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
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
8.
AN ULTRASOUND MEASUREMENT DEVICE FOR INDUSTRIAL MEASUREMENT APPARATUS
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 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
10.
SCAN PARAMETERS AND PROCESS MONITORING FOR POWDER BED FUSION FROM CALIBRATED MELT POOL MODEL
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
12.
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.
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
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 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
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
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.
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
23.
MAPPING OF SENSOR ERROR DATA FROM A COORDINATE POSITIONING MACHINE
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
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 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 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 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 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
A method for removing noise from spectral data recorded using a spectrometer. The method comprises normalising (103) spectral data to generate normalised method and apparatus for removing noise from data spectral data and applying (104) 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.
A motorised measurement arm apparatus (2) for a machine tool is described. The apparatus (2) comprises a base (4; 40) for attachment to the machine tool and an arm member (6;38) extending from the base for holding one or more sensors. The arm member (6;38) is moveable relative to the base between a stowed position (26b) and an operative position (26a), the operative position being defined by engagement of a mechanical stop arrangement (50a,50b). The apparatus also has a motor (44) for moving the arm member (6;38) relative to the base (4;10) and a motor controller (52,78) for energising the motor (44) to move the arm member (6;38) relative to the base (4;40). The motor controller (52,78) is configured to energise the motor (44) when the arm member (6;38) is in the operative position to maintain engagement of the mechanical stop arrangement (50a,50b). An operative position having improved repeatability is thus obtained.
B23Q 17/24 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools using optics
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
B23Q 17/22 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools for indicating or measuring existing or desired position of tool or work
B23Q 5/10 - Driving main working members rotary shafts, e.g. working-spindles driven essentially by electrical means
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
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
33.
A MEASUREMENT DEVICE AND A MEASUREMENT INTERFACE HAVING A RADIO COMMUNICATIONS MODULE
A frequency hopping radio communications module (18, 26) used in a measurement system, such as a measurement probe (10) and measurement interface (20), is described. The module (18, 26) comprises a clock for defining a series of base time intervals and a memory for storing a hopping pattern describing a sequence of frequency channels. The communications module (18, 26) is switchable between at least a first mode, a second mode and a third mode. The first mode transmits and/or receives data using a series of frames having a first frame time and the second mode transmits and/or receives data using a series of frames having a second frame time. The first frame time is equal to, or an integer multiple of, the base time interval and the second frame time is an integer multiple of the first frame time. Operation in the third mode comprises 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. In this manner, frequency hopping synchronisation is maintained even if different frame times are used.
H04B 1/7156 - Arrangements for sequence synchronisation
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 frequency hopping radio communications system is described that comprises a measurement station (10) having a first clock and an interface station (20) having a second clock. The measurement station (10), which may form part of a measurement probe, is configured to transmit measurement information arising from a measurement event, the measurement information including timing information that relates the measurement event to the first clock. The interface station (20) is configured to receive the measurement information from the measurement station (10) and to generate a measurement output including timing information defined 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 of the first and second clocks is performed to maintain synchronisation with the designated master clock. The timing information of the measurement output generated by the interface station (20) 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.
H04B 1/713 - Spread spectrum techniques using frequency hopping
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
G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
A frequency hopping radio communications module (18,26) for a measurement system is described. The measurement system may comprise a measurement probe (10) and an interface (20) for a machine tool. The communications module (18,26) 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 comprises hopping between fewer frequency channels than operation in the metrology mode. In particular, operation in standby mode comprises 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.
H04B 1/7143 - Arrangements for generation of hop patterns
H04B 1/7156 - Arrangements for sequence synchronisation
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
36.
METHOD OF COMMUNICATING INFORMATION TO A MEASUREMENT PROBE AND CORRESPONDING MEASUREMENT PROBE
Disclosed is a method of communicating information to a measurement probe mounted on a coordinate positioning machine. The method comprises 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 also disclosed. The measurement probe is mountable to the machine and comprises 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 comprises 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 5/008 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring coordinates of points using coordinate measuring machines
B23Q 17/20 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools for indicating or measuring workpiece characteristics, e.g. contour, dimension, hardness
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
37.
METROLOGY APPARATUS AND CORRESPONDING OPERATING METHOD
A metrology apparatus comprising an indexed articulated joint comprising: first and second bodies respectively having mutually engageable engagement elements, which can be locked together in a plurality of different angular orientations about a first axis so as to provide a plurality of angularly indexed positions at which the first and second bodies can be locked relative to each other; the engagement elements of the first and second bodies being dis-engageable by axial relative movement of the first and second bodies along the first axis in a first direction such that the first and second bodies can be unlocked and relatively rotated about the first axis, and re-engageable by axial relative movement of the first and second bodies along the axis in a second direction; the indexed articulated probe head further comprising at least one verification sensor configured to provide a measure of the relative spatial configuration of first and second bodies when in their locked state, and wherein the apparatus is configured such that in the event of the first and second bodies locking together at an indexed position, the verification sensor is used to obtain a current measure of the relative spatial configuration of the first and second bodies, and wherein information at least derived from said current measure is compared to calibration information which was at least derived from at least one other measure of the relative spatial configuration of the first and second bodies obtained by the verification sensor when the first and second bodies were locked at said indexed position, to establish information about the state of locking of the first and second bodies at an earlier point in time.
