Introducing the FALCIO-Apex 2000/3000 Series: A Family of Moving-Bridge-Type CNC Coordinate Measuring Machines that Are Among the Largest in the World

Mitutoyo Corporation received an order from Mori Seiki Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Nara Prefecture; Masahiko Mori, president), for the first unit of its FALCIO-Apex 3050, a new moving-bridge-type CNC coordinate measuring machine that offers one of the world's widest measurement ranges of 3005 x 5005 x 1505 mm (X x Y x Z axes). Our company had been in development on the FALCIO-Apex 3050 since the spring of 2001. On February 1, 2002, Mitutoyo will launch the FALCIO-Apex 2000/3000 Series, which incorporates the 2000 Series models offering a measurement range of 2005 x 2005/3005/4005 x 1505 mm (X x Y x Z axes).

Coordinate measuring machines have already become mainstream precision measuring instruments. They are indispensable to manufacturers in various sectors in the evaluation of product dimensional accuracy, etc. However, companies producing automotive dies, large machine tools and various types of plant equipment were still looking for a coordinate measuring machine with a range of several meters that could offer both high precision and a reasonable introduction cost. That is, until now. Drawing on core coordinate measurement technologies accumulated through years of experience as an industry leader, and incorporating various new technologies to achieve an ultra-large size, Mitutoyo has developed the FALCIO-Apex 2000/3000 Series of moving-bridge-type CNC coordinate measuring machines that provide one of the world's widest measurement ranges in their class while achieving a high precision of 5.5 + 5L/1000 μm in measuring error (E).

The FALCIO-Apex 2000/3000 Series uses a number of new technologies to achieve its super-large body and high precision, which heretofore have not been attainable with a moving-bridge type of coordinate measuring machine. Examples include "structural design optimization via FEM analysis," "friction-drive system to achieve long-stroke, low-vibration drive," "temperature-compensation technology to minimize heat strain" and the "MOVAC system for automatic on-site compensation of volumetric accuracy (patent pending)." Each model comes complete with a large guide that prevents base deformation and heat deformation, a new scale unit that supports a long stroke, and an original control unit with new software algorithms that make high-speed drive significantly smoother. With these new technologies and components, the FALCIO-Apex 2000/3000 Series will meet the need for high-speed, high-precision coordinate measurement over a super-wide range.

[Main Features]

(1)
Adopting a "moving-bridge structure + base" specification
There is no worktable, so the workpiece can be set directly on the base (floor). Even a large/heavy workpiece can be set easily.
(2)
High precision and high speed
The new Mitutoyo series achieves the world's highest precision and speed in the 3000-mm bridge width class, realizing a measuring error (E) of 5.5 + 5L/1000 μm and maximum speed of 519 mm/s (maximum composite speed).
(3)
Added safety and environmental resistance
To ensure safety, a tape switch is installed at the tip of the Z-axis spindle. In addition, beam sensors are provided in four directionsムforward, backward, left and rightムand area sensors are mounted at the front and rear of the main unit. The Y-axis and X-axis guides can be fitted with optional bellows and full covers, respectively, to effectively shut out dust.
(4)
High operability comparable to medium and small-size machines
Two operating panels (joystick boxes) are provided for improved operability (optional).
(5)
Optional "MOVAC" system for on-site volumetric compensation
The machine can be configured with "MOVAC," a newly developed system that maintains stable accuracy by automatically measuring the geometrical Y-axis error relative to base deformation at regular intervals using a built-in sensor and then correcting the volumetric accuracy based on the measured value.
* MOVAC System: Mitutoyo On-site Volumetric Accuracy Compensation System (patent pending)


[Main Specifications]

FALCIO-Apex 3050
Measurement range
(X x Y x Z axes)
3005 x 5005 x 1505 mm
Minimum reading
0.0001 mm
Measuring error E
5.5+5L/1000 um
Drive speed
Maximum drive speed: 519 mm/s (300 mm/s for each axis)
Drive acceleration
Maximum acceleration: 0.17G (0.1G for each axis)
Machine dimensions (approximate)
(W x D x H)
5255 x 7800 x 4690 mm
Machine weight (approximate)
16,000 kg
Maximum workpiece weight
8,000 kg
Accuracy-guarantee
temperature range
19 to 21oC

FALCIO-Apex 2030/2040/2050
Measurement range
(X x Y x Z axes)
2005 x 3005(2030)/4005(2040)/5005(2050) x 1505 mm
Minimum reading
0.0001 mm
Measuring error E
4.8 + 5L/1000 um
Drive speed
Maximum drive speed: 519 mm/s (300 mm/s for each axis)
Drive acceleration
Maximum acceleration: 0.17G (0.1G for each axis)
Machine dimensions (approximate)
(W x D x H)
4250_4805(2030)/5805(2040)/6805(2050)_4545mm
Machine weight (approximate)
12,000(2030)/14,000(2040)/15,000(2050) kg
Maximum workpiece weight
6,000(2030)/10,000(2040/2050) kg
Accuracy-guarantee
temperature range
18 to 22oC


[Anticipated Sales Volume]

10 units in the initial year

FALCIO-Apex 3050: One of the World's Largest Moving-Bridge-Type CNC Coordinate Measuring Machines
FALCIO-Apex 3050: One of the World's Largest Moving-Bridge-Type
CNC Coordinate Measuring Machines



January 23,2002


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