Outline

BRT Apex 700/900 Series is an easy to operate, affordably priced bridge-type (moving bridge- type) CNC CMM for measuring medium size workpieces. It has been developed to meet the demanding requirements of the customers for easy to operate CMMs at affordable price yet capable of high accuracy measurement over a wide temperature range and excellent measurement stability/repeatability.

The BRT Apex 700/900 Series has a probe mounted at the end of the Z-axis spindle. It can be motor-driven in all three axial directions; X (right and left), Y (back and forth), and Z (up and down). The probe displacement is detected by Mitutoyo's high-accuracy linear encoders (Linear Scales), which are installed on each axis. The coordinate data at each measured point are output to the data processing system for sophisticated and efficient 2D or 3D measurement/analysis of
geometry and contours. These capabilities are specially useful when measuring bulky workpieces that have been hard to handle or access with conventional microscopes, and when making multi- planar measurements of workpieces with a complex shape.
Note that the BRT Apex 700/900 ensures high measuring accuracy over a wide temperature range with the temperature compensation capability (optional).

The BRT Apex 700/900 Series is best suited for inspecting incoming, in-process and final components of such as the following workpieces: 1. Molds for pressing, die casting, injection molding, and precision casting
2. Molded products (before and after machining)
3. Prototypes from NC machine tools
4. Machined parts.

Features of BRT Apex 700/900 Series as a CMM

The BRT Apex 700/900 Series has the following advantages over conventional measuring systems:
1. The coordinates of any point on a workpiece can be read directly by placing the probe tip in contact with it. Reading error and human error do not occur.

2. All workpiece surfaces, other than the bottom, may be measured provided that workpiece is correctly mounted.

3. Highly accurate measurement can be performed without any special skill or training. In addition, the time required for workpiece setup and measurement is reduced.

4. Datum (reference) points can be specified as required.

5. The data processing unit instantly determines and prints ddmensions, coordinates and contours of workpieces, and then compares the measured values with nominal values and tolerance limits, resulting in a great reduction in time for measurement and analysis. (For some types of workpieces, data processing speed has been increased several times over conventional methods.)

6. A wide range of accessories including a touch signal probe is available for upgrading system performance.

Features of structure and functions

1. The bridge (moving bridge) structure has been adopted so that a high-speed acceleration can be achieved in a motion. And, it's easy to mount the workpiece on the measuring table.

2. High-precision air bearings adopted for each axis ensure high linearity and smooth move ments of X-, Y-, and Z-axis.

3. High-precision linear encoders incorporated in each measuring axis ensure high-accuracy measurements.

4. The adoption of an air balancing system in the Z-axis assembly has greatly reduced the weight of the moving sections.

5. The Y-axis guide rail is fabricated as an integral part of the table in order to ensure high measurement accuracy of the BRT Apex 700/900 Series over a long period of time.

6. The signal cable of the touch signal probe is enclosed in the Z-axis spindle, eliminating the possibility of cable breakage and ensuring trouble-free operation.

7. The drop prevention device incorporated in the Z-axis balance unit is activated when the supplied air pressure drops or when the power is turned off, preventing the Z-axis from
falling.

Features of BRT Apex 700/900 Series as a CNC Machine

The BRT Apex 700/900 Series automatically measures workpieces under the computer control.
The BRT Apex 700/900 Series automatically measures a batch of workpieces using the part program which has been created and stored in the computer when the first workpiece is measured using the joystick with the learn function (teaching). Learn mode operation is easy to perform following the instructions displayed on the CRT screen. No special program language is necessary in part program creation.
To perform measurement of the remaining workpieces using the part program, run it on the computer (repeat function) and the BRT Apex 700/900 Series automatically measures the workpieces.
(Part programs can be created through input from the keyboard as well.)

1. Increased repeatability and elimination of human error the controller controls the drive speed and acceleration of each axis, resulting in increased measurement reliability and elimination of human errors.

2. Highly accurate positioning
A linear scale feedback system (closed loop system) is used to provide highly accurate positioning of the probe.

3. Highly accurate measurement
As the measurement can be performed without holding the Z-axis spindle by hand, no deflection will be produced on the Z-axis spindle. This guarantees highly accurate measurement.

4. Reduction of operator fatigue
Each axis can be controlled from the control box. which greatly reduces operator effort.

5. Ideal acceleration and deceleration
Axis driving motors are servo-controlled by the microprocessor and software, allowing the BRT Apex 700/900 Series to be accelerated or decelerated ideally even if the control box joystick is tilted quickly.
This will prevent the BRT Apex 700/900 Series main body to receive a shock.

6. No-step drive speed control
In the joystick operation, the drive speed is not stepped, but variable depending on the joystick inclination. This provides smooth machine control.

7. Probe protection functions In order to prevent a probe from being damaged due to the operation miss. the BRT Apex 700/900 Series is provided with two probe protection functions: a touch stop function which stops all axis drives the instant the touch signal probe makes contact with the workpiece and a touch back function which withdraws the probe in the direction opposite to its approach when the joystick is returned to its neutral position.