All you need to Know about Kreon 3D scanners and arms

Question 1

Which parts can be scanned with a Kreon scanner?

Accepted Answer

Kreon blue laser scanners digitize almost any industrial part: aluminium, steel, plastic, rubber, composites, sheet metal or castings, whether dark, bright or shiny. Mounted on a measuring arm, they suit parts from about 10 cm to 4 m. The Zephyr III automates scanning on CMMs, and Track Ace extends measurement to very large parts.

Question 2

What is the size of the parts that can be measured with a Kreon arm?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the arm size: Kreon arms come in 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 and 5 m measuring volumes. For parts larger than the arm’s reach, Leapfrog kits let you move the arm around three common references, and Track Ace combines a 7-axis arm with a laser tracker for a tracking diameter of up to 160 m.

Question 3

What is the purpose of having a probe under the scanner?

Accepted Answer

The Kreon scanner offers the unique capability of attaching a probe. This eliminates the need of assembling and disassembling the scanner when switching between scanning and probing. As a result, it enables a seamless workflow where scanning and probing can be performed without interruptions. This highly beneficial feature not only results in significant time savings when using measuring arms but also proves invaluable during automation phases on measuring machines.

Question 4

What resolution can be obtained with your 3D scanners?

Accepted Answer

The Zephyr scanners, when installed on CMMs, can deliver a maximum resolution of 15µm. When using the Skyline Eyes on a measuring arm, a maximum resolution of 25µm can be attained. These levels of resolution enable the scanners to capture even the finest details of parts, including textures, engravings, markings, and labels. To put this in perspective, the thickness of a human hair is approximately 70µm.

Question 5

What accuracy can be obtained with the Kreon measuring arms and 3D scanners?

Accepted Answer

When using the Onyx Skyline Eyes configuration, the scanner's inaccuracy is a minimum of 38µm (as measured in the LDia test). On the other hand, when employing the Zephyr III 50 scanner on a measuring machine, the inaccuracy is reduced to an impressive 5µm.

Question 6

How to get accurate measurements with a measuring arm?

Accepted Answer

Install the arm on a rigid support (magnetic base, heavy tripod or surface plate), calibrate the probe in your software and keep the part firmly fixed. Kreon arms need no pre-heating and compensate for temperature from 10 to 45 °C. Annual recalibration keeps the arm within its ISO 10360-12 specification. See also our 10 expert tips for measuring arm users.

Question 7

How to get accurate measurements with a 3D scanner?

Accepted Answer

Like any optical device, the camera lens must be clean, without fingerprints. The 3D scanner must be handled with care and should not be subjected to shock. When not in use, it is preferably stored in the protective case provided at delivery.

Question 8

Are there accessories or additional equipment to adapt the use of a scanner or a Kreon measuring arm to my application?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Kreon offers probes (ball probes from 1 to 8 mm, tip, trigger and angled probes, extensions), Brunson mounting bases (25,000 N magnetic base, vacuum base, base plate), lightweight and heavy tripods, a rolling granite cart, spare batteries and Leapfrog kits for oversized parts. Here is a complete page dedicated to accessories. For personalized guidance on the configuration that best suits your specific needs, we recommend reaching out to our sales department through the contact forms.

Question 9

What software is compatible with the Kreon measuring arm and scanners?

Accepted Answer

Kreon arms and scanners work with Zenith, Kreon’s metrology software for Kreon arms, and, through Kreon plugins, with third-party software such as PolyWorks, Metrolog, Geomagic, PowerInspect, CAPPS, ArcoCAD, Inca3D, Verisurf and Rhinoceros 3D. On CMMs, the Zephyr III scanner runs with Metrolog X4 or PolyWorks.

Question 10

What kind of training is needed to effectively use a Kreon measuring arm?

Accepted Answer

At delivery, a Kreon trainer provides one to two days of on-site training on the arm, the scanner and the software. Kreon products are designed to be easy to learn, so operators with different backgrounds quickly become autonomous.

Question 11

Are there regular software updates for measuring arms and scanners?

Accepted Answer

No updates are needed on the measuring arms and scanners themselves. Software is different: Zenith updates are available with a one-year maintenance and hotline contract, and plugins for third-party metrology software can be updated individually.

Question 12

What kind of maintenance do these products need?

Accepted Answer

Kreon recommends an annual check and recalibration. Each system includes a one-year first warranty. After that, Standard or Optimum warranty plans (1 or 3 years) cover annual preventive maintenance, recalibration with certification, free repairs except misuse, plugin maintenance and the hotline. The Optimum plan adds a loan system and insured round-trip transport.

Question 13

How can I contact customer service if there is a problem with the product?

Accepted Answer

After the product is delivered, your primary point of contact for technical issues will be your dealer. They will assist you with problem resolution. If, for any reason, your dealer cannot provide a solution, the Kreon support service will step in to assist with TeamViewer and diagnose most issues quickly, without shipping the equipment.

Question 14

What kind of technical support do you provide for your product users?

Accepted Answer

Kreon's technical support can assist you remotely. If necessary, an authorized expert will intervene directly on site. In rare cases, the hardware may be returned to the factory for testing, repair and recalibration.

Question 15

How to properly store the measuring arm and 3D scanner when they are not in use?

Accepted Answer

Measuring arms are delivered in transport cases that are perfectly adapted for their storage. Additionally, protective covers are provided to shield the arms from dust when they are stored in the workshop.

Question 16

What is the difference between a 6-axis and a 7-axis measuring arm?

Accepted Answer

The 6-axis arm is dedicated to probing: it is more accurate than a 7-axis arm of the same size (up to 20% for Onyx), and its slim end reaches into cavities. The 7-axis arm adds a wrist axis and an ergonomic handle for comfortable scanning with a Kreon scanner, while still allowing probing, even with a probe mounted under the scanner.

Question 17

What is the difference between the Onyx and Ace measuring arms?

Accepted Answer

Onyx is Kreon's high-end arm and its most accurate: from 0.024 mm (EUni, Onyx 7-axis, 2 m), wireless probing and scanning, hot-swappable batteries, QuickView screen, removable handle, IP54 protection and the most comfortable counterbalancing on the market. Ace is the versatile mid-range arm: from 0.033 mm (EUni, Ace 7-axis, 2 m), wireless probing, integrated battery and IP51 protection.

Question 18

Can I add a Kreon 3D scanner to my existing CMM?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Zephyr III scanner turns a CMM into a scanning machine. It mounts on Renishaw PH10 indexing heads (T, M and MQ), works with the ACR3 change rack and is supplied with its controller. Turnkey configurations run with Metrolog X4 or PolyWorks on Metrologic, Wenzel, Renishaw, Mitutoyo, Pantec, LK/Nikon or Deva controllers. Contact us with your equipment models to check compatibility.

Question 19

How do I measure parts larger than my measuring arm?

Accepted Answer

Kreon offers two solutions. With a Leapfrog kit (spheres or cones), you move the arm around the part and re-align it on three common references; Zenith manages this alignment. For very large parts, Track Ace combines a 7-axis Kreon arm with a laser tracker: the arm moves freely within a 160 m tracking diameter, with no leapfrog and no references on the part.

Question 20

Which ISO standards are Kreon arms and scanners certified to?

Accepted Answer

Kreon measuring arms are calibrated and certified according to ISO 10360-12, which defines indicators such as EUni (unidirectional length error in the arm's volume), PSize and PForm. Kreon 3D scanners are certified according to ISO 10360-8, and the accuracy of an arm equipped with a scanner is given by its LDia scanning value.

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