The MetLogix M2 is a measurement system designed for various metrology applications, offering a range of features for measuring points, lines, circles, arcs, and angles, as well as applying tolerances and managing measurement programs. The system is designed for ease of use with a graphical user interface and supports both manual and automated optical probe measurements.
Function Description:
The MetLogix M2 system is a comprehensive metrology solution that allows users to perform precise measurements and apply various tolerances. It supports a wide array of geometric features, including points, lines, circles, arcs, and angles, and can calculate their positions and dimensions. The system is capable of both manual measurements, where the user guides the probe, and automated measurements, particularly with the optical edge probe.
A core function of the M2 is its ability to create and execute measurement programs. These programs can be developed by recording a series of manual measurements or by defining steps through the software interface. This programmability allows for repeatable and efficient inspection of parts, making it suitable for quality control and manufacturing environments. The system also includes features for managing and editing these programs, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to changing measurement requirements.
The M2 software provides a detailed graphical interface with multiple viewports, allowing users to visualize the part, measurement data, and program steps simultaneously. This visual feedback is crucial for accurate measurement and program development. The system also supports data reporting, enabling users to generate comprehensive reports of measurement results, which can be customized and exported in various formats.
Important Technical Specifications:
While specific technical specifications like accuracy, resolution, or stage travel are not detailed in the provided document, the manual highlights the software's capabilities, which are integral to the system's performance. The system supports various measurement methods, including point, line, circle, angle, and datum measurements. It also incorporates advanced tolerance applications such as True Position, Straightness, Parallelism, Perpendicularity, Roundness, Concentricity, and Runout.
The M2 system is designed to interface with an "External Crosshair" for crosshair-based measurements and an "Optical Edge Probe" for automated edge detection. The software's ability to automatically detect edges and record points is a key technical feature for improving measurement speed and consistency.
Usage Features:
The MetLogix M2 offers a user-friendly interface with several key usage features:
- Multiple Viewports: The software displays three main viewports: a large viewport on the left side for the part, and two smaller viewports (top right for the "focus" view and bottom right for the "desktop" settings screen). This allows for comprehensive visual feedback during measurement.
- Measurement Toolbar: A dedicated toolbar provides quick access to common measurement functions like Point, Line, Circle, Angle, and Datum measurements.
- Program Management: Users can create, edit, and run measurement programs. The "Record Into" function allows for recording manual measurements directly into a program. Programs can be saved, loaded, and edited, with options to insert, delete, and modify program steps.
- Optical Edge Probe Integration: The system seamlessly integrates with an optical edge probe, enabling automated edge detection and point recording. This feature significantly speeds up the measurement process and reduces operator variability.
- Crosshair and Edge Probe Features: The software supports both external crosshairs and optical edge probes for precise point and edge detection. Users can select the manual optical edge probe from the probe menu and confirm measurements.
- Tolerance Application: A wide range of geometric and dimensional tolerances can be applied to measured features, including X/Y Position, Diameter/Radius Size, Theta (Angle), Form, Parallelism Orientation, Angularity, True Position, Straightness, Parallelism, Perpendicularity, Roundness, Concentricity, and Runout.
- Datum Features: The system allows for the definition and use of datums (Origin points) for establishing measurement references, supporting both "Part Skew" and "Part Datum" methods.
- Measurement Repeat Mode: This feature allows users to repeat a sequence of measurements for multiple parts or for statistical analysis. The system automatically steps through the previously defined measurement sequence.
- Custom User Messages: Users can add custom "user messages" to programs, which can include instructions or prompts for the operator during program execution.
- Undo Function: An "Undo" button is available to reverse the last performed software command, providing flexibility and error correction.
- Magnification Menu: Provides access to magnification selection, allowing users to zoom in on specific areas of the part.
- Preferences Menu: Offers access to configurable preference selection items, including unit type, reference frame selector, and the on-screen keyboard launcher.
- Zoom Menu: Provides access to the Part View zoom buttons.
- Help Button: Launches a PDF viewer, displaying the M2 User's Manual.
Maintenance Features:
While the document does not explicitly detail maintenance procedures for the physical device, it does address software maintenance and support:
- Software Updates: The document implies that software updates may be released, as it mentions "Information within this document is subject to change without notice," suggesting ongoing development.
- Troubleshooting Support: In case of measurement failures or program errors, the document advises users to contact their machine service provider for assistance. This indicates that technical support is available for resolving issues.
- Warranty Information: The document includes a warranty statement, outlining MetLogix's responsibility for defects in workmanship and material for two (2) years from the date of delivery. It also specifies limitations of liability and disclaims other warranties, emphasizing the importance of proper installation and use according to the instruction manual.
- Calibration: Although not explicitly stated as a user-performed maintenance task, the accuracy of a metrology system relies on regular calibration. The warranty statement mentions that "any product that has been subject to tampering or, abuse, or exposed to highly corrosive conditions" voids the warranty, implying that proper handling and potentially professional calibration are expected to maintain accuracy.
- Data Management: The system supports saving and loading measurement programs and reports, which is crucial for data integrity and long-term record-keeping. This allows for easy retrieval and analysis of past measurements.
In summary, the MetLogix M2 is a versatile and user-friendly measurement system designed for precision metrology, offering extensive measurement capabilities, program management, and robust software features to support various inspection and quality control tasks.