The M3 is the last generation tool for dimensional control from 1 or 2 Inductive probes.
Several versions are available allowing you to connect inductive probes from any brand:
- Metro
- Tesa
- Mahr
- Marposs
- Solartron
The M3 is equipped with a 4.3'' touch screen allowing a very clear visualization of the dimensions as well as a simplified configuration of the device. The touch screen is resistive, so it is possible to use it with gloves.
The M3 has different communication means (USB or RS232) allowing to transmit measurements to a PC and/or to control the display remotely. Its case, machined in a solid aluminum block, offers to the M3 an unequalled robustness, even used in severe industrial environment (cutting oil etc...)
- 2 measurement configurations (2 dimensions)
- Different display modes with 1 or 2 dimensions per screen, with or without tolerances. Static and dynamic measurement (Min, Max, Max-Min, Average, Median)
- Control limits - Sorting by classes (up to 16 classes)
- Connection of an optional box with 8 optocoupled inputs/outputs (MB-IO)
- Absolute or relative measurements
- Modbus RTU or ASCII communication
- USB keyboard function when the M3 is connected to a PC
- Automatic change of measurement configuration by sensor movement.
- Safe and easy to use
Many functions and operating modes can be defined:
Nominal dimension, tolerance limits, control limits, standard dimension (reference part).
Choice between 2 measurement configurations (2 dimensions)
Calculation formula (C1, C2, -C1, -C2, C1+C2, C1-C2, -C1+C2, -C1-C2, 3-point diameter)
Calibration
Direct or dynamic measurement (Min, Max, Max-Min, Average and Median)
Relative or absolute mode
Single or multi-range display mode (2 bar graphs) with or without tolerances
Sorting by classes, up to 16 classes
Locking of some functions with hiding of buttons for a simplified user interface
Display resolution (2 to 5 decimal places)
Metric (mm or µm) or inch measurements
M-Bus connector to connect a box with 8 optocoupled inputs/outputs (good part, bad part, calibration etc...)
Automatic dimension change by detection of sensor movements
Choice of language for the user interface
USB keyboard function
The M3 is equipped with a mini-USB connector with 2 functions:
Power supply via a wall transformer supplied.
Measurement transmission: When the M3 is connected in USB to a PC, it is detected as a keyboard with the standard drivers of your operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux...). When you transfer measurements from the M3, they appear on your computer screen as if they had been entered on the keyboard. No need to install any specific driver or software.
Advantages of this feature
A serial interface RS 232 allows the transmission of measurements as well as the remote control of all the functions of the M3 thanks to ASCII commands or the MODBUS-RTU protocol.
One of the advantages of the M3 is its ease of use and configuration. This is made possible by its touch screen and user-friendly graphical interface.
Some examples of screens:
The M3 has 2 probe inputs, 1 RS232 connector, 1 USB connector for power supply and/or communication, 1 multifunction footswitch input, an M-Bus connector for the I/O module and one On/Off switch.
As an option, it is possible to connect a M-Bus I/O (ref Metro : MB-IO) module fitted with 8 optocoupled inputs/outputs.
The available functions are :
It is possible to connect the M3 to a PLC to create an automated sorting bench.
This communication uses the MODBUS-RTU protocol.
Retrofit of an assembly equipped with needle comparators on a 100% sorting station: Max-Min measurement on 2 points on a cylindrical part placed on a V-shaped support. Start of the measurement with a pedal. Gain for the customer: Increased accuracy (tenth of micron), instant reading of the 2 ribs without risk of error on the dial indicator needles, traceability of the measurement thanks to the transmission of the measurement to central SPC software. Significant time saving on this control station.
Communication between a Pro-face PLC and an M3 with the Modbus-RTU protocol. The Pro-face HMI has been programmed with different buttons and indicators to control the M3 and retrieve information. This example can be downloaded from this link.
Concentricity measurement using an inductive sensor
The MB-IO M-Bus box has 8 optocoupled inputs/outputs for additional functionality, e.g. output of good or bad parts, calibration input etc. The M-Bus units are presented in an aluminum profile that can be mounted on a standard DIN rail. More details on this page: M-BUS
This robust and ergonomic button is made on a machined aluminum base.
It advantageously replaces the pedal when it is used on a table.
Compatible with all Metro products: Displays and multiplexers.
This sturdy pedal can be configured in different ways: calibration, measurement transmission, start of dynamic measurement etc...
Allows the connection of compatible M-Bus boxes to an M3 display (MB-IO, MB-RL and MB-TP)
This adapter cable allows to connect 1 Magnescale sensor (Sony) on a M2 (ref 15000) or M3 (ref 13000) TTL. The SUBD-15 connector contains an electronic card which manages the error signal of a Magnescale sensor.
This cable is used to connect the M2/M3 to a computer.
This cable allows to connect the Heidenhain sensors with the M23 round plug and 11µA signal on a M2 (ref 15020) or M3 (ref 13020) display.
This cable allows to connect 1 Mitutoyo sensor on a M2 (ref 15000)/M3 (ref 13000) display.
This cable is used to connect the M2/M3 to a Metro Mux multiplexer
The MB-TP module is used to read a type K thermocouple or a PT100 probe and use it on a Metro display to create an alarm on a temperature variation or to perform temperature compensation of the measurement.