ROMER Unveils INFINITE 2.0 Series Measuring Arm

New CMM line offers accuracy, usability, and portability.

by DE Editors | Published April 23, 2008

The INFINITE 2.0 is a new series of portable coordinate measurement machines (CMM) from ROMER Inc. (Wixom, MI), a company within Hexagon Metrology Inc. (North Kingstown, RI). The INFINITE 2.0 Series is available with measuring ranges of 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 12 feet. A turnkey system, the INFINITE 2.0 SC ScanShark, featuring a seven-axis CMM, a ScanShark noncontact laser scanning probe capable of gathering more than 458,000 points per second, a laptop or desktop computer, and PolyWorks 3D metrology software platform from InnovMetric tops off the series.

The INFINITE 2.0 Series starts with a six-axis arm and ROMER's Ergonomic Wrist, which incorporates tactile selection buttons. The Ergonomic Wrist has been redesigned to be smaller than earlier generations, and the new design includes an integrated USB digital camera to document work setups as well as an LED worklight.

The Series' new SpinGrip has two infinite-rotating grips located on the arm at the elbow and forearm that provide low-friction grip positions for better ergonomics. The SpinGrips, combined with ROMER’s integrated Zero-G pneumatic counterbalance to offset the weight of the arm and probe, simultaneously minimize operator fatigue by allowing one-handed operation from any position and maximize accuracy.

The INFINITE 2.0 Series arms also offer a new Probe Holster at the base of the arm to provide fast user access and convenient storage of probes. The holster includes slots to snap-in three probes and a change key. Plus, the product's quick-change mounting system can be attached to many types of bases including fixed, magnetic, and vacuum mounts, as well as tripods and Brunson stands.

INFINITE 2.0 Series includes ROMER's patented infinite rotation for inspection of hard-to-reach areas. ROMER provides a NIST-traceable calibrated length standard with each arm to easily verify and document system performance for ISO or vendor requirements.

ROMER’s INFINITE Series is capable of measuring to +/-0.0006-in. in the Volumetric Length Accuracy Test, which is designed to determine the system’s performance in measuring length accuracy throughout its workspace. This level of accuracy is in part a testament to the fact that the series now integrates advanced kinematic probes with TESA Swiss-made Bridge CMM-Class multiwire connectors, which combine carbon fiber construction with automatic probe recognition. “Automatic probe recognition” means that an operator can change a probe during a work session because the inspection software identifies the “plug and measure” probes automatically and without recalibration. When a new tip is needed, the probe is easily recalibrated in the field.

"One of the best advantages of the new bridge-CMM class TESA probe joint that we've incorporated into the INFINITE 2.0,” says William Fetter, Director of Marketing, Hexagon Metrology, Inc., “is that now you have plug-and-play interchangeability of laser scanning probes between a bridge-type CMM, like a Brown & Sharpe Global, and a portable CMM like the ROMER INFINITE 2.0.”

Fetter explains, “You can use the exact same ScanShark V4ix probe on both devices, which means that you can invest in one laser probe head and share it between two very different machines — use it for automated inspection on the CMM and reverse-engineering on the arm, for example. This is one of the key advantages of the breadth and scale of Hexagon Metrology’s product offering across all different types of inspection technologies.”

And last but not least, the series has been upgraded from WiFi 802.11b to WiFi 802.11g, the standard for wireless device connectivity, which offers speeds many times faster and a longer range (up to 200 ft — even through walls) than other technologies such as Bluetooth. The WiFi connection between the arm and computer allows the operator to position the computer where it is most convenient without having to worry about PC cables. As a result, the INFINITE 2.0 inspects almost anywhere.

These new features outlined above are in addition to characteristics already built into the ultra-portable INFINITE series, including an integrated Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery and environmentally sealed cover for onsite inspection or measurement when AC power is not available or where cables are a problem. Plus, ROMER provides a NIST-traceable calibrated length standard with each arm to allow the operator to easily verify and document system performance for ISO or vendor requirements. Since all ROMER arm tubes are constructed of advanced carbon fiber and aluminum, which is both lighter and 25 times more thermally stable than aluminum, says the company, INFINITE arms weigh less than 20 pounds, making them portable enough for shop floor inspection, measurement, and reverse engineering.

INFINITE arms also include a magnetic base as standard, and the quick-change mounting system allows fast setups with a small footprint. The series’ custom “wide-track” encoders are designed specifically for INFINITE 2.0 arms by Heidenhain, manufacturer of high-accuracy rotary encoders.

So, combined with the new features, and the upgraded 802.11g WiFi communication that provides “INFINITE” cable-free operation in a variety of shop floor applications, the company says the entire 50 lb. solution can fit into a customized, sturdy, rolling travel container that will easily fit into the back of a standard-size station wagon.

“ROMER's advancements in the INFINITE 2.0 arm set the industry bar very high for years to come,” states Paul Evans, Product Manager for ROMER, Inc. “This new era of portable measuring arm technology is all about small details that make a huge impact on productivity. The INFINITE 2.0 arm has exceeded our goal of opening new efficiencies for the metrology user on the factory floor."

Click here to visit ROMER, a company of Hexagon Metrology, Inc.

Click here to read why DE’s editors chose this as a Pick of the Week.

Click here to link directly to information about the INFINITE 2.0.

Click here to read about INFINITE 2.0’s laser scanning head.

Click here to see the software available on the Infinite 2.0.

Click here to see a video on the INFINITE 2.0 in action.

Click here to register for a brochure and video.

Click here to register for a demo.

Click here to visit Hexagon Metrology.

Click here to go to InnovMetric.

Click here to go to Brunson URL.

Click here to go to Brown & Sharpe Global.

Click here to go to Heidenhain URL.