VIDEO: ROMER Absolute Arm Brings Metrology to the Shop Floor

Portable measuring arm reaches 15 feet and offers automated and repeatable probe recognition.

The ROMER Absolute Arm, from Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence may just be the largest portable arm you’ve ever seen. 

Able to reach up to 15 ft., the portable CMM can scan and probe with absolute encoders and does not require calibration before measurement.

With a carbon fiber structure, the ROMER Absolute Arm can be used for applications in 3D measurement, analysis and digitization.

The arm’s scanner features automated and repeatable probe recognition, simplifying switching and eliminating repetitive calibration.

“What happens in the past is, you put on a probe, you spend time calibrating it and if you made a mistake, you’re failing parts that could be good,” Scott Zanio, sales engineer at Hexagon said.

The ROMER is thermally and structurally sound.  Double-wall carbon fiber tubes protect the arm from environmental pollutants, while software compensates for temperature changes.

“We want to bring the metrology to the shop floor, rather than have it in the quality room to keep processes moving and keep those CNC’s making chips,” Zanio said. “You can have the ROMER in high-carbon environments where you’re making disk brakes for airplanes, no problems.”

Additional features include:

  • RDS proprietary software features SMART technology for total management of checks in the field, as well as temperature and shock monitoring
  • Instant acoustic and haptic feedback to the operator
  • Zero G counterbalance eliminates torque in the base and arm members for easier vertical mounting and manual control of the arm
  • SmartLock allows the arm to be fixed in any intermediate position and can be locked into place when not in use
  • Feature packs are available for Wi-Fi communication, Wi-Fi scanning and full battery operation

For more information on Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence and the ROMER Absolute Arm series of products, visit www.hexagonmetrology.us.

Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.