Easy-to-Operate Cylindricity Measurement System Introduced
June 11, 2009 – 11:45 pm
Designed to measure cylindrical features and other deviations of form and position, the MMQ 200 Formtester is described as a “middle machine for the middle market” by Patrick Nugent, Vice President, Metrology Systems, at the US branch of Mahr Metering Systems GmbH (Göttingen, Germany). “This model is for someone who wants the benefits of automation without investing in a big machine.” The company presented the system to medical device manufacturers at the MD&M East exposition and conference in New York City this week.
Ease of use was a key concern in the development of this product, notes Nugent. In fact, the company worked with psychologists to determine how users typically interact with touch screens and find the most intuitive way to present the information. The resulting EasyForm 3 software that comes with the Formtester features an interface that guides users through measurement setup and operation without unnecessary distractions. “Functions and information display as you need them,” says Nugent. The system is designed to minimise clutter by not showing information that is irrelevant to the task at hand.
The software includes a teach-in mode that remembers every step that has been taken. The steps can be combined to perform multifeature measurements; up to 32 measurement routines can be stored in memory and launched via function keys.
Norbert Sparrow
