Smart Electronics for Easy and Reliable 2D Measurements
The QUADRA-CHEK 2000 was developed by Heidenhain for everyday measuring tasks in parts inspection applications. Measuring point acquisition with the QUADRA-CHEK 2000 is quick, easy, and accurate via crosshairs or an optical edge detector on profile projectors, measuring microscopes, and 2D measuring machines with up to three axes. The measurement results are graphically displayed on the unit’s touch screen, and the unit’s intuitive operation makes it easy to document these results in the form of measurement reports.
by Alma Castiglioni
Based on the same software platform used in the QUADRA-CHEK 3000, the QUADRA-CHEK 2000 is a perfect example of how modern electronics can support and simplify manual processes. Although performing an actual measurement on a profile projector, measuring microscope, or 2-D measuring machine involves moving the axes by means of X- and Y-axis handwheels or possibly by rotating the measuring table, the intelligent software of the QUADRA-CHEK 2000 helps with achieving reproducibly accurate results. With the QUADRA-CHEK 2000, the user acquires measuring points on flat 2-D contours either manually using crosshairs or automatically via optical edge detection (OED). In both manual and automatic mode, the unit provides various predefined geometry tools for recording two-dimensional contour features such as points, lines, circles, slots, and squares. The “Measure Magic” function makes measurement especially easy. This function uses the acquired measuring points to automatically select the matching geometry. If optical edge detection is activated, then the selected tool will detect the actual measuring point on its own after traversing an edge. This objective method of measuring point acquisition enables a high level of repeatability and significantly reduces measurement uncertainty.
For complex and repetitive measuring tasks, the user can automatically record the measuring program and run it at any time. The QUADRA-CHEK 2000 keeps track of the presets, sequence of measurements, tolerances, and data-output commands. When the recorded measuring program is executed again, the QUADRA-CHEK 2000 displays visual instructions relating to the features to be probed, thereby providing direct and repeatable guidance for the user.
In addition to its measuring functions, the QUADRA-CHEK 2000 provides functionality for constructing and defining features. This makes it possible, for example, to establish relationships between multiple contour features, such as the distance between two circle centers or the angle of two lines. This also allows the user to define geometry features that are not directly measurable. The generated geometry features can also be subjected to a tolerance check.
Display with intuitive layout of all the required information
On its high-resolution 7-inch color touchscreen, the QUADRA-CHEK 2000 displays all of the required information in a well-organized and easily understandable layout. The screen content is context-sensitive, showing only those functions that are available in the actual operating situation. This, in combination with the unit’s self-explanatory operating features, enables fast and intuitive operation. The QUADRA-CHEK 2000 also features an extensive graphical features view. This view allows the user to construct new geometry features from previously measured geometries. For keeping the overview over all of the recorded geometry features, it is possible to reduce the size of the view as desired and to zoom in on individual features. The features view also lets the user add an annotation to each feature (e.g., for measurement information or informational texts).
Easy creation of individual measurement reports
The integrated measurement report function makes it easy to create a report directly upon completion of the measurement. These measurement reports contain the measurement and tolerance results as well as additional information. With the help of the QUADRA-CHEK 2000 demo software, users can create individual measurement report templates on their own and import them via the unit’s file management. To do this, the user simply selects a standard template and modifies it as desired or defines a completely new template. Reports are saved by the QUADRA-CHEK 2000 in the measurement report file format or as a PDF or CSV file. They can also be printed from a connected printer. The QUADRA-CHEK 2000 features all of the interfaces needed for seamless integration into a data network. Ethernet is used for communication with a PC, network drive, or network printer, while a USB port is available for local printers or storage media. This enables the output of measurement reports as well as read and write capability for settings and measuring programs.
Made to handle rough, day-to-day shop conditions
Thanks to its industrial design, the QUADRA-CHEK 2000 is ideal for applications both in the inspection room and in harsh production environments. Its low-profile aluminum housing with integrated power pack and fanless passive cooling system is extremely rugged and resilient to harmful influences. The unit’s intuitively designed touchscreen made of specially hardened glass supports multi-touch gesture control and can be operated with gloves.