In recent years, the development of precision measurement technology has been rapid, with gratifying results. For example, online measurement technology can now conduct real-time measurement and display of processing conditions, promptly detecting any abnormal situations that may arise during processing, thus significantly improving production efficiency.
In the processes of high-precision machining and quality management, with the development of optomechatronics and systematization, optical measurement technology has rapidly advanced. Correspondingly, a large number of measurement machine products have emerged, and the development of measurement software has become increasingly important.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the development of non-contact measuring machines and various devices based on optical principles. For instance, MARPOSS's non-contact tool measurement system MidaLaser is a new type of measuring machine that uses a laser probe. This machine can automatically perform non-contact measurements of all tools while a CNC machine is running, and it can automatically position the tools according to the measured values. Sony Precision Engineering's non-contact shape measurement machine YP20/21 utilizes a semiconductor laser high-speed, high-precision automatic focusing sensor for shape measurement. All scales are standard components, and both the sensor and the stage are controlled by a microcomputer, providing excellent operational performance and data processing capabilities. The non-contact three-coordinate measurement system Zip250 sold by YKT Company is a new type of high-rigidity, high-speed, and high-precision measuring machine. The load capacity of its stage is 25kg, and the resolution of the scale (X, Y, Z axes) is 0.25μm for each. Equipped with a CCD camera with a digital flange and the latest DSP processor, this machine can perform high-speed image processing measurements and also conduct related measurements using contact probes.
With the emergence of a large number of non-contact, high-efficiency measuring machines, experts predict that the development direction of measurement technology in the 21st century will roughly be as follows:
(1) Measurement accuracy will progress from the micron level to the nanometer level, further enhancing measurement resolution;
(2) Transition from point measurement to surface measurement (i.e., expanding from precise length measurement to precise shape measurement), improving overall measurement accuracy;
(3) With the application of new technologies such as image processing, remote sensing technology will be promoted and popularized in precision measurement engineering;
(4) With the establishment of a standardized system and the numerical representation of measurement uncertainty, the reliability of measurements will be effectively improved.
In summary, measurement technology must achieve higher precision, and at the same time, it is required to realize faster speed and higher efficiency. Therefore, non-contact measurement and high-efficiency measurement will inevitably become important development directions for precision measurement technology in the new century.