Five Axis Articulated Arm:
This arm has five axes of freedom with a sixth encoder added between the second and third movement axes.
This extra axis measures twist deflection in the arm. Since minute twist in the arm affects accuracy, this feature increases accuracy during calibration and operation.

All Direct-Drive System:
There are no gears driving the encoders, ( gear drives were used in older measuring centers ). Cutting-edge articulated arms do not use gears because they decrease accuracy significantly.

Light Weight Carbon Graphite Material:
Combine this material with the top-tube counter-balance, and this arm is significantly lighter than others using all-aluminum or steel construction.

The difference in weight is especially noticeable in the significantly decreased inertial force when moving the arm left and right. Other arms take more force to move and more force to stop.

High Accuracy:
We guarantee that this arm can measure a calibrated length bar at ANY location around the table in ANY orientation with an accuracy of +/- 0.005 inches*. ( Note: These arms are usually much more accurate than this. But this is the figure we guarantee ).

Other tube measuring manufacturers may claim this kind of accuracy. We would like to suggest that you test this claim by performing measurements away from the center of the table and at angled orientations.

*2 Sigma Length Accuracy using a 28" calibrated bar.

Multiple Probe Technology:
This arm uses a quick change self-aligning probe system. That allows you to change probes on-the-fly. The infrared probes are ultra-slim non-contact sensors for measuring in tight spots. The ball and point probes allow you to measure more than tube shapes.

Supravision Software:
This software is the heart of the system and is developed specifically for measuring tube shapes.
• Measure the tube at any convenient angle on the table.
• Perform best-fit comparisons of measured to master, ( like dropping the tube in a gauge ).
• Perform hard-point comparisons where certain points and planes are attached between the master and the measured data.
• Make automatic correction of bender data through direct link to benders, ( contact us for a list of benders with which the software can communicate ).
• Display the master tube shape or the master and measured tube shapes graphically from any view point.
• Display easy-to-read "GO or NO GO" reports.
• Save master data using long filenames.
• Measure straight tube sections.
• Perform guided measuring. The arm indicates, through a series of sounds, if the operator is near the correct zone for measurement.
• Measure the ends with different diameters than the tube.
• Perform dual-precision measuring by measuring the top and the bottom of the tubes in order to overcome ovality.
• Reverse-engineer a tube shape by measuring a tube to create the master data.
• Many other features...

SupraStuff Software:
This is optional software designed to measure other parts like tube assemblies, fixtures, and gauges.
• Measure a gauge to check its accuracy.
• Measure brackets attached to a tube shape to check their postion.
• Perform calibration procedures to re-certify your measuring center.

Computer System:
An industry standard DELL computer pre-loaded with Windows 95 software and Supravision software.
• Intel Pentium CPU.
• 1 Gigabyte Hard Drive.
• Tape Backup system.
• Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Monitor stand.
• Hewlett Packard DeskJet Printe.r

Screen Pointer:
• Arm and trigger button.
• Mouse.

Link to Benders:
This measuring center SENDS and RECALLS using either the serial port or network connection.

Superior Calibration Technology:
The calibration procedures for these measuring centers are the result of years of effort. They play a critical part in allowing these arms to perform as guaranteed.
Gathering arm data for calibration can take 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The subsequent calibration calculations can take as long as 7 hours to fit the virtual arm to the real arm. The procedure is very thorough.

Automated Gauge R&R:
The MM5000 has built-in Gauge R&R features.