NVision announces the launch of the MAXOS XR (Extended Range), which expands the measurement capabilities for multiple vane applications. The XR augments the MAXOS multi-axis optical CMM product line, already the industry standard for non-contact measurement of turbine blades due to its speed, accuracy and ability to scan polished or machined surfaces without any coating.
Nozzle or vane segments of a turbine stator are normally impossible to inspect using optical measurement and notoriously time-consuming to inspect using conventional CMM technology. The problem is the limited space available between individual blades and the resulting angles of approach. Inspection by conventional CMM requires long custom-shaped touch probes that need regular recalibration and is often inaccurate due to ball-offset or cosine error.
The MAXOS XR addresses these problems. The sensor’s concentrated light spot can measure at a standoff of 8 inches with an angle of incidence to the surface of as little as 15 degrees. With this technical breakthrough, the MAXOS XR can scan between individual vanes and measure complete cross-sections of each blade segment at all required section heights.
Another unique feature for the measurement of nozzle segments is the ability of the MAXOS XR to measure the position and depth of slot seals, a notoriously difficult operation to automate.
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