ZEISS VAST/VAST Gold
Adapter plates for the VAST/VAST Gold sensor with activated chip functions and M5 connection thread
CMM Adapter Plates
The adapter plate is an important interface between the CMM and the workpiece. Particularly at the measuring sensor, no compromises should be made. ZEISS adapter plates are manufactured exclusively by ZEISS in Germany under strict quality testing and procedures. Laboratory approvals and constant quality and process control guarantee full functionality on all ZEISS CMMs.
Types of adapter plates
Original ZEISS adapter plates - The perfect adapter plate for your measuring system
ZEISS VAST
ZEISS VAST adapter plates support ZEISS VAST Gold and ZEISS VAST XT Gold sensors. ZEISS VAST Gold is the ideal sensor for tactile scanning and single-point measurements with long styli. They can handle styli with a length of up to 800 millimeters and a weight of up to 800 grams. This sensor is characterized by its high scanning speeds.
ZEISS VAST XTR
ZEISS VAST XTR adapter plates are the right choice for ZEISS VAST XTR Gold sensors. This type of sensor has an integrated rotation axis, which means that the stylus is aligned in the direction of the feature to be measured.
ZEISS VAST XXT
These adapter plates support ZEISS VAST XXT sensors. This sensor allows high-precision scanning at the ZEISS RDS swivel/rotate joint. The refined bearing point of the XXT adapter plates ensures system stability and a high degree of accuracy. The gold-plated contact points improve electrical conductivity for more robust data transmission.
Your benefits at a glance
Superior adapter plates: the original by ZEISS
Prevention of operating errors and incorrect measurements
ZEISS adapter plates identify stylus systems in the software via ID-chip. This technology prevents operating errors and incorrect measurements. Another benefit of the original: More information is available to you on the control panel display, such as measuring pressure or the angle of the active stylus system.
Reduced measuring time
The ‘Fly Scan’ function of original ZEISS adapter plates allows the stylus to smoothly scan interrupted contours without stopping. This results in considerably shorter programming and measuring times. Depending on the workpiece, this procedure can save up to 70 % in measurement time, for example in tip circle measurements on gear wheels.
Faster stylus changes
The ‘Quick Change’ software function accelerates the exchange of styli configurations by 50%. The value of this function is most relevant when measuring complex workpieces that require several stylus changes. All of the VAST Performance Kit functions can only be used with original ZEISS adapter plates.
More robust data transmission
The refined bearing position of the XXT adapter plates retains system stability while maintaining the same high level of accuracy. Gold-coated contact points improve electrical conductivity, ensuring more robust data transmission. Overall, CMM equipment efficiency is only guaranteed by using the original ZEISS adapter plates.
Frequently asked questions about adapter plates
The tightening torque for the adapter plates is very critical and must be maintained. If the screws are tightened with less torque, there is a risk of the stylus system becoming angled, which may result in measuring errors due to shaft probing. If the screws are tightened too much, the aluminum body of the adapter plate will be distorted and can no longer be picked up by the head properly and the measured values cannot be reproducibly transferred.
The golden spheres have been implemented to ensure more stable data transmission. The gold coating transmits electronic data much better than the pure steel sphere as known from previous embodiments. These gold coatings are also known from the audio field, where connectors are also gold-coated. Especially on CMMs that are located in an oil- and dust-containing environment in production, these golden spheres enable considerably better results.
Since the introduction of the VAST XT probe, it has been technically possible to identify stylus systems via a chip. This is the basis for a large number of options in machine controls and CALYPSO software. This chip has been activated since 2007 and is used in many applications. Increasingly more features of the machine or the software can only be implemented with the help of these activated chips. You can see plates with activated chop on the ZEISS logo and 2 stickers with article and serial numbers.
Regardless of the probe used, all adapter plates feature the product as the most important component in the stylus system chain. The plate transfers the probing deflection to the probe. The better and more stable this connection is, the more reliable the measurable values that can be achieved. This transmission safety may be restricted in the case of contaminated or damaged plates. Therefore, we recommend regular cleaning and checking of the critical components under the microscope. The critical components are the 3 glued-in rollers and the so-called anchor plate in the center of the plate. Both should be completely free from contamination and damage. Appropriate cleaning cloths can be used for cleaning. Other cleaning agents may also be used depending on the type and tenacity of the contamination. However, we recommend consulting your ZEISS representative in advance.
ZEISS adapter plates are part of the ZEISS probe technology, which cannot be copied so easily. The basic functions of the machine and CALYPSO can certainly be used. However, the new controllers and many software options can only read the specially developed technology in the original ZEISS adapter plates. However, many cheap copies on the market are not able to map this particular technology, so it may happen that these no longer work with new controllers or new features. Only original ZEISS adapter plates can guarantee full functionality of the machine.