Manipulated Tube Measurement

ITP Group have often been asked to outline the benefits of ITP Group Horizontal Arm coordinate measuring machines compared to Flexible Arm CMM Systems for the measurement of manipulated tube, pipe, wire or hosing. At first glance a Flexible Arm CMM may seem a worthy alternative – they appear simple to use with non-contact technology. However, if it doesn’t measure accurately, and only does part of the job, are you sure that a Flexible Arm CMM is the right system for you?

Click here for an in-depth PDF document outlining the Advantages Of ITP Group's Horizontal Arm System Over Flexible Arm Systems.

ITP Group have developed software and hardware driven by our client requirements, and not only can ITP Group Horizontal Arm coordinate measuring machines measure tube assemblies more accurately than Flexible Arm Systems, they can then go on to measure the individual brackets, end fittings, ‘T’ sections and fixtures.

Advantages Of ITP Group’s Horizontal Arm System Over Flexible Arm Systems

• Higher Accuracy – A typical ITP Group Horizontal Arm coordinate measuring machine has a volumetric accuracy of 0.04mm (0.0016”), compared to a typical Flexible Arm System of nearly 3 times wider – 0.11mm (0.0043”).
  
  
• Increased Repeatability – ITP Group clients such as Rolls Royce Aero Engines are producing tube and holding 0.1mm (0.004”) repeatability with ease.
  
  
• Cut-Off Correction – Due to the high accuracy of ITP Group Horizontal Arm coordinate measuring machines, cut off correction will also fall into tightly set tolerances.
  
  
• Short Straight Measurement – Using the fine drives, an ITP Group Horizontal Arm coordinate measuring machine can be positioned to 0.01mm (0.0003”), and straights of less than 12mm (0.5”) are easily and repeatedly measured.
  
  
• Deformed Straight Measurement – Using an ITP Group Horizontal Arm coordinate measuring machine, the operator can choose to take points on tube surfaces to avoid deformed areas, or multiple points can be taken on each straight to produce a best-fit around the deformed area. (A Flexible Arm System will only measure the high points of a tube assembly)
  
  
• Bend On Bend Measurement – With an ITP Group Horizontal Arm coordinate measuring machine, the operator can choose where to take points for a ‘bend on bend’ construction, and then opt to remove the intersection from the ‘best-fit’ if required.
  
  
• 180º Bend Measurement – ITP Group CMM software can cope with multiple 180º bends in a tube assembly. The 180º bend data is entered as YBC coordinates and can then be converted to XYZ coordinates.
  
  
• Assembly Versatility – Measure tube assemblies, brackets, ‘T’ sections and intersections on ITP Group Horizontal Arm coordinate measuring machines, with the accuracy to measure geometrical features against the drawings.
  
  
• Tube End Fitting Measurement – Standard ITP Group Tube Measurement Software has 4 built-in end fitting types to measure the position and angle found in modern-day tube assemblies – Square, Angled Face, Jagged & Flange / Banjo.
  
  
• End Point Correction – An ITP Group Horizontal Arm coordinate measuring machine can cope with the tube start / end points being either side of the end fitting.
  
  
• Multiple Fit Options – Standard ITP Group CMM software contains multiple fit options – Best Fit / End Fit / Last End Fit. Rogue or deformed intersection points can also be excluded from the fit. Any geometrical feature such as a bracket or ‘T’ section can also be added.
  
  
• Multiple Datums– ITP Group CMM software allows multiple datums, so that extra features can be displayed with respect to other datums on the tube assembly.
  
  
• Multiple Coordinates – ITP Group CMM software allows data / output results to be entered as pipe coordinates or CAD / Car / Aircraft coordinates.
  
  
• Tube Data Import / Export – ITP Group CMM software can extract tube data from CAD data, or extract from a text file. The tube nominal and / or correction data can also be exported to most pipe benders.
  
  
• Short Run Savings – with an ITP Group Horizontal Arm coordinate measuring machine you don’t need to pay for a separate fixture, as the ITP Group System is accurate enough to measure all tube features required for Pass Off.
  
  
• Build Quality – A steel and granite construction ITP Group Horizontal Arm coordinate measuring machine is built to last. Both Eaton Aeroquip and Dunlop Powerbend have multiple shop-floor systems that have been in operation 24 hours a day for over 12 years.
  
  
• Reverse Engineering Capability – ITP Group Horizontal Arm coordinate measuring machines have the ability to measure prototype / development tube assemblies, brackets and end fittings, before saving the measured data as IGES / DXF files and sending it to a CAD system.
  
  
• Production Aid – ITP Group Horizontal Arm coordinate measuring machines can be used as production aids to set the position of brackets, end fittings and ‘T’ sections. Simply measure the tube assembly and then use the digital read-out to move the probe head to specific tube / drawing coordinates to set the bracket.

For further information on ITP Group Manipulated Tube Measurement Systems, or to request a full quotation, Contact ITP Group.