Absolute Arm with TubeShaper

Tube measurement, gauging and productionwith the Absolute Arm

The Absolute Arm with TubeShaper system combines a powerful portable arm withspecially designed infrared probes and state-of-the-art tube analysis software.

Available as a turnkey hardware and software package, or as an upgrade to existingportable measuring arm units, the system uses the powerful Absolute Arm portablecoordinate measuring machine alongside specially designed non-contact tubeprobes and the state-of-the-art TubeShaper software to accelerate the measurementand inspection process, with the absolute minimum of intervention.

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Description

The easy-to-handle Absolute Arm uses non-contact infrared tube probes, available in six different sizes, to measure tube length and bend angles, while standard touch probes ensure that full tube assemblies – including any welded fixtures like brackets or hangers – can be measured.

The state-of-the-art TubeShaper measurement software was created specifically for tube inspection with the Absolute Arm. With a completely original interface, TubeShaper has been designed in cooperation with some of the world’s leading tube producers to create a product that brings you valuable measurement and process information as simply and quickly as possible.

CAD models of tubes and tube assemblies can be imported directly, while interfaces to CNC tube bending machines ensure real-time correctional data is transmitted directly to the bending machine itself. Measurement plans can be created offline prior to measurement, or even automatically during first-part inspection. These routines can be recalled and run at any time, meaning that batch measurement is both fast and easy. All measurement data can also be exported in IGES file format for reverse engineering applications, without the need to manage complex point cloud data. Tube measurement has never been so complete.

 

Plug-and-play hardware
The easy-to-use Absolute Arm requires no warmup or encoder referencing. Just plug it in and you’re ready to go.

 

Adaptable to the part
With Absolute Arm sizes ranging from 1.2 m to 4.5 m, two dedicated ‘T’ models for specific tube application and six tube probe options covering tube diameters from 4 to 130 millimetres to choose from, it’s easy to select the right size system for your workpieces.

 

Automatic and repeatable probe recognition
All measurement probes can be swapped within the same software session, with no need to recalibrate between changes. Simply switch from tube probe to touch probe on the fly, according to what you need to measure next.

 

Ergonomic system design
Perfectly weighted counterbalancing ensures that the Absolute Arm is a pleasure to use, even for an entire eight-hour shift. The lightweight system can be moved around your facility in minutes, to where it’s needed most.

 

Dedicated accessory range
A full range of accessories including additional tube probes, tube clamps, measurement tables and raisers mean that your Tube Inspection System can be configured to suit your working environment and application requirements.

 

Full system certification
The Absolute Arm and tube probes are certificated to B89.4.22 as standard. Certifications to VDI/VDE 2617-9 are also available on request.

 

TubeShaper software
The well-established TubeShaper platform delivers direct interfaces for all major bender brands, measurement plans for rapid batch measurement, automatic and customisable reporting and easy CAD data import and export.