G01B 5/008 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring coordinates of points using coordinate measuring machines
B23Q 16/08 - Indexing equipment having means for clamping the relatively movable parts together in the indexed position
G01B 11/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical 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
An articulated head for facilitating the reorientation of a tool mounted thereon, the articulated head comprising: a first member for mounting the articulated head on a positioning apparatus; a second member coupled to the first member such that its orientation relative to the first member about a first axis can be changed between, and locked at one of, a plurality of predefined indexable orientations, wherein the first member and second member can be unlocked by separating the first member and second member along the first axis so as to thereby enable reorientation of the second member relative to the first member about the first axis; a third member coupled to the second member such that its orientation relative to the second member about a second axis can be changed between, and locked at one of, a plurality of predefined indexable orientations, wherein the second member and third member can be unlocked by separating the second member and third member along the second axis so as to thereby enable reorientation of the third member relative to the second member about the second axis, wherein the first and second axis are not parallel; and at least one powered mechanism for controlling the separation of the first member and second member along the first axis and the separation of the second member and third member along the second axis, configured such that the separation of the first member and second member, and the separation of the second member and third member, can be controlled independently of each other.
G01B 5/008 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring coordinates of points using coordinate measuring machines
G01B 11/03 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness by 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
B23Q 16/08 - Indexing equipment having means for clamping the relatively movable parts together in the indexed position
A metrology apparatus comprising an articulated joint comprising: first and second bodies which can be locked together in a plurality of different angular orientations about a first axis; the first body comprising 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 comprising at least one supplemental bias member configured to bias the prop towards its retracted configuration
G01B 5/008 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring coordinates of points using coordinate measuring machines
G01B 11/03 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness by 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
B23Q 16/08 - Indexing equipment having means for clamping the relatively movable parts together in the indexed position
A method of mounting a rotary scale member on a machine part which is configured to rotate 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, and at least three radially-compliant flexures spaced around said scale axis. The method comprises: i) locating the rotary scale member on the machine part such that the scale axis and axis of rotation are substantially parallel, and ii) subsequently arranging at least a first radial adjustment device so as to contact both the machine part and the rotary scale member, and manipulating the at least first radial adjustment device so as to radially displace the body of the rotary scale member. At least the majority of any radial reaction force, generated as a result of the interaction of at least one of said 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 the rotary scale member in opposition to said 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 method of determining any offset between: a) 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 b) 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 comprises: i) 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 5/244 - 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
42.
LASER POWDER BED FUSION ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING METHODS
A laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing method comprising performing laser melting of layers of a powder bed of steel powder in a protective atmosphere comprising nitrogen, wherein a temperature of the powder bed is below 220°C. A 5 composition of the steel powder may comprise, by weight: 3% to 7% Cr, 2-5% Mo, 0.2% to 0.7% V, max0.7% Si, max1% Mn, max1.5% C, and a balance of Fe.
A method of producing a workpiece (8) comprising 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 (3), the method comprising performing the selective consolidation of the powder layer in a protective atmosphere comprising nitrogen.
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 comprises 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.
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
An optical distance measurement or ranging apparatus is described. The apparatus includes at least one optical pulse generator (30,32; 80,94; 120,122; 180,202; 300,320) 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 10 pulses. The gating and probe pulses may be ultrashort laser pulses generated by different free-running, mode-locked lasers. An optical probing arrangement is also provided for directing the train of probe pulses to one or more objects (42,44; 84,86; 188, 190; 232,234,236; 306,310) 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 comprises a multi-photon effect detector (58; 104; 140; 210; 324, 330) 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 in a layer-by-layer manner, the powder bed fusion apparatus comprising a processing chamber (101, 201, 301, 601) having a processing chamber aperture (102, 202, 302, 602, 702), a scanner (106, 206, 306, 606) arranged to direct an energy beam to locations in a plane of the processing chamber aperture (102, 202, 302, 602, 702) and a debuilding chamber (103, 203, 303, 603, 703) having a debuilding chamber aperture (104, 204, 304, 604, 704). The powder bed fusion apparatus further comprises a build chamber (118, 218, 318, 618, 718) defined by a build sleeve (119, 219, 319, 619, 719) and a build platform (120, 220, 320, 620, 720) movable within the build sleeve (119, 219, 319, 619, 719) for supporting powder within the build sleeve (119, 219, 319, 619, 719), the build platform (120, 220, 320, 620, 720) comprising a build platform seal (121) for engaging with walls of the build sleeve (119, 219, 319, 619, 719) to prevent the flow of powder past the build platform (120, 220, 320, 620, 720); and 15 at least one drive mechanism for driving movement of the build platform (120, 220, 320, 620, 720) in the build sleeve (119, 219, 319, 619, 719). A translation mechanism (125) is provided for moving the build chamber (118, 218, 318, 618, 718) between a building position, in which the build sleeve (119, 219, 319, 619, 719) aligns with the processing chamber aperture (102, 202, 302, 602, 702) such that an energy beam can be delivered by the scanner to the processing chamber aperture (102, 202, 302, 602, 702) to consolidate powder supported by the build platform (120, 220, 320, 620, 720) in the build sleeve (119, 219, 319, 619, 719) to build the object, and a debuilding position, in which the build sleeve (119, 219, 319, 619, 719) aligns with the debuilding chamber aperture (104, 204, 304, 604, 704) such that the object and powder can be inserted into the debuilding chamber (103, 203, 303, 603, 703) through the debuilding chamber aperture (104, 204, 304, 604, 704) through movement of the build platform (120, 220, 320, 620, 720) within the build sleeve (119, 219, 319, 619, 719).
