NPFLEX-LA
Non-Contact, 3D Surface Metrology System
for Lead Angle
Innovation with Integrity
Optical Metrology
NPFLEX-LA
Quantifiable Lead Angle Metrology
The Bruker NPFLEX-LA™ 3D Surface
Metrology System for Lead Angle is the
first comprehensive, non-contact metrology
solution that repeatably quantifies true lead
angle and surface texture of dynamic sealing
surfaces. Utilizing the intrinsic benefits
of 3D optical profiling, the NPFLEX-LA
detects the global lead angle and roughness
of sealing surfaces without concern for
tedious part alignment, producing results
that are gage-repeatable and reproducible.
With NPFLEX-LA, Bruker has answered
the need for a reliable and extremely
accurate measurement technique to better
monitor machining quality of dynamic
sealing systems.
NPFLEX-LA Delivers
Gage-capable, non-contact lead angle metrology
– Reliable, Meaningful Results
Simultaneous measurement of lead and surface texture,
independent of part alignment
– Self-Referencing, Single-Instrument Solution
Global lead angle analysis, integrating macro and
micro features
– Accurate, Comprehensive Characterization
Easy-to-use production interface with simple set up
and unattended measurement
– Effortless, Guided Operation
Solving an Industry Problem
Surface texture and lead angle are critical parameters for
the proper functioning of dynamic sealing systems. These
parameters directly affect the fluid interface between
seal and shaft, impacting seal integrity. Out-of-spec parts
have the potential to fail prematurely in the field, costing
the transportation industry millions of dollars per year
in fines, recalls, and in-warranty failures. Traditionally,
shaft and seal manufacturers qualify their parts using a
defined combination of stylus and string measurement
methods to meet the zero-degree lead specified in ISO
Standard 6194 and RMA 1999-1-1, 2004 specification.
The string method in particular has proven to be qualitative
rather than quantitative, and lacks sensitivity to detect
micro lead and lead angles near 0 degrees. In addition,
reliable results depend heavily upon part alignment and
operator experience.
Responding to the transportation and related industries’
needs for a more precise and reliable methodology,
Bruker has developed NPFLEX-LA, a comprehensive and
repeatable measurement system that assures confidence
in production quality.
3D dataset of plunge ground
test shaft
Reliable, Meaningful Results
Single-Instrument, Comprehensive Characterization
Taking full advantage of Bruker’s patented optical technology,
the NPFLEX-LA utilizes the latest advances in white light
interferometry. The system‘s interferometer splits a beam
of light into two separate beams, one reflected off the
sample and the other off a reference mirror. These beams
are recombined, creating bright and dark interference bands
that, like lines on a topographic map, represent the profile
or topography of the object. The resulting 3D profiles have
nanometer-level height resolution with high-density areal
information that provides a more accurate and quantifiable
characterization of the sealing surface than can be achieved
from 2D contact techniques.
Bruker‘s single-instrument solution delivers better
performance with less effort and uncertainty than traditional
techniques. During one measurement routine, and without
regard to part alignment, NPFLEX-LA reports global lead
angle and both standard surface roughness (Ra, Rz, Rpm) as
well as the more informative 3D roughness parameters (Sa,
Sz, and Spm).
Utilizing unique, patent-pending algorithms, the NPFLEX-LA
calculates the radius of cylinder and angular power spectral
density with respect to a common reference at each location
along the shaft. This self-referencing method removes the
influences of camera, stage, chuck, and part alignment from
the calculation, enabling the collection of accurate global,
macro and micro feature data for a comprehensive lead
angle result.
Intuitive production interface and reporting
Non-contact, interferometric technique measures lead angle
independent of part alignment
In comparison to the string method, Bruker‘s 3D non-contact
optical technique accurately detects lead over a wider range
of surface textures. The string method is limited by the
resolving power of the string and the physical interaction
between the string and the surface texture. On smoother
parts, the string can slip and report zero-degree lead when
in fact micro lead exists, whereas on rougher parts the string
can snag or catch reporting ambiguous results. NPFLEX-LA
defines global lead angle accurately and repeatably over a
wide range of smooth and rough parts, without the need for
sample contact.
Effortless, Streamlined Operation
The NPFLEX-LA features an easy-to-use production interface
that provides reliable global lead angle measurements
for QA and QC environments. A dedicated wizard walks
operators through setup and measurement, generates
customized reports, and uses pass/fail criteria to locate and
discard nicks, burrs, and scratches on the measured surface
while operating in an unattended fashion. The simple user
interface will automatically catalog the full suite of 2D and
3D surface parameters and lead angle results to assist in
identification of machining quality issues, which often lead to
subsequent part failure.
NPFLEX-LA
Your Solution to Lead Angle Metrology
The NPFLEX-LA produces accurate, comprehensive 3D measurement of shaft sealing surfaces.
With its easy-to-use interface, programmable routines and quick time to results, the NPFLEX-LA
is the only truly quantifiable, gage-capable metrology instrument capable of critical lead angle and
shaft roughness measurements in a single solution.
0.005 degrees standard deviation
Lead Angle Reproducibility2
0.02 degrees standard deviation
Roughness (Sa) Repeatability
2nm standard deviation
Measurable Sample Dimensions
249mm H; 304mm D; 304mm W
50lbs and/or 200lbs/in of torque max. weight
Chuck Clamp Range
3mm – 126mm OD
27mm – 128mm ID
1.24in. thru hole
Stage Travel
10 x 12in.
Motorized and joystick controlled
Vertical Resolution3
<0.15nm
RMS Repeatability4
0.03nm
Step Height
0.5% accuracy
<0.12% at 1sigma repeatability
Field of View
2.30 × 1.73mm max.
0.63 × 0.48mm min.
Objectives
Super-long working distance objectives: 2X, 5X, 10X
With crash mitigation assembly
Field of View Multipliers
0.55X, 0.75X, 1X, 1.5X, 2X
Auto-sensing motorized selector, discreet zoom
Computer System
Dell® workstation
64-bit, multi-core processor and flat panel monitor
Mounted on Ergotron® mobile workstation
System Software
Bruker Vision64™ Operation and Analysis Software
Footprint/Weight
172cm H x 77cm D x 81cm W (67.6in. H x 30.4in. D x 32in. W)
1090lbs (1390lbs in shipping container)
Certification
CE, NRTL, T-Mark, ROHS compliant, ANSI B46.1 compliant
1. As measured 1σ of 30 measurements on a plunge ground Bruker standard.
2. As measured 1σ of 10 remove/replace measurements of a plunge ground Bruker standard.
3. As demonstrated by a PSI difference measurement on a SiC reference mirror with nulled fringes and 10 averages.
4. As demonstrated by taking the one sigma Rq value of 30 PSI repeatability measurements on a SiC reference mirror.
Cover Images
Foreground: Bruker NPFLEX-LA.
Background: Plunge-ground part image generated from test sample manufactured to have a specific, known
lead for purpose of demonstrating the capabilities of the NPFLEX-LA System.
Bruker Nano Surfaces Division
Tucson, AZ · USA
Phone +1.520.741.1044/800.366.9956 ext. 3
[email protected]
www.bruker.com
NPFLEX-LA and Vision64 are trademarks of Bruker Corporation. B515, Rev. A2
±0.025 degrees
Lead Angle Repeatability1
to change specifications without notice. © 2011 Bruker Corporation. All rights reserved.
Lead Angle Accuracy
Bruker Nano Surfaces Division is continually improving its products and reserves the right
Specifications