Bruker
Corp. recently launched its new NPFLEX-LA, the first non-contact,
three-dimensional surface metrology system designed to provide
quantitative lead angle and surface texture measurements for the control
and reduction of fluid leakage of rotary dynamic sealing surfaces.
The
NPFLEX-LA combines the intrinsic benefits of Bruker’s gage-capable,
interferometry-based 3D optical profiling technology with new
patent-pending metrology capabilities to quantifiably measure both shaft
lead angle and surface texture of sealing surfaces in a single,
integrated solution. Designed to perform extremely accurate metrology
independent of part warp, level, concentricity or mounting
inconsistencies, the NPFLEX-LA also features a streamlined production
user interface that enables rapid setup and easily set pass/fail
criteria to identify and/or discard nicks, burrs, and scratches from a
measured surface area on a machined shaft.
“The
average automobile has numerous dynamic seals that can fail,” explained
Stanley Smith, a consultant and industry expert in sealing surfaces.
“Failures attributed to leaking seals cost the transportation and power
equipment industry tens of millions of dollars a year in warranty costs,
recalls and fines. Given my 50 years of experience in the oil seal
industry, it is very exciting to see that Bruker has come up with an
innovative, noncontact measurement for shaft lead angle. The NPFLEX-LA
will allow the sealing industry to continue to drive roadmap development
beyond existing designs and achieve warranty targets at a reduced
cost.”
According
to Bruker, the NPFLEX-LA provides the transportation and related
industries with a precision metrology solution that will help meet
international environmental regulations and emissions standards by
confirming that manufacturing processes produce sealing surface parts to
required tolerances.
The
Bruker NPFLEX and NPFLEX-LA optical metrology instruments utilize a
break-through gantry design to provide over 300 degrees of access for
large samples. A unique swiveling optical head option permits routine
investigation of highly curved samples and beveled edges. The NPFLEX-LA
utilizes an easy-to-use, three-jaw chuck design to allow for the
mounting of shafts for lead angle and surface texture measurements. Both
NPFLEX and NPFLEX-LA employ Bruker’s tenth-generation, non-contact,
interferometry-based, 3D surface metrology technology to provide greater
accuracy, repeatability, flexibility and data density compared to
equivalent contact measurement techniques. Other standard features
include long working distance objectives, a unique objective
crash-mitigation system, automation and field-stitching software, and
patented, ultra-uniform dual-LED illumination.
The
NPFLEX product family also features Bruker’s industry-leading Vision64
software platform with parallel processing for enhanced performance and
capacity, which provides access to over 200 distinct analyses, and over
1,000 critical parameters for measuring lead angle, curvature, lay,
bearing ratio, wear, corrosion, and other key parameters.
NPFLEX-LA
will be demonstrated at the SAE 2011 World Congress, April 12–14, 2011
in Detroit, Michigan and at Control 2011, May 3–6, 2011 in Stuttgart,
Germany.