B22F 12/33 - Platforms or substrates translatory in the deposition plane
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
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
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 40/20 - Post-treatment, e.g. curing, coating or polishing
B22F 12/84 - Parallel processing within single device
Apparatus comprising an encoder scale disc (100) and a mount, the encoder scale disc (100) comprising radially and/or tangentially resilient features (110) located radially outwards of a scale (145) configured to interact with the mount so as to locate the scale disc (100) on the mount. The encoder scale disc 100 may comprise radially resilient features (145) which may deviate radially from the disc (110). Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing an apparatus comprising an encoder scale disc (100), comprising mounting a disc (100) comprising radially resilient features (145) to a device, wherein the radially resilient features (145) of the disc (100) interact with the device to place the disc in radial compression, mounting the disc (100) on an apparatus, wherein mounting features on the device and the apparatus interact in the same manner to place the disc (100) 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 of mounting a rotary scale member on a part (e.g. of an articulated joint), the rotary scale member comprising 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 comprising: 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 5/244 - 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
49.
METHOD FOR MEASURING NON-TOOTHED TOOLS USING A NON-CONTACT TOOL SETTER
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 (10) to a receiver (14). The receiver (14) 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 (40; 88) is moved relative to the light beam (12) to enable a dimension of the tool (40; 88) to be measured. In particular, it may be determined when the received intensity signal has crossed a threshold for at least a defined duration (Tq), the defined duration being less than the time taken for one complete rotation of the tool (Tr).
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
B23Q 17/24 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools using optics
A method of inspecting at least one feature of a part, the at least one feature having a predetermined nominal shape, comprising: i) loading a contact probe onto a probe mount of a coordinate positioning apparatus which is configured to facilitate the exchanging of probes thereon and which is configured to facilitate relative movement of the probe mount and a part in three orthogonal degrees of freedom, the contact probe comprising a reference member for engaging the part, and the contact probe further comprising a stylus, the stylus being deflectable relative to the reference member and having a tip for contacting the surface to be measured, wherein the relative position of the tip and the reference member is transduced; ii) bringing the reference member and the stylus of the contact probe into contact with the part on one side of the feature, and then causing the stylus to traverse the feature whilst collecting measurement data concerning the relative position of tip and the reference member; and iii) extracting dimension information about the feature from the measurement data, and comparing the extracted dimension information to nominal dimension information for the nominal shape of the feature of the part.
A method and apparatus for determining an alignment of an optical scanner (106a, 106c) for directing an electromagnetic beam to locations within a scan field. The method may comprise locating a reference element (113) within the scan field of the optical scanner (106a, 106c) and controlling the optical scanner (106a, 106c) 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 (113). Reflected electromagnetic radiation is detected. The method may comprise determining when the electromagnetic beam is directed to a reference position in the scan field given by the reference element (113) 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 (106a, 106c) to direct the electromagnetic beam to the reference position.
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
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
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
52.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING OBJECTS FROM A NICKEL-BASED SUPERALLOY IN A LAYER-BY-LAYER MANNER
An additive manufacturing method wherein an object is formed by selectively solidifying layers of powder with at least one energy beam. The method comprises 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 comprise: 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-.015Zr, 0.01-0.02B with a carbon concentration of around 0.07-0.09wt% and a balance of Ni.
A protection member (126) for an optical measurement device, such as a break- beam tool setting device (2) for a machine tool, is described. The protection member (126) comprises a conduit (140) through which light and air can pass. The conduit (140) is configured such that, in use, a beam of light is passed through the conduit along (140) an optical axis (O) and a stream of air is guided out of the conduit along an airflow axis (A). The optical axis (O) is non-parallel to the airflow axis (A) and the conduit (140) has a varying cross-sectional profile along the airflow axis (A). Improved measurement repeatability is provided.
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 calibration device for a co-ordinate positioning machine, such as a machine tool, is described. The device (200) comprises a base (30; 130; 202), a calibration artefact (34;134), and a deflection mechanism (32) that attaches the calibration artefact (34;134) to the base (30;130; 202) and allows the calibration artefact (34;134) to be moved relative to the base (30;130; 202) by application of an external force. The device further comprises a releasable lock that, when locked, immobilises the calibration artefact (34;134) relative to the base (30; 130; 202).
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
B23Q 17/20 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools for indicating or measuring workpiece characteristics, e.g. contour, dimension, hardness
B23Q 17/22 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools for indicating or measuring existing or desired position of tool or work
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 method of determining a form measurement for a curved feature of an artefact. The method comprises 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 comprises 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 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 17/20 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools for indicating or measuring workpiece characteristics, e.g. contour, dimension, hardness
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 powder bed fusion additive manufacturing method in which an object is built in a layer-by-layer manner. The method comprises, 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 comprises at least one different irradiation parameter to the second set of irradiation parameters.
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 10/364 - Process control of energy beam parameters for post-heating, e.g. remelting
B22F 10/50 - Treatment of workpieces or articles during build-up, e.g. treatments applied to fused layers during build-up
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
57.
POSITIONING APPARATUS WITH AN ASSOCIATED TRANSFER MECHANISM
An apparatus comprising 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 comprising 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.
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 5/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
B66F 3/26 - Adaptations or arrangements of pistons
A rotary scale apparatus for an encoder apparatus comprising a planar disc on which at least one track comprising scale features is provided, in which the planar disc comprises a hole through its centre for receiving a cylindrical shaft, and in which the rotary scale member comprises 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 5/244 - 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 coordinate positioning arm (A) is disclosed that comprises: a base end (B) and a head end (H); a drive frame (D) for moving the head end (H) relative to the base end (B); and a metrology frame (M) for measuring a position and orientation of the head end (H) relative to the base end (B). The drive frame (D) comprises a plurality of drive axes (D1, D2, D3) arranged in series between the base end (B) and the head end (H). The metrology frame (M) comprises a plurality of metrology axes (R1, R2, R3, L4, R5, R6) arranged in series between the base end (B) and the head end (H). Advantageously, the metrology frame (M) is adapted and arranged to be substantially separate and/or independent from the drive frame (D). The separation and/or independence between the metrology frame (M) and drive frame (D) may be achieved for example by supporting the metrology frame (M) substantially only at the base end (B) and head end (H) and by providing the metrology frame (M) with sufficient degrees of freedom (via the metrology axes) to avoid creating an additional constraint between the metrology frame (M) and the drive frame (D). This avoids creating movements within the metrology frame (M), due to non-ideal movements and/or behaviours associated with the drive frame (D) and/or metrology frame (M), that are not allowed by any combination of one or more of the metrology axes (R1, R2, R3, L4, R5, R6), and hence not measured, and this provides a more accurate coordinate positioning arm (A).
