At the international quality assurance trade fair, Control 2025, held at Messe Stuttgart in Germany, LK Metrology unveiled its new Altera SF series—an innovative line of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) engineered to deliver laboratory-grade precision in demanding shop-floor environments.
The Altera SF lineup consists of eight robust, bridge-type CMM models, designed and manufactured at LK Metrology’s facility in Castle Donington, Derbyshire. Built for industrial settings, the series incorporates advanced features such as high thermal stability, vibration resistance, and automation compatibility. These systems enable high-accuracy inspection near production lines, minimizing part handling and reducing quality control cycle times.
Unlike typical compact shop-floor CMMs, which prioritize small footprints, the Altera SF series offers generous measuring volumes with axis travels ranging from 1,000 x 1,000 x 800 mm to 4,000 x 1,500 x 1,500 mm. This extended capacity accommodates large and complex workpieces, increasing inspection flexibility across diverse component sizes.
Each Altera SF model features a ceramic bridge and spindle for superior stiffness-to-weight ratio and long-term dimensional stability. Friction drives combined with air bearings ensure smooth and precise axis movements, supporting a range of inspection methods including touch-trigger probing, laser scanning, and analogue scanning. The machines are compatible with the Renishaw PH10MQ Plus indexing head and the Revo 2 head, the latter enabling full 5-axis scanning capabilities under the Scantek brand.
To withstand challenging environmental conditions, the CMMs are fitted with protective guideway covers and sealed by positive internal air pressure to prevent contamination from dust or vapors. Embedded temperature sensors on all three axes monitor thermal changes and apply real-time compensation, aligning measurements with the 20°C reference standard. Optional thermistors can be attached directly to the workpiece or its fixture for further temperature monitoring.
In a significant innovation, the Altera SF series employs glass-ceramic optical scales instead of traditional stainless steel linear encoders. These scales are immune to thermal expansion and contamination, offering enhanced stability and reduced measurement error over time. Signal stabilization further contributes to predictable, low interpolation error and minimal maintenance requirements.
Vibration isolation is critical on shop floors where heavy machinery can interfere with measurement accuracy. Altera SF CMMs come with elastomer shock-absorbing mounts and offer both passive and active anti-vibration options. The active system includes magnetic field sensors that continuously monitor load and table height, adjusting electro-pneumatically to precise tolerances of ±0.1 mm in height and ±0.9 mm in level. The non-contact design eliminates contamination risks common in mechanical-pneumatic compensation systems.
Automation and connectivity are central to the Altera SF’s design. The systems integrate the proprietary LK NMC300 controller and Camio software, allowing easy implementation in-line or beside production lines for high-volume operations. Real-time monitoring of machine performance, system status, and inspection results can be accessed via smart devices. LED status indicators provide immediate machine feedback, while built-in safety features protect both personnel and equipment.
To enhance energy efficiency, an optional Eco Air function reduces compressed air usage by up to 95% during idle periods. Similarly, CMM motors are automatically powered down after a set duration of inactivity. All eight models in the Altera SF range come with a 10-year warranty that guarantees sustained measurement accuracy.
With this launch, LK Metrology delivers a powerful blend of precision, durability, and intelligent automation—providing manufacturers with a reliable, high-performance solution for shop-floor quality control.
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