CALIGO & HOLOS
 
Ø    CALIGO
——Precisely Capture Freeform Surfaces.
The complete program for freeform surfaces and more.
 
CALIGO, the new software for freeform surfaces, makes the measurement of car body parts easier and faster than ever. The completely new software architecture provides highly efficient tools for analysis measurements, serial measurements, simulations and reporting.
 
Ø    HOLOS
——Precisely Capture Freeform Surfaces
The total program for freeform surfaces and more
 
HOLOS is a modular software package for the measurement of freeform surfaces. Additionally, the Geo and Digitize modules enable inspection of standard geometries and digitization of surfaces and curves.

RDS——The basis for maximum flexibility
ZEISS FalconEye——For fast, accurate analysis
CSC——Maximum Dynamic and Precision


Ø     RDS——The basis for maximum flexibility
The RDS articulating probe holder is particularly well-suited for measuring complex parts, where features require many styli with different spatial directions. It reaches up to 20,736 positions in 2.5-degree increments – thus providing access to every part feature. This is made possible by the horizontally and perpendicularly arranged rotary axes with rotational ranges of plus/minus 180 degrees.
Furthermore, the RDS-CAA for touch-trigger and measuring sensors leads to shorter calibration times: only a few spatial angular positions require calibration. During programming, the RDS can be easily positioned using the joystick on the control panel to enable shorter programming times. Designs are available for machines in standard, compact and multisensor configurations.

Ø    ZEISS FalconEye——For fast, accurate analysis
These days, the automotive industry has less and less time to develop new vehicle models. This means proven solutions have to be combined with the latest technology. With ZEISS FalconEye, it is now possible to also use the same technology as that of the ZEISS EagleEye navigator on stepping, articulating probe holders.
 
Ø    CSC——Maximum Dynamic and Precision
More powerful, faster and more accurate – the CSC sensor establishes a new standard for continuous articulating units and is thus ideal for the volume measurement demands of complex car body parts.

Effectively Measure Rotor Blades for Helicopters
——AgustaWestland reduces measurement time by 50 percent
 
Traffic observation, mountain rescues, transportation, and military missions on land and at sea: helicopters are the workhorse of the air. The power of their rotors is the primary source of their capabilities.
 
The situation
A helicopter engine must keep tons of weight in the air. Elastic compound materials and the optimal aerodynamic shape of the rotors play a key role here. However, modern rotors also reduce noise and help lower fuel consumption. Their profiles and surfaces are perfect examples of curve and freeform surface measurement. Compliance with geometric tolerances ensures that the rotors always generate optimum lift at different speeds.
 
The challenge
The AgustaWestland production facility in Anagni, Italy, has been measuring rotor blades for helicopters with an SMM-MT horizontal-arm measuring machine from ZEISS for more than 20 years. In 2008, AgustaWestland ordered a PRO T horizontal-arm measuring machine from Carl Zeiss equipped with a VAST XXT TL2 scanning probe on the RDS stepping articulating probe holder with CAA (Computer Aided Accuracy) and CAD-based CALYPSO measuring software featuring the Curve option. This total solution will replace the SMM-MT.
 
Revolution
The installation of the new measuring machine was a revolution for the company. In the past, the rotor blade was positioned on its leading edge. The new measuring process with PRO allows the technicians to place the rotor blade on its underside. Although this meant abandoning a 20-year-old measuring method, the transition delivered many benefits. Thanks to a special clamping system, two rotor blades can be positioned above each other and measured in one run. This new arrangement facilitates the measurement of the entire aerodynamic profile with the underside, leading edge and top of the rotor blade. Furthermore, the company switched to the VAST XXT scanning probe on RDS. The possibilities opened up by the articulating probe holder allow the probe to be positioned anywhere. Therefore, a single short stylus is all that is needed instead of a T-shaped stylus system with a long extension in the Z axis.
CALYPSO software also had a positive effect on AgustaWestland: it considerably simplifies the use of the measurement data report, enables the import of CAD data and allows integration into the corporate network. Furthermore, the measuring technician is able to start CALYPSO and Curve from one interface at the same time using the Autorun feature.
 
Effective
Overall, the time required for one measuring cycle was reduced by half. With this solution, AgustaWestland is able to guarantee that its rotor blades will continue meeting the highest demands on quality. A good thing considering all that is hanging in the balance.
 
About the company
AgustaWestland, the Anglo-Italian helicopter company owned by Italy's Finmeccanica, is a total capability provider in the vertical lift market. With its rotorcraft systems design, development, production and integration capabilities, its experience in the training business and its customer-focused Integrated Operational Support solutions, the company delivers unrivalled mission capability to military and commercial operators around the world. This expertise enables the company to provide military and civilian users around the globe with first-class assistance for their missions.