The digital dial gauges have a resolution of 0.001 mm. In order to make the most of the metric measuring software functions, such as evaluation of the chip or clearance angle, both dial gauges are read out via an interface and the XY coordinates are calculated in the metric measuring software.

A continuously adjustable rotating table with 180º graduation is mounted on the horizontally assembled cross table. This enables a front, side and rear view of the test samples. The integrated precision guidance ensures that the positioning V blocks can be quickly and easily placed at the optimal working distance. Standard delivery includes one 50 mm and one 100 mm block, in addition to two V blocks with 4 and 10 mm depths. The blocks are made of high-quality POM in order to protect the test samples from damage. Rear stops and various clamping U-bolts as well as the Metric MT measuring software are included.

The special measuring features of the Metric measuring software for measuring drills and milling cutters are described in detail below.

A new LED cold light source with luminous power of 900 lumens has been added to the product range to replace the previous xenon cold light source. In combination with the diffuser and ring light, this service-free light source guarantees excellent image quality.

Measurement of small cutters and drills in the V-block can be somewhat arduous when the objects to be measures are turned into the cross-hairs in combination with cross-hair measurements. For such applications, two mounts are offered as optional accessories for drill bit measuring stations.

CT-ADP-Röhm

The V-block is replaced by a mounting device for a Röhm chuck (ZG dia. 80 – ID 146 195 – for up to 19.5 mm) on the motion carriage and arrested at the bottom with a knurled screw. The Röhm chuck is also available with the holding device, if required.

CT-ADP-Concentricity

As an alternative we offer an adapter plate for the Concentricity Pro from Rollomatic. Here it is also only necessary to fasten the adapter plate to the motion carriage using two Allen screws. The Concentricity Pro allows the specimen to be positioned very precisely, however, is only practical for smaller objects. The Concentricity Pro is also available with the holding device, if required.

A parallel CV-LPW-B backlight in a special housing is offered as an option. It is simply placed on the motion carriage and can be fixed in place with a knurled screw. The set includes a special power pack which allows very precise adjustment of the brightness.

The base plate on the CT-6000 has two additional holes for mounting a second zoom lens. The 12x zoom is equipped with a reflected light source (coaxial illumination). The light guide for the coaxial illumination is included together with a second ring light with diffuser.

The purpose of the second optical system is to eliminate having to turn the specimen continuously and thus save time. Moreover the 2x supplementary lens included allows surface tests to be accomplished at significantly high magnification factors. A third dial gauge can be installed to use the cross table in the X and Y directions with this version or with this equipment.

The Metric measuring software operates with both cameras for simultaneous live images. The zoom stages of both systems are calibrated and stored in the software. With this model we recommend ordering the PC from us, or sending in a PC for testing, to guarantee that it operates perfectly with the system.

Metric MT measuring software
In addition to the various standard functions such as distance, radii and angles, surfaces and diameter and DFX overlay, a range of special measuring functions has been programmed for the Metric software for the CT-6000 and CT-12000. Below are some examples of the many functions:

Lip angle
By setting two points on the outer edge of the drill point, a continuous line is automatically created, as well as a revolving line which is fixed in the centre. Depending on which side of the rotating line the cursor is used, the angle value changes from 0º to 180º or 180º to 0º.

Lip angle
By setting two points on one of the cutting edges, a parallel line is automatically created, from which a line is drawn to the second cutting edge with the help of the cursor. Using the option 'Object Properties', a centre line can be superimposed to mark the centre. The result is displayed immediately.

Angle in circle
In order to avoid the time-consuming screwing of the cutter or drill in a zero position of a crosshair, this function has been programmed. Four points on the outer edge of the cutter are set (for an object with three cutters, points are set on the last of the third and fourth cutters). A circle is then automatically generated. By right-clicking on a selected edge, the zero position is marked. The other cutting edges are then marked with the cursor (left-click) and the angles are automatically calculated in relation to the zero position selected.

Point to point distance with auxiliary circle
Normally the diameters are measured with three or more points. However, given that with spiral drills, for instance, it is not possible to set three outer points, the diameter is automatically calculated using two outer points in this function, as in a distance measurement.

Radial clearance angle
Using the cursor, a point is set at the outer tip of each cutting edge. By right-clicking with the mouse, a circle is automatically created. In order to mark the corresponding clearance angle or measuring point (left-click), the user must start with the first point set. The results are automatically displayed after the last point has been marked on the screen. The software saves the number of set points on the cutting edge tips before creating the circle. Reference lines required to calculate the clearance angle are created automatically by Metric in the background. However, these are not displayed in order to avoid unnecessary graphical representations in the image documentation.