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
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
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 encoder apparatus comprising a reflective scale and a readhead. The readhead comprises 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 comprises 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
An encoder apparatus comprising a readhead for reading a reflective scale located adjacent the readhead. The readhead comprises a circuit board on which a sensor comprising one or more photodiodes for detecting light reflected from a scale located adjacent the readhead is mounted, and at least one light emitting element. The light emitting element is mounted to the circuit board via a light emitting element support structure which holds the light emitting element away from the circuit board and the sensing plane of the sensor, and at least a part of which extends over 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
A coordinate positioning machine comprises a plurality of drive axes (61), each of which is either a rotary drive axis or a linear drive axis, for positioning a platform (12) within a working volume of the machine, and a linear counterbalance axis (L), separate from any of the drive axes (61), for counterbalancing the platform (12). With such a counterbalance arrangement (50) the separate linear counterbalance axis (L) can be substantially invariant to changes in orientation of the drive axes (61) and can be therefore be counterbalanced e.g. by a simple counterweight (30) providing ideal or near-ideal counterbalancing for the platform (12) throughout the working volume of the machine. Also disclosed is a counterbalance arrangement (50) in which the counterbalance axes (R1, L1, L2) and force generator (30) are mutually arranged such that horizontal movement of the platform (12) causes substantially no net movement of and/or causes substantially no work to be done on the force generator (30). Also disclosed is a counterbalance arrangement (50) in which a series of counterbalance axes (R1, L1, L2) has at least one rotary counterbalance axis (R1), and wherein the force generator (30) is arranged behind or at a predetermined horizontal distance from the first rotary counterbalance axis (R1) in the series. Also disclosed is a counterbalance arrangement (50) having a series of counterbalance axes (R1, L1, L2) with at most one rotary counterbalance axis (R1) between the force generator (30) and ground (14).
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
63.
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE RUNOUT OF A TOOL IN A MACHINE TOOL
A method and apparatus are described for determining the runout of a tool (12) retained by a rotatable spindle of a machine tool using a tool edge sensor, such as a non-contact tool setter (2), mounted to the machine tool. The spindle is arranged to rotate the tool, which may be a fluted cutting tool, about a spindle centre line (20). The technique comprises rotating the spindle into three or more rotational orientations and using the tool edge sensor to measure a position of the edge of the tool (12) for each of the three or more rotational orientations. A tool centre point is found by fitting the positions of the tool edge to a function and a difference in position between the tool centre point and the spindle centre line (20) is used to determine a runout of the tool.
A method of determining components present in a sample from spectral data obtained from the sample comprising resolving each of a plurality of models of the spectral data, the plurality of models comprising models having a different number of component reference spectra selected from a set of predetermined component reference spectra; selecting a one of the plurality of models based upon a model selection criterion and determining one or more components present in the sample based upon the selected model. The model selection criterion comprises a measure for each model, which balances improvements in fit quality of the model to the spectral data against a complexity penalty determined from the number of component reference spectrum used in the model.
G01N 21/35 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
A pallet loader for a positioning apparatus, comprising at least two pallet bays and at least one intermediate member, arranged such that at least two pallet bays are located on different sides of the intermediate member, such that at least one pallet can be driven i) from one pallet bay to another, and ii) from one pallet bay to a positioning apparatus, in which the apparatus comprises cooperating guide features on the underside of the at least one pallet and on one or more of the intermediate member and pallet bays for guiding the pallet along a predetermined path and/or for controlling the rotational orientation of the pallet about a vertical axis, as the pallet moves across the intermediate member/pallet bay.
B23Q 7/14 - Arrangements for handling work specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools, e.g. for conveying, loading, positioning, discharging, sorting co-ordinated in production lines
B65G 35/06 - Mechanical conveyors not otherwise provided for comprising a load-carrier moving along a path, e.g. a closed path, and adapted to be engaged by any one of a series of traction elements spaced along the path
B65G 47/53 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices between conveyors which cross one another
B65G 47/54 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices between conveyors which cross one another at least one of which is a roller-way
66.
POWDER BED FUSION ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING METHODS AND APPARATUS
This invention concerns a powder bed fusion additive manufacturing method comprising forming layers, L1, L2, of powder of a powder bed and exposing the layers, L1, L2, to one or more energy beams to melt the powder to form an object. The exposure of each layer, L1, L2, to the or each energy beam forms melt pools 300a to 300i in a conduction or transition mode with an exposure distance, HD, between adjacent exposures within the layer, L1, L2, being 40% to 60% of a width of the melt pools 300a to 300i generated by the exposures and an offset, OD, of exposures between successively melted layers, L1, L2, in a direction in which the exposure distance. HD, is measured, being 40% to 60% of the exposure distance OD.
