The API laser and tracker systems are designed to optimize geometries and positioning accuracies on large precision machine tools.
"Konecranes Machine Tool Service has acquired new equipment to further advance its ability to serve the aeronautical and aviation industries," said a company spokesperson. The company recently purchased machine tool metrology equipment from Automated Precision Inc. (API). The new Rad 50 laser tracker and four new 6-D laser systems enable the company to capture multiple data points that are required to correct for positioning and geometry errors in one set-up. The spokesperson reported that the actual time saved by the new technology can be measured in days.
"While machine tool rebuilding or remanufacturing projects can routinely take four to six months to execute, emergency service callouts are often for items that can be fixed in one day or less," said the spokesperson. "This is where the shortened data collection time offered by the new equipment benefits the customer and provides the most value. Konecranes Machine Tool Service specializes in turn-key service, combining the diagnostic function with the expertise to take immediate corrective action."
"With this state-of-the-art equipment from API we can set it up one time, position the reflective mirror in front of the laser, shoot one run and capture six different freedoms of movement," said Harold Schoch, Vice President, Technical Services, Region Americas. "In the past we needed to make several set-ups in order to capture the same data. This equipment allows us to harvest all the data we need in one day or less, while traditional systems require two or three days."
API is one of the laser manufacturers working in concert with control manufacturers on Volumetric Error Compensation, a large machine tool calibration system designed to improve tool accuracy up to tenfold. "This solution ensures that the movements of the machine tool across all six degrees (X, Y, Z, pitch, yaw and roll) are accurate over the machine's entire working volume, regardless of the number of axes or machine complexity," said the spokesperson. "This technology has been embraced by the aviation industry, as it has reduced calibration downtime from a few days to a few hours."
"All machine tools that are manufacturing products have a certain accuracy standard for the product they make," said Schoch. "When you start machining wingspans on commercial airliners that are up to 200 feet long, accuracy is very important. Just the curvature of the earth can throw tolerances off.
"Konecranes Machine Tool Service has state-of-the-art equipment as well as the ability to take data and make the right corrective action to support our customers."
For more information contact:
Harold Schoch
Vice President, Technical Services
Region Americas
Konecranes, Inc.
4401 Gateway Blvd.
Springfield, OH 45502
866-258-8083 / 513-761-0709
harold.schoch@konecranes.com
www.konecranesusa.com