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MeasurementToolSpotlight:PortableMeasuringArmsOASISAlignmentServices

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Measurement Tool Spotlight: Portable Measuring Arms
by Hubert Meagher on February 25, 2016 in 3D Metrology, Industry News

With close to 35 years in the field of industrial precision measurement and alignment, the engineering team
at OASIS has worked with, tested, researched, and owned almost every precision measurement instrument
available from machinist levels, pi tapes and trammels to optical alignment tooling and 3D metrology
instruments such as laser trackers and portable measuring arms. In our Measurement Tool Spotlight series of
posts, we will select a precision measurement tool and provide an overview of the tool and the applications it
is best suited for.

Portable Measuring Arms

Originally designed to inspect the geometric path of bent tube shapes, portable measuring arms, also known
as articulating arms or 3D metrology arms, have been in existence for many years. With todays technology
and software, these innovative measuring instruments are used for dimensional analysis and quality control in
a wide variety of industries including aerospace, automotive, power generation, tool & die manufacturing and
metal fabrication.

How the Arm Works

Portable measuring arms are portable
coordinate measuring machines that
resemble a human arm with an elbow,
forearm and wrist. A probe is located at
the very tip of the arm and high precision
angular encoders are located in each
joint. The encoders precisely calculate
the 3D coordinates of the probe as it is
positioned on the component or part that
is being measured.
Portable measuring arms are available in
a number of different models with
measuring reach from 4 to 14 and with
either six or seven axes of rotation. This
flexibility allows for precision measuring
even in difficult to reach areas.
Accurate to +/ .001 and with internal
temperature sensors, portable measuring
arms easily compensate for the effects of
environmental temperature changes.

OASISmetrologyengineer,NathanChase,usesportable
measuringarmtoinspectpart.

Additionally, all portable measuring arms communicate with 3D metrology software, allowing for inspection
reports to be generated quickly often provided onsite and in realtime.
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Applications Where Measuring Arms Excel

With their high degree of accuracy, flexibility and portability, measuring arms are ideal for numerous
industrial applications including:
Dimensional Analysis
First Article Inspection
CADBased Inspection
OnMachine Inspection
Reverse Engineering
Tool & Fixture Alignment

Laser Line Scanners

Some portable measuring arms can be modified by attaching a laser line scanner/probe. Laser scanners
capture noncontact measurement data quickly and at a high frequency often over 20,000 points per
second. The advantages of noncontact scanning include improved surface scanning, ease of use on complex
parts, and speed of data collection. Applications that benefit from portable measuring arms with laser line
scanners include reverse engineering, CADbased inspection and first article inspections.

ImageshowsdimensionalmodelofpartcreatedusingportablemeasuringarmandBuildIT2016software

Summary
Traditional coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are ideal for the dimensional inspection of large numbers
of the same parts. However, traditional CMMs are typically in a fixed location, extremely costly, and have
limited measurement reach. With the portability, reliability and efficiency of portable measuring arms and
other portable metrology instruments, such as laser trackers, metrology engineers have the ability to inspect
parts and components directly on the shop floor. This capability allows for quick diagnosis of issues, fewer
part defects and improved quality of both product and process.
Note: Contract work for a limited number of parts, whether done at your facility or at a metrology
vendors location such as at an OASIS Service Center, is a good alternative to purchasing an arm and 3D
metrology software and eliminates the expense of training an inhouse resource. If you would like
more information on portable measuring arms or other 3D metrology tools and solutions, please contact
us we would be happy to discuss your needs.

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About Hubert Meagher
Hubert Meagher, B. Eng, spent many years in the field as an Alignment Engineer
specializing in precision measurement prior to his role as Director of Metrology
Services at OASIS Alignment Services (OASIS). He is an expert in using both optical
tooling and portable metrology tools in manufacturing facilities. Mr. Meagher was
instrumental in researching and developing the 3Dimensional Metrology Services segment of OASIS
and has been heavily involved with testing the use of laser trackers, coordinate measuring arms
and laser scanners in industrial environments.
View all posts by Hubert Meagher

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