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 is disclosed of manufacturing an article, with the method comprising using a coordinate measuring machine both to obtain three-dimensional point coordinate measurements of a first part (70) of the article that is already in place and to position a second part (80) of the article in a predetermined spatial relationship relative to the first part (70) in dependence upon the measurements of the first part (70). The predetermined spatial relationship is defined in more than three degrees of freedom. Positioning the second part (80) relative to the first part (70) comprises controlling the machine to move the second part (80) relative to the first part (70) in more than three degrees of freedom. The machine is controlled to hold the first and second parts (70, 80) in the predetermined spatial relationship while performing an operation to fix the first and second parts in the predetermined spatial relationship. The second part (80) is not in direct contact with any other part of the article when the first and second parts (70, 80) are in the predetermined spatial relationship, at least not in a manner which would interfere with or influence or affect the predetermined spatial relationship.
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
B23P 21/00 - Machines for assembling a multiplicity of different parts to compose units, with or without preceding or subsequent working of such parts, e.g. with programme control
69.
METAL POWDER BED ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING APPARATUS AND METHODS
A powder bed fusion apparatus comprising a build platform (102) movable in a build sleeve (131), the build platform (102) for supporting a bed (104) of metal powder, a powder layer formation device for forming layers of metal powder to form the bed (104), a scanner (106) for directing an energy beam to selected regions of each layer to consolidate the metal powder and a radio-wave generator (110, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154) arranged to surround the metal powder and generate radio waves to heat the metal powder that forms the bed (104).
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
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 additive manufacturing system comprising an additive manufacture apparatus having an energy source and a process chamber (2) in which the energy beam is used to selectively solidify powder on a layer-by-layer basis; and at least one powder supply module (1) removably attachable to the additive manufacture apparatus. The powder supply module (1) has a powder supply and a powder dispenser (200). The process chamber (2) of the additive manufacturing apparatus is provided with an opening (2b) extending from the exterior of the apparatus into the chamber (2) and the powder supply module (1) is provided with a complementary connection interface (226) which closes the opening (2b), wherein the powder dispenser (200) delivers powder into the process chamber (2) beyond the connection interface (226).
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
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 64/259 - Enclosures for the building material, e.g. powder containers interchangeable
B29C 64/307 - Handling of material to be used in additive manufacturing
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 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
An additive manufacturing powder recirculation apparatus (1) comprising: a powder recirculation loop (120) having: an inlet (114) for receiving powder from an additive manufacture apparatus; an outlet (154) for supplying powder to the additive manufacture apparatus; and a powder flow path extending between the inlet (114) and outlet (154). A diverter valve (200, 400) in the powder flow path is configured to selectively place the powder flow in fluid communication with either the downstream powder recirculation loop or a hopper (140) outside of the powder recirculation loop (1).
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
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
B33Y 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
B29C 64/307 - Handling of material to be used in additive manufacturing
B07B 7/08 - Selective separation of solid materials carried by, or dispersed in, gas currents using centrifugal force
B01D 45/12 - Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by centrifugal forces
B05B 1/14 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
B05B 1/16 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with strainers in or outside the outlet opening having selectively-effective outlets
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 comprises a drive frame (37) and a metrology frame (36). The drive frame (37) comprises a drive arrangement (28) for moving a moveable structure (22) around a working volume (34) of the machine. The metrology frame (36) comprises a metrology arrangement (26) for measuring the position of the structure (22) within the working volume (34). In one aspect, the metrology arrangement (26) is a hexapod metrology arrangement and the drive arrangement (28) is a non-hexapod drive arrangement. The metrology frame (36) has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is lower than that of the drive frame (37). The drive frame (37) is coupled to the metrology frame (36) via a coupling arrangement (38) which prevents at least some distortion associated with any extra thermal expansion and contraction of the drive frame (37) from being transferred to the metrology frame (36). In another aspect, the drive arrangement (28) moves the structure (22) around the working volume (34) in fewer than six degrees of freedom, and the metrology arrangement (26) measures the position of the structure (22) within the working volume (34) in more degrees of freedom than the drive arrangement (28).
A method comprising: a) causing a tool mounted on a machine tool to work on a workpiece, and at least one sensor, which is configured to measure one or more aspects of the tool and/or machine tool, collecting sensor data during said working; b) a measurement device inspecting the part of the workpiece that was worked on at step a) to obtain measurement data; and c) calculating sensor-to-workpiece data calibration information from the sensor data and the measurement data.
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
This invention concerns a method of powder bed fusion additive manufacture comprising forming a component in a powder bed in a layer-by-layer process. The method may comprise sintering, without melting, selected regions of powder with an energy beam to form at least one support adjacent to the component; and melting further selected regions of the powder bed with an energy beam to form a component by layer-by-layer melting of material. The method may comprise directing an energy beam at selected regions of powder to form a friable support, the friable support comprising bonded powder which act as a solid and provide compressive support; and melting further regions of the powder bed with an energy beam to form a component by layer-by-layer melting of material.
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
An optical tool measurement device (2) for a machine tool is described. The device comprises a light source (10) for directing light towards a tool-sensing region (13) and a sensor (14) for detecting light from the tool-sensing region (13). A shutter assembly (40) for selectively protecting the sensor (14) from contamination is also provided. The shutter assembly (40) is configured to provide a closed configuration in which the sensor (14) is covered by the shutter assembly (40) thereby preventing contamination of the sensor (14) and an open configuration in which light can pass to the sensor (14) through a first aperture (72;102) of the shutter assembly (40). Furthermore, the shutter assembly (40) is additionally configured to additionally provide a constricted configuration in which light can pass to the sensor through a second aperture (74;104) of the shutter assembly (40), the second aperture being smaller than the first aperture. In this manner, the device (2) has enhanced resistance to contaminants, such as swarf and coolant, present in the machine tool environment.