Radial clearance angle I and II
The measurement is identical to radial clearance angle I measuring function. Nevertheless, after marking the clearance angle I, clearance angle II must be clicked upon before the next cutter can be measured. After completing all measuring points, the results are displayed automatically.

Chip angle
Using the cursor, a point is set at the outer tip of each cutting edge. By right-clicking with the mouse, a circle is automatically created. In order to mark the corresponding chip angle or measuring point (left-click), the user must start with the first point set. The results are automatically displayed after the last point has been marked on the screen. The software saves the number of set points on the cutting edge tips before creating the circle. Reference lines required for calculating the chip angle are created automatically by Metric in the background, although these are not displayed in order to avoid unnecessary graphical representations in the image or Excel documentation.

Chip angle and radial clearance angle I
This measurement is identical to the measuring function for the chip angle. Nevertheless, after marking the chip angle, clearance angle I must be clicked upon before measuring the next cutter. After completing all measuring points, the results are displayed automatically.

Chip angle and radial clearance angle I and II
This measurement is identical to the measuring function for the chip angle. Nevertheless, after marking the chip angle, clearance angles me and II must be clicked upon before measuring the next cutter. After completing all measuring points, the results are displayed automatically.

Clearance angles I and II, as well as the chip angle, can only be measured with high precision if the measuring points are greatly enlarged. Given that the field of vision is naturally very small, the dial gauges and XY coordinate read-out are used. Measurements should be carried out at least using clicking steps five to six. By using the measuring tables and position value read-outs, accurate measuring is enabled.

RC (radius centre) measurement
This special function has been programmed to determine a radius in a defined area on the drill tip, providing that a nominal size has been specified. A point is marked at each of the outer edges of the drill. A command window opens automatically, in which the measuring area of the radius is entered. Three vertical lines are created immediately. Now the intersection points are clicked upon on the left line, then the right line and finally, the middle line and the result is entered immediately on the screen. The radius and angle are displayed as a result.

Point angle
The point angle can be measured using the four-point angle standard function. Four measuring points are marked along the two lines and the result is automatically entered by right clicking on the mouse. Measuring the point angle on three-sided cutters is carried out with the help of the function ‘Crosshairs, simple and rotatable’.

Crosshairs, simple and rotatable
Generally, this function has been programmed for quick measuring or comparison of angles on tools. As shown here, the point angle on a drill with three cutters should be measured. The blue crosshair can be moved in the x and y axis. The red crosshair can be rotated in the axis of rotation. After screwing in the drill, the centre of the crosshair is positioned precisely on the tip. The rotatable crosshair is now positioned on the cutting edge. By right-clicking with the mouse and clicking on ‘Add object’, the angle value with the corresponding crosshair is represented on the screen.

Crosshairs, simple and rotatable
In order to combine the distance measurements of a step drill with the evaluation of an angle, the function is used with the XY display in the Metric program. The first intersection is initiated with the blue crosshair, the XY display is set to zero. The angle is then set and entered via ‘Add object’. The measuring table is moved on to the second intersection. In the ‘Table position’ window, the length value is transferred to the Excel table by pressing the button ‘Add object’. Then set the angle again, position to zero and proceed to the next measuring point. This simple and rapid measuring process makes the evaluation of step drills significantly easier. For the drill measuring station CT-6000, evaluation is limited to 50 mm. The CT-12000 can evaluate up to 300 mm in length.

Tolerance rings
Another standard Metric software function involves the tolerance rings. Up to twelve rings can be constructed in a range of colours and sizes. These can in turn be combined with the adjustable subsidiary lines in the angle. Crosshairs and dimensioning aids can be shown or hidden. The adjustable tolerance rings can also be saved as tables (masks) in any amount.

Documentation of measured values
Once the measurements have been completed, press the Excel button to transmit all measured values and a scaled image to an Excel log file. During the first transmission, a window opens automatically to give the Excel table a name. By default, every time the Excel button is pressed, Metric transmits an image and all corresponding measurement values.However, the program options also allow line for line transfer to an Excel sheet. However, in this case only the first image created is entered. Using the keywords in table 1, the user can create an Excel log file as desired (graph. representation). Aids such as file path pre-setting are also integrated in Metric.