Hexagon’s Absolute Arm portable measuring arm is advanced measuring equipment that sets new standards in the industrial measurement industry. We use the device at Proram for industrial 3D scanning.
How does the Hexagon Absolute Arm work?
The Absolute Arm is a practical and versatile device that we at Proram often use for laser scanning. The Absolute Arm is one of the most accurate measuring arms on the market, ideal for precise measurements in engineering, quality control or prototyping. The arm allows the mounting of various types of laser scanners. Such a set-up allows the rapid collection of data on the geometry of large-scale objects. The Hexagon Absolute Arm allows precise measurements from 1.2 m to as much as 4.5 m.
What are the advantages of the Absolute Arm?
The Absolute Arm from Hexagon is a unique tool in industrial metrology. Here is a list of the advantages of the equipment:
- The Absolute Arm is the first model on the market to use absolute encoders, eliminating the need for initialisation prior to measurement. The user can simply switch on the device and start measuring immediately, which speeds up the process considerably.
- The new 77 Series models offer approximately 20% higher scanning accuracy and 15% higher contact measurement accuracy compared to earlier versions.
- The arm is lightweight and ergonomically designed. It can be controlled wirelessly and offers long battery life, increasing mobility and comfort of use.
- The Absolute Arm is compatible with a variety of laser scanners and probes. This allows for a wide range of applications across industries, from engineering to quality control. Probes can be easily replaced without the need for recalibration.
- Using haptic feedback technology, the equipment provides instant feedback which is important for the operator in harsh industrial environments.
Examples of use of the Absolute Arm in metrology
The Absolute Arm is used for dimensional inspection of components in the manufacturing process. Thanks to the high accuracy of measurements, the device allows quick detection of errors and inconsistencies in the product, as described in the Komatsu Poland Case Study.
In prototyping, Absolute Arm enables fast and accurate measurements of new designs. This speeds up the process of developing and adapting products to customer specifications
When combined with laser scanners, Absolute Arm creates a unique combination, enabling non-contact measurement of large areas. This technology is particularly useful when scanning complex geometries or hard-to-reach areas.
The point cloud obtained from laser scanning using the Absolute Arm is characterised by extremely high accuracy, down to 0.1 mm.
Hexagon’s Absolute Arm is a versatile metrology tool that is used in various stages of production and quality control. Its most important advantages are:
- high precision
- versatility and mobility
- versatility of applications
At Proram, we have extensive experience of using the Hexagon Absolute Arm. We use this equipment for industrial laser scanning, NDT quality inspection and 3D CAD modelling, as well as in reverse engineering projects.