A measurement apparatus for mounting within an enclosure of a machine is described. The apparatus comprises a measurement device(2;300;400;500)and a protection means (40,42;70;100;230) for protecting the measurement device (2;300;400;500) from contaminants (420) present within the machine enclosure. The protection means (40,42;70;100;230) is switchable between at least a first mode that protects the measurement device (2;300;400;500) from contaminants and a second mode that provides less protection of the measurement device (2) from contaminants than the first mode. A contaminant sensor (14;242;302;360; 410) is used for sensing contamination within the machine enclosure and thereby determining when the protection means(40,42;70;100;230)can adopt the second mode. A corresponding method is also described.
A method of calibrating an ultrasound probe having a coupling element for engaging the surface of an object to be inspected, in which the ultrasound probe and a calibration artefact are provided on a positioning apparatus having at least one axis about which the relative orientation of the ultrasound probe and calibration artefact can be changed, the method comprising, in any suitable order: i) for a plurality of different relative orientations between the ultrasound probe and the calibration artefact about the at least one axis, measuring the signal received by the ultrasound probe; and ii) from said measurements, determining at least one calibration parameter which is indicative of at least one axis of optimum signal of the ultrasound probe, and recording the at least one calibration parameter for subsequent use.
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
G01N 29/30 - Arrangements for calibrating or comparing, e.g. with standard objects
This invention concerns a spectroscopic apparatus comprising an optical input (150, 250), a dispersive device (160, 260) arranged to disperse light in a spectral direction across a detector(190, 290), an input lens(170, 172, 270) between the optical input(150, 250)and the dispersive device (160, 260) for collimating the lightand a detector lens(180, 280)between the dispersive device (190, 290) and the detector (190) for focusing the dispersed light onto the detector(190, 290).The apparatus may further comprise a positioner(165) for rotating the dispersive device (160) relative to the incoming optical axis to change the angle of incidence of the dispersive device (160) thereby adjusting the resulting spectral region dispersed across the detector (190), an input magnification adjustor (175) for adjusting the magnification of the light onto the dispersive device (190) and a controller arranged to adapt the input magnification adjuster (175) in response to the angle of incidence of the dispersive device. The apparatus may further comprise a beam splitter(300), between the optical input (270) and the dispersive device(260), the beam splitter (300) being arranged to split the light into a plurality of separate optical paths (320, 330) each path (320, 330) being directed to the dispersive device (260) to provide separate partial spectra across portions of the detector(290) and at least one magnification adjuster(275) in one of the plurality of separate optical paths(330) between the beam splitter (300) and the dispersive device (260) to optimise the beam diameter of the optical path (330) at the dispersive device (260).
This invention concerns a method of aligning an on-axis melt pool sensor (123) in an additive manufacturing apparatus. The method comprises scanning a first laser beam (118a, 118b, 118c, 118d) along a first scan path (L1) across a working surface (110) using afirst optical train (106a, 106b, 106c,106d) to generate a melt pool (130) along the first scan path (L1) and scanning a field of view (132) of an on-axis sensor (123) along a second scan path (L2) across the working surface using a second optical train (106a, 106b, 106c,106d) for steering a second laser beam (118a, 118b, 118c, 118d). The first and second scan paths (L1, L2) intersect. An adjustment to be made to an alignment of the field of view (132) of the on-axis sensor (123) with an optical axis of the second optical train (106a, 106b, 106c,106d) is determined from a variation in the signal generated by the on-axis sensor (123) as the field of view (132) is scanned along the second scan path (L2).
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 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
B23K 26/03 - Observing, e.g. monitoring, the workpiece
B23K 26/34 - Laser welding for purposes other than joining
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
B29C 64/268 - Arrangements for irradiation using electron beams [EB]
A hard-wired measurement device (14;50;80;120;160;200;250;280) is described that is mountable within an enclosure (4) of a computer-controlled machine tool (2). The device includes a measurement sensor (14,16; 554,56; 90,92; 126,128; 174,176; 218,220) for measuring objects, such as tools, within the machine tool enclosure and a hard-wired interface module (59) for providing an electrical connection via one or more wires (24) with an associated external interface (22) located outside of the machine tool enclosure. The device further comprises a wireless communications module(26;62;94;134;240;260)that enables wireless communication with an associated wireless device(12), such as a spindle probe, located within the machine tool enclosure(4).
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
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 1/00 - Members which are comprised in the general build-up of a form of machine, particularly relatively large fixed members
A manufacturing system comprises: a coordinate positioning machine (10) having a structure moveable within a working volume of the machine, a drive arrangement for moving the structure around the working volume, and a positioning arrangement for determining the position of the structure within the working volume with a first accuracy; and a metrology arrangement (30) to which the machine (10) is removably couplable, such that when the machine (10) is coupled to the metrology arrangement (30), with the structure being moved by the drive arrangement, the metrology arrangement (30) is able to measure the position of the structure with a second accuracy that is higher than the first accuracy.
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
An incremental encoder apparatus comprising: a scale comprising a series of periodic features defining an optical incremental scale, and at least one magnetic reference mark; and a readhead. The readhead comprises at least one incremental sensor configured to detect light from the optical incremental scale and to output at least one signal dependent thereon, and at least two analogue Hall sensors, each comprising at least two output terminal pairs, and each configured to switch repeatedly between each output terminal pair so as to reduce any inherent offset in the output of the analogue Hall sensor. The apparatus is configured to determine the presence of the reference mark from the outputs of the at least two analogue Hall sensors.
G01D 5/14 - 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 influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
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
83.
METHOD OF IDENTIFYING ANOMALOUS EVENTS IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
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
B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
This invention concerns a method of smoothing spectral data recorded by a spectrometer comprising successively fitting (103) a plurality of spline curves to the spectral data, each spline curve having a different number of knots.A knot position of each knot, other than end point knots, in each spline curve is determined based upon a measure of fit of points of a previously fitted one of the spline curves having fewer knots to the spectral data. The method further comprises selecting (108) one of the spline curves as a smoothed data curve of the spectral data based upon a model selection criterion.
