Accretech NEX CNC Rotational Roundness and Cylindricity Measuring System
| Brand | Accretech |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | NEX |
| Measurement Principle | Precision Rotational Axis Metrology with High-Accuracy Spindle & Dual-Position Angular Sampling |
| Positional Accuracy | (0.02 + 3.2H/10,000) µm |
| Compliance | ISO 1101, ISO 12181 (Roundness), ISO 12180 (Cylindricity), ASME Y14.5 |
Overview
The Accretech NEX CNC Rotational Roundness and Cylindricity Measuring System is an ultra-precision geometric metrology platform engineered for traceable, repeatable assessment of rotational symmetry and form deviation in precision-machined components. At its core, the system employs a high-stiffness air-bearing vertical spindle with sub-micron radial motion fidelity, operating under controlled thermal and vibration-isolated conditions. The measurement principle relies on synchronous angular sampling at precisely defined rotational positions—typically 0° and 180°—combined with high-resolution capacitive or inductive probe feedback to reconstruct full 360° radial deviation profiles. This architecture enables quantitative evaluation of roundness, cylindricity, concentricity, straightness, taper angle, and profile curvature—parameters critical for aerospace turbine blades, hydraulic spools, bearing races, and medical implant components. Designed and manufactured in Japan, the NEX meets stringent requirements for ISO 1101 geometric tolerancing compliance and supports full traceability to national metrology institutes via documented calibration protocols.
Key Features
- Patented Opposite-Diameter Measurement Algorithm: Simultaneously acquires radial data at 0° and 180° rotational positions, then applies proprietary compensation logic to decouple thermal drift effects and axis misalignment-induced errors—enabling diameter uncertainty reduction by up to 40% compared to single-position evaluation.
- R-Profile Tracking Capability: The sensor dynamically follows curved surface contours during axial traversal, maintaining consistent probe normal incidence across radii as small as 0.1 mm. This enables accurate straightness and taper angle measurement on conical surfaces exceeding standard sensor stroke limits.
- Offset-Type CNC Sensor Holder (Patented): A mechanically decoupled, motorized sensor positioning system that eliminates mechanical interference between the Z-axis carriage and rotary spindle axis—allowing unobstructed access to complex geometries including deep bores, stepped shafts, and flanged assemblies.
- Dual-Mode Sensor Mounting: Supports both manual quick-release holders for rapid setup changes and fully automated CNC-controlled holders capable of real-time adjustment of probe orientation (radial/tangential/axial), tilt angle, and extension—enabling seamless transitions between OD, ID, face, and conical surface measurement sequences.
- Thermally Stable Base Structure: Granite monoblock bed with integrated temperature monitoring (±0.1°C resolution) and active air-gap thermal shielding minimizes environmental influence on spindle runout and probe positioning accuracy over extended measurement cycles.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The NEX accommodates workpieces ranging from Ø2 mm micro-shafts to Ø500 mm flanged housings, with height capacities up to 800 mm. Its modular fixturing interface supports collet chucks (ISO 30/40), vacuum chucks, and custom kinematic mounts. All measurement routines adhere to ISO 12181-1 (roundness), ISO 12180-1 (cylindricity), and ISO 1101 (geometric tolerancing) definitions. Raw data files are timestamped, instrument-identified, and stored with full metadata—including environmental logs (temperature, humidity), calibration certificate IDs, and operator credentials—to satisfy GLP/GMP audit requirements. Optional 21 CFR Part 11-compliant software modules provide electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control.
Software & Data Management
The system runs on Accretech’s proprietary ShapeMaster™ analysis suite, which delivers ISO-conformant filtering (Gaussian, 2CR, phase-corrected), multi-layer evaluation (e.g., separating waviness from roughness), and GD&T-compliant reporting (ASME Y14.5 and ISO GPS). All datasets are saved in vendor-neutral XML-based formats compatible with third-party SPC platforms (e.g., Minitab, JMP). Automated report generation includes annotated cross-section plots, polar deviation maps, statistical summaries (Cp/Cpk), and pass/fail status against user-defined tolerance zones. Calibration history, probe characterization curves, and system diagnostic logs are archived separately with SHA-256 hashing for integrity verification.
Applications
The NEX serves quality assurance laboratories in precision machining, bearing manufacturing, optical component fabrication, and orthopedic device production. Typical use cases include validation of ground bearing journals per ISO 492, verification of turbine blade root geometry against aerospace drawing specifications (e.g., SAE AMS2750), certification of hydraulic valve spool cylindricity for ISO 4406 cleanliness-critical systems, and post-process inspection of dental abutments requiring ±0.5 µm form control. Its capability to resolve sub-micron form deviations makes it suitable for research applications in tribology, additive manufacturing process qualification, and metrology method development.
FAQ
What standards does the NEX comply with for roundness and cylindricity evaluation?
The system implements algorithms and filtering methods fully aligned with ISO 12181-1 (roundness), ISO 12180-1 (cylindricity), and ISO 1101 (geometric product specification). Calibration certificates reference JIS B 7501 and NIST-traceable artifacts.
Can the NEX measure internal diameters and tapered bores?
Yes—the offset-type CNC sensor holder provides full articulation for radial inward probing, while R-profile tracking enables continuous contour-following measurement along tapered internal surfaces up to 15° half-angle.
Is thermal drift compensated during long-duration measurements?
Yes—real-time temperature monitoring at five strategic locations (spindle housing, base, column, probe mount, ambient) feeds into a dynamic error model that adjusts radial deviation interpretation in post-processing.
Does the system support automated pass/fail reporting for production line integration?
Yes—ShapeMaster™ includes configurable reporting templates with embedded tolerance logic, barcode-triggered job loading, and OPC UA interface for MES/SCADA connectivity.
What is the typical recalibration interval for the NEX system?
Accretech recommends annual full-system calibration using certified master artifacts; however, daily verification with traceable ring gauges and sphere standards is advised per ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory practice.
