Quality Applications

Renishaw Inc.'s Renscan 200 On-Machine Scanning System Benefits Low cost Reduces nonmetal cutting machine time "Learn mode" allows for optimum scanning speed at all times High volumes of data can be collected resulting in better surface quality www.renishaw.com

Race Car Engineers Choose Renscan 200
Renishaw Inc.'s Renscan 200 On-Machine Scanning System

Joe Gibbs' race car engineers were looking for a reverse engineering system to duplicate and machine cylinder head ports for the team's Winston Cup cars. After considering several options, they selected Renishaw's Renscan 200 on-machine scanning system.

 "Still a relatively new team, we wanted a cost-effective, yet accurate, scanning system that would take minimal ramp-up to start producing finished heads," says Mark Bringle, CNC manager for Joe Gibbs Racing. "At one-tenth the cost of a CMM, the Renscan 200 gave us scanning simplicity and precision, but not sticker shock."

 The Renscan 200 works by taking output from the scanning probe and machine tool axes positions. The software calculates the surface coordinate data point and the new target position to which the machine should move. The process is carried out dynamically and results in a smooth continuous motion of the machine as the probe scans the surface.

 The on-machine system with Tracecut software allows the team to duplicate ideal port and combustion chamber designs and generate NC code necessary to machine the profiles into its aluminum heads. Smooth, identical head ports are essential to enable Gibbs' engines to reach their maximum power potential.

  Heads must comply with NASCAR restrictions on maximum port volume. Top-finishing cars are torn down and inspected by NASCAR officials after every race. Violations uncovered during these post-race inspections can cost teams fines or even victories. Duplicating ports known to be within specifications ensures every port will meet regulations. Gibbs' engineers develop port models both through hand grinding and CAD. "The slightest modification to CAD-designed profiles renders the original CAD file useless and requires scanning to capture the new profiles," says Bringle. "And even though hand porting may yield a good single profile, it's impossible to replicate that design for all eight cylinders without scanning. These are two reasons why the Renscan is such a valuable tool for us."

 The Renscan 200 with SP2-1 scanning probe captures 70 data points per second. A complete head scanning job (intake, exhaust and combustion chamber) can be performed in less than one day.