A non-contact tool measurement apparatus for use in a machine tool environment is described. The apparatus includes a transmitter (10) comprising a first aperture (46) and a laser (40) for generating light (44) that is emitted from the transmitter (10) through the first aperture (46) towards a tool-sensing region (69). A receiver (14) includes an optical detector (62) and is arranged to receive light (44) from the tool-sensing region (69). A processor (24) is also provided for analysing the light detected by the optical detector (62) to enable the measurement of tools (70) in the tool-sensing region. The laser (40) is capable of generating light (44) having a wavelength of less than 590nm thereby enabling the size of the first aperture (46) to be reduced resulting in a reduction in contaminant ingress. In one embodiment, the laser (40) generates blue light.
An incremental measurement encoder comprising a scale and a readhead. The scale comprises a periodic series of features forming an incremental track and at least one reference mark. The readhead comprising a structured light source and a reference mark photodetector array. The at least one reference mark can comprise at least one imaging element configured to form an image of the structured light source onto the reference mark photodetector array.
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
This invention concerns a powder bed fusion apparatus and method. The apparatus comprises a build platform (102, 302) for supporting a powder bed (104, 304) onto which layers of a powder can be deposited, a scanner (106, 306) for scanning an energy beam over each layer to fuse selected regions of the powder bed (104, 304) and a gas flow circuit for passing a flow of gas over the powder bed (104, 304). The gas flow circuit comprises a filter assembly (114, 214) comprising a filter housing (115, 215) through which the gas flows, the filter housing (115, 215) containing a granulate, preferably powder, filter medium for filtering particles from the gas flow. The powder filter medium may correspond to powder used to form the powder bed (104, 304) such as being of the same material as the powder used to form the powder bed (104, 304).
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
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 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
B01D 46/30 - Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using loose filtering material
B29C 64/20 - 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
This invention concerns a method of filtering gas in a powder bed fusion apparatus, in which an object is built layer-by-layer by selective solidification of a powder bed, and a powder bed fusion apparatus for carrying out the method. The powder bed fusion apparatus comprises a build chamber (101) for housing the powder bed (104), a gas circuit for recirculating the gas, including passing the gas over the powder bed within the build chamber, a plurality of filter assemblies (230a, 230b) in the gas circuit for filtering process emissions from the gas recirculated through the gas circuit and a valve system (123 a, l24a. l23b, l24b) operable to regulate a flow of the gas to each one of the filter assemblies (230a, 230b). The method may comprise controlling the valve system (123 a, l24a. l23b, l24b) to divide the gas flow between a first one of the filter assemblies (230a, 230b) housing an unused filter element and at least one second one of the filter assemblies (230a, 230b) housing a used filter element such that less gas flows through the first filter assembly (230a, 230b) than the or each second filter assembly (230a, 230b). The method may comprise controlling the valve system (123 a, l24a. l23b, l24b) such that a first one of the filter assemblies (230a, 230b) housing an unused filter element is connected in series in the gas circuit with at least one second one of the filter assemblies (230a, 230b) housing a used filter element such that the gas passes through the filter elements of both the first and second filter assemblies (230a, 230b).
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
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 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
A tool setting apparatus (40; 200) for a machine tool (4) is described. The apparatus includes a measurement probe (44; 206) having a stylus (46; 208) and a deflection sensor for sensing deflection of the stylus. The distal end of the stylus (46) comprises a tool-contacting tip (47; 212). A cover (48; 214) is provided that has an aperture (53) through which the distal end of the stylus can pass. The cover (48; 214) is moveable relative to the measurement probe (44; 206) between a protective configuration in which the cover (48; 214) substantially surrounds the stylus (46; 208) and a tool measurement configuration in which the tip of the stylus (47; 212) protrudes through the aperture (53) of the cover (48; 214) to allow tool measurement. At least one gas supply pathway (56) is provided for supplying gas (e.g. air) into the region (58; 231) enclosed by the cover (48; 214) when the cover (48; 214) is in the protective configuration, at least some of the supplied gas being expelled or bleed from the cover (48; 214) through the aperture (53).The cover (48; 214) may be moveable using an actuator (54), such as pneumatic actuator.
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
B08B 5/02 - Cleaning by the force of jets, e.g. blowing-out cavities
B23Q 17/24 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools using optics
90.
METHOD, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND APPARATUS FOR MEASUREMENT CYCLE GENERATION IN A TOUCH TRIGGER COORDINATE MACHINE
A powder bed fusion apparatus in which an object is built in a layer- by-layer manner. The apparatus comprises a build sleeve (117) and a build platform (102) for supporting a powder bed (104), the build platform (102) lowerable in the build sleeve (117). A processing plate (115) is coupled to an upper end of the build sleeve (117). The apparatus further comprises a doser (108) for dosing powder and a recoater (109) for spreading the dosed powder across the processing plate (115) to the powder bed (104). A heater (160, 161, 162) is provided for heating the powder bed (104). An active cooling device comprising a cooling element and/or cooling channel (153) is provided to, in use, form an active thermal barrier to conduction of heat from the build sleeve (117) through the processing plate (115).
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 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
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
This invention concerns a powder bed additive manufacturing apparatus comprising a build sleeve (117), a build platform (202) for supporting a powder bed (104) and object (103) during a build, the build platform (202) lowerable in the build sleeve (117), and at least one acoustic sensing system. The acoustic sensing system comprises an acoustic emission sensor (209) and an acoustic waveguide (240). The acoustic waveguide (240) extends through the build platform (202) such that a receiving end (241) of the acoustic waveguide (240) distal from the acoustic emission sensor (209) abuts a surface of a build substrate (222) removable mounted to the build platform (202) to transmit structure-borne acoustic waves from the build substrate (222) to the acoustic emission sensor (209).
