas.

CV-2100 Series - Contour Measuring System

The Contour CV-2100 offers improved ease of use and performance, making contour measurements faster and more accurate. Its extended 50mm measuring range allows for larger workpieces, adding greater versatility.

CS-H5000CNC - CNC Surface Roughness and Contour Measuring System

The CS-H5000CNC is a high-accuracy system that combines contour and surface roughness measurement with CNC functionality, enabling efficient and simultaneous inspection of high-precision workpieces like aspheric lenses.