Non-Contact, 3D Surface Metrology System for Lead Angle

NPFLEX-LA

Innovation with IntegrityOptical Metrology

NPFLEX-LA Quantifiable Lead Angle Metrology

The Bruker NPFLEX-LA™ 3D Surface Metrology System for Lead Angle is the first comprehensive, non-contact metrology solution that repeatably quantifies true lead angle and surface texture of dynamic sealing surfaces. Utilizing the intrinsic benefits of 3D optical profiling, the NPFLEX-LA detects the global lead angle and roughness of sealing surfaces without concern for tedious part alignment, producing results that are gage-repeatable and reproducible. With NPFLEX-LA, Bruker has answered the need for a reliable and extremely accurate measurement technique to better monitor machining quality of dynamic sealing systems.

NPFLEX-LA Delivers

Gage-capable, non-contact lead angle metrology

– Reliable, Meaningful Results

Simultaneous measurement of lead and surface texture, independent of part alignment

– Self-Referencing, Single-Instrument Solution

Global lead angle analysis, integrating macro and micro features

– Accurate, Comprehensive Characterization

Easy-to-use production interface with simple set up and unattended measurement

– Effortless, Guided Operation

Solving an Industry Problem

Surface texture and lead angle are critical parameters for the proper functioning of dynamic sealing systems. These parameters directly affect the fluid interface between seal and shaft, impacting seal integrity. Out-of-spec parts have the potential to fail prematurely in the field, costing the transportation industry millions of dollars per year in fines, recalls, and in-warranty failures. Traditionally, shaft and seal manufacturers qualify their parts using a defined combination of stylus and string measurement methods to meet the zero-degree lead specified in ISO Standard 6194 and RMA 1999-1-1, 2004 specification. The string method in particular has proven to be qualitative rather than quantitative, and lacks sensitivity to detect micro lead and lead angles near 0 degrees. In addition, reliable results depend heavily upon part alignment and operator experience.

Responding to the transportation and related industries’ needs for a more precise and reliable methodology, Bruker has developed NPFLEX-LA, a comprehensive and repeatable measurement system that assures confidence in production quality.

In comparison to the string method, Bruker‘s 3D non-contact optical technique accurately detects lead over a wider range of surface textures. The string method is limited by the resolving power of the string and the physical interaction between the string and the surface texture. On smoother parts, the string can slip and report zero-degree lead when in fact micro lead exists, whereas on rougher parts the string can snag or catch reporting ambiguous results. NPFLEX-LA defines global lead angle accurately and repeatably over a wide range of smooth and rough parts, without the need for sample contact.

Reliable, Meaningful Results

Taking full advantage of Bruker’s patented optical technology, the NPFLEX-LA utilizes the latest advances in white light interferometry. The system‘s interferometer splits a beam of light into two separate beams, one reflected off the sample and the other off a reference mirror. These beams are recombined, creating bright and dark interference bands that, like lines on a topographic map, represent the profile or topography of the object. The resulting 3D profiles have nanometer-level height resolution with high-density areal information that provides a more accurate and quantifiable characterization of the sealing surface than can be achieved from 2D contact techniques.

3D dataset of plunge ground test shaft

Non-contact, interferometric technique measures lead angle independent of part alignment

Intuitive production interface and reporting

Effortless, Streamlined Operation

The NPFLEX-LA features an easy-to-use production interface that provides reliable global lead angle measurements for QA and QC environments. A dedicated wizard walks operators through setup and measurement, generates customized reports, and uses pass/fail criteria to locate and discard nicks, burrs, and scratches on the measured surface while operating in an unattended fashion. The simple user interface will automatically catalog the full suite of 2D and 3D surface parameters and lead angle results to assist in identification of machining quality issues, which often lead to subsequent part failure.

Single-Instrument, Comprehensive Characterization

Bruker‘s single-instrument solution delivers better performance with less effort and uncertainty than traditional techniques. During one measurement routine, and without regard to part alignment, NPFLEX-LA reports global lead angle and both standard surface roughness (Ra, Rz, Rpm) as well as the more informative 3D roughness parameters (Sa, Sz, and Spm).

Utilizing unique, patent-pending algorithms, the NPFLEX-LA calculates the radius of cylinder and angular power spectral density with respect to a common reference at each location along the shaft. This self-referencing method removes the influences of camera, stage, chuck, and part alignment from the calculation, enabling the collection of accurate global, macro and micro feature data for a comprehensive lead angle result.

Cover ImagesForeground: Bruker NPFLEX-LA.Background: Plunge-ground part image generated from test sample manufactured to have a specific, known lead for purpose of demonstrating the capabilities of the NPFLEX-LA System.

Bruker Nano Surfaces Division

Tucson, AZ · USAPhone +1.520.741.1044/800.366.9956 ext. 3productinfo@bruker-nano.com

www.bruker.com

SpecificationsLead Angle Accuracy

Lead Angle Repeatability1

Lead Angle Reproducibility2

Roughness (Sa) Repeatability

Measurable Sample Dimensions

Chuck Clamp Range

Stage Travel

Vertical Resolution3

RMS Repeatability4

Step Height

Field of View

Objectives

Field of View Multipliers

Computer System

System Software

Footprint/Weight

Certification

1. As measured 1σ of 30 measurements on a plunge ground Bruker standard.2. As measured 1σ of 10 remove/replace measurements of a plunge ground Bruker standard. 3. As demonstrated by a PSI difference measurement on a SiC reference mirror with nulled fringes and 10 averages.4. As demonstrated by taking the one sigma Rq value of 30 PSI repeatability measurements on a SiC reference mirror.

±0.025 degrees

0.005 degrees standard deviation

0.02 degrees standard deviation

2nm standard deviation

249mm H; 304mm D; 304mm W50lbs and/or 200lbs/in of torque max. weight

3mm – 126mm OD27mm – 128mm ID1.24in. thru hole

10 x 12in.Motorized and joystick controlled

<0.15nm

0.03nm

0.5% accuracy<0.12% at 1sigma repeatability

2.30 × 1.73mm max.0.63 × 0.48mm min.

Super-long working distance objectives: 2X, 5X, 10XWith crash mitigation assembly

0.55X, 0.75X, 1X, 1.5X, 2XAuto-sensing motorized selector, discreet zoom

Dell® workstation64-bit, multi-core processor and flat panel monitorMounted on Ergotron® mobile workstation

Bruker Vision64™ Operation and Analysis Software

172cm H x 77cm D x 81cm W (67.6in. H x 30.4in. D x 32in. W) 1090lbs (1390lbs in shipping container)

CE, NRTL, T-Mark, ROHS compliant, ANSI B46.1 compliantB

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Your Solution to Lead Angle Metrology

The NPFLEX-LA produces accurate, comprehensive 3D measurement of shaft sealing surfaces. With its easy-to-use interface, programmable routines and quick time to results, the NPFLEX-LA is the only truly quantifiable, gage-capable metrology instrument capable of critical lead angle and shaft roughness measurements in a single solution.

NPFLEX-LA