B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
G01N 29/14 - 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 using acoustic emission techniques
B33Y 50/00 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
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 64/386 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
B29C 64/194 - Processes of additive manufacturing involving additional operations performed on the added layers, e.g. smoothing, grinding or thickness control during lay-up
B29C 64/20 - 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 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
Method for measuring an object using a scanning probe carried by a machine tool having a probe holder for the scanning probe and a carrier for the object, the method comprising the steps of (i)using the machine tool to move the probe holder relative to the carrier along a pre-programmed scan path (100), the pre-programmed scan path comprising at least one first region where the movement along the pre-programed scan path is at a first feedrate, at least one second region (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d) where the movement along the pre-programed scan path is at a second feedrate, and at least one acceleration zone (108a, 108b, 108c, 108d, 108e, 108f, 108g, 180h, 109a, 109b) located between the at least one first region and the at least one second region, (ii)measuring acceleration whilst the pre-programmed scan path is traversed (202), (iii)collecting probe data whilst the pre-programmed scan path is traversed, and (iv)using the acceleration measured to identify at least one acceleration zone of the pre-programmed scan path and thereby determine one or more positions along the scan path at which the probe data of step (iii)were collected.
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
94.
LASER BEAM SCANNER WITH LASER BEAMS POSITIONING OPTIC, OPTICAL FIBRES AND FIBRE TERMINATION OPTIC
This invention concerns a laser beam scanner comprising a laser beams positioning optic (120), a plurality of optical fibres (121) for delivering a plurality of laser beams (122a) and a fibre termination optic (123a) aligned to direct the laser beams from output ends of the plurality of optical fibres (121) to the laser beams positioning optic (120). The laser beams positioning optic (120) is movable relative to the fibre termination optic (123a) to scan the laser beams (122a) across a working surface (124).
This invention concerns a method of selecting a scanning sequence of a laser beam in a selective laser solidification process, in which one or more objects are formed layer-by-layer by, repeatedly, depositing a layer of powder on a powder bed and scanning a plurality of laser beams over the deposited powder to selectively solidify the powder layers, wherein a gas flow is passed over the powder bed in a gas flow direction. The method comprising selecting a scanning sequence for the plurality of laser beams to include the simultaneous exposure of an upstream point together with a downstream point located downstream of a flow of debris carried from the upstream point by the gas flow, the downstream and upstream points selected for simultaneous exposure based upon the downstream point being within a maximum separation distance from the upstream point.
A surface finish stylus (50; 190) for a multi-directional scanning probe (22) is described. The stylus has an elongate stylus shaft (52; 120; 140) having a longitudinal axis (L) and one or more contact elements (56; 124,126; 144, 146, 148; 196, 198) protruding from the elongate shaft (52; 120; 140) for contacting a surface (70,72) to be measured. The one or more contact elements (56; 124,126; 144, 146, 148; 196, 198) are configured to enable measurement of surface finish during motion of the stylus shaft (52; 120; 140) relative to a surface (70,72) along a measurement direction (Ml, M2; M3) that is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis (L). The multi-directional scanning probe (22) may be carried by a coordinate measuring machine or machine tool. Associated methods are also described.
A surface finish stylus(50)is described that includes an elongate stylus shaft (52;100) and a contact element (56;102) protruding from the elongate shaft for contacting a surface to be measured. The contact element (56;102) is deformable and the stylus shaft comprises a clamp for retaining the contact element(56;102), the contact element (56;102) being deformed by the clamp. The contact element (56;102) may comprise a metal, such as chromium steel or nitinol. The contact element (56;102) comprises one or more regions of weakness (82) to cause a required deformation when retained by the clamp. The surface finish stylus (50) may be used with a surface finish measurement probe (20) or the like.
This invention concerns a powder bed additive manufacturing apparatus comprising a build chamber (101), a build platform (102) located in the build chamber (101) for supporting the object (103) as it is built and a powder bed (104), a powder dispenser (109) for dispensing powder into the build chamber (101) to be formed into layers of the powder bed, a scanner (106) for directing an energy beam to solidify powder of the powder bed (104) and a powder transport system (120) for transporting powder from a powder input/recovery location to the dispenser (109). The powder transport system (120) may comprise a pneumatic powder transport system and a gas circuit for generating a gas flow of inert gas in which the powder is entrained to transport the powder to the dispenser (120). A gas dryer (128) may be provided for drying inert gas in the gas flow circuit, wherein the powder is entrained in the dried inert gas during transport to the powder dispenser (120).
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 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
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(s). An error value for that pose is determined based on the known separation (s) 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 (S) between the target point and the pivot point is measured and an error value for that pose is determined based on the measured separation (S) and a separation expected for that pose from the existing model parameters. An overall error measure is determined from the error values, and a new parameter set is determined that would result in a lower overall error measure than for the existing parameter set. Also described is a ball adaptor and a ballbar extension piece.
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
This application concerns a method of verifying a build of a part (202), in which the part (202) is built in an additive manufacturing process by layerwise consolidation of material. The method comprises building (101) a verification artefact (201) together with the part (202) in the additive manufacturing process, measuring (103, 104) a feature of the verification artefact (202) with a surface sensing probe (18) to determine measured geometric dimensions of the feature, and qualifying the build of the part (202) based upon a comparison between the measured geometric dimension and an expected dimension for the feature. The application also concerns a verification artefact (201) for use in the method.
B29C 64/393 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
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 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
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
patents
