Accretech NEX Rs Cylindricity Measuring Instrument

Overview

The Accretech NEX Rs is a high-precision cylindricity measuring instrument engineered for metrology laboratories and precision manufacturing environments requiring strict adherence to geometric tolerance standards. It operates on the principle of radial deviation measurement using a vertically traversing stylus probe mounted on a highly stable air-bearing rotary table. The instrument captures angularly resolved surface displacement data over full 360° rotation while simultaneously executing axial translation—enabling simultaneous evaluation of roundness, cylindricity, straightness, taper, and coaxiality per ISO 12180-1/-2 and ASME Y14.5. Its mechanical architecture features a granite base, thermally stabilized column, and vibration-damped isolation platform to ensure sub-micron repeatability under controlled laboratory conditions.

Key Features

• Patented offset-type sensor holder eliminates mechanical interference with the R-axis during measurement—enabling unobstructed access to complex geometries including stepped shafts, flanged components, and recessed bores.
• Single-action mechanical flip mechanism allows rapid switching between external diameter (OD) and top-surface measurement configurations without recalibration or software reconfiguration.
• Air-bearing precision spindle with ≤0.02 µm radial error motion (TIR) and angular positioning resolution of 0.001° ensures traceable angular sampling density across all measurement cycles.
• Integrated Z-axis linear encoder with ±0.1 µm positional accuracy supports high-fidelity axial profiling for comprehensive cylindrical form analysis.
• Modular probe interface compatible with standard diamond-tipped styli (2 µm tip radius typical) and optional active scanning probes for enhanced edge detection and thin-wall applications.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The NEX Rs accommodates workpieces up to 500 mm in height and 300 mm in diameter (standard configuration), with optional extended columns supporting taller parts. Fixturing flexibility includes three-jaw chucks, V-blocks, and custom collet systems—all designed to minimize clamping-induced distortion. All measurement algorithms and reporting outputs conform to ISO 1101 (Geometrical Product Specifications), ISO 12181-1/-2 (Roundness), and ISO 12180-1/-2 (Cylindricity). The system supports GD&T annotation mapping directly from CAD-derived datum references and generates compliant inspection reports suitable for first-article and PPAP submissions. Full compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 calibration traceability pathways is maintained through documented uncertainty budgets for each measurement mode.

Software & Data Management

ACCTee is a Windows-native metrology software platform built on a file-centric architecture: every measurement session—including raw point cloud data, filtering parameters (Gaussian, 2CR, phase-corrected), evaluation criteria, and report templates—is encapsulated within a single .acx project file. The GUI employs standardized ribbon-style controls, context-sensitive toolbars, and drag-and-drop workflow sequencing—eliminating modal dialog dependency and reducing operator training time. ACCTee implements full audit trail functionality per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, logging user identity, timestamp, parameter changes, and result modifications. Export formats include PDF (with digital signature support), CSV (for SPC integration), STEP AP214 (for GD&T model-based definition exchange), and XML-based metrology data schemas aligned with ISO 10303-238 (AP238). Data retention policies can be configured to enforce automatic archival to network storage with version control.

Applications

The NEX Rs serves critical quality assurance functions across aerospace turbine components (e.g., bearing races, compressor hubs), medical device manufacturing (orthopedic implant stems, dental abutments), automotive powertrain elements (crankshaft journals, camshaft lobes), and precision optics mounting interfaces. Its ability to quantify coupled form errors—such as the interaction between out-of-roundness and axial waviness in thin-walled cylindrical housings—makes it indispensable for validating tight-tolerance assemblies subject to thermal expansion or preload-induced deformation. In R&D settings, it supports iterative design validation by correlating measured cylindricity deviations with finite element predictions of stress concentration zones.

FAQ

What standards does the NEX Rs comply with for cylindricity evaluation?
The system implements evaluation algorithms fully aligned with ISO 12180-1 (cylindricity definition), ISO 12180-2 (specification and verification), and ASME Y14.5–2018 Annex B for cylindrical tolerance zone interpretation.
Can ACCTee generate reports compliant with IATF 16949 or ISO 9001 requirements?
Yes—ACCTee supports configurable report templates with mandatory fields for operator ID, equipment ID, calibration due date, environmental conditions, and measurement uncertainty statements, fulfilling clause 8.6 of ISO 9001:2015 and section 8.6.2 of IATF 16949:2016.
Is the offset sensor holder field-replaceable without factory service intervention?
The patented holder assembly is designed for tool-free removal and reinstallation; mechanical alignment is maintained via precision dowel pins and hardened locating surfaces—no recalibration is required after routine replacement.
Does the system support automated measurement sequences for batch inspection?
ACCTee includes macro scripting capability (VBScript-based) enabling fully automated part loading/unloading synchronization with external robotic handlers via digital I/O or TCP/IP commands.
What is the recommended calibration interval for routine production use?
Accretech recommends annual calibration against traceable master artifacts (e.g., NIST-traceable cylindrical standards), with intermediate verification using reference rings performed at start-up and shift change per ISO 17025 Clause 7.7.