Phoenix RB Coordinate Measuring Machine

Fully Automatic Helmel Phoenix ready for your floor:

Measuring Range: 12"x12"x10"
Intrinsically Accurate - No Error Map
Easy-to-Learn GEOMET CMM Software
Helmel/Delta Tau Controller
Latest PC, LCD Monitor and Joystick
Renishaw TP-ES Touch Trigger Probe System
High Reliability - Shop Floor Protection
Affordable and Economical to Own

Made in USA By America's CMM Builder

HELMEL ENGINEERING PRODUCTS, INC. announces the introduction of their American-made, shop hardened automatic coordinate measuring machine for small and medium sized parts at an introductory price to accommodate every shop budget. Called the PHOENIX RB, it is a DCC system with a measuring capacity of 12” x 12” x 10”, and is a complete, ready-to-run machine with a “real estate friendly” compact footprint. Helmel has been a dedicated broad-line CMM builder in Niagara Falls, NY, and since 1973 has cultivated the more rugged and durable mechanical bearing concepts, developing a reputation for smaller benchtop and mini-CMMs in addition to larger offerings.

The PHOENIX RB is a self-contained moving bridge design with a full granite table on a sturdy stand that houses the electronics and computer. Hardened and precision ground ways with high accuracy mechanical bearings provide long term reliability. Steel scales mounted on steel structures assure uniform thermal response. Intrinsic mechanical accuracy is manufactured in, and is independent of volumetric software error correction, considerably reducing calibration and maintenance cost over time.

The motorized system includes a controller, joystick, Renishaw probe, computer system, and Helmel’s proprietary, time proven and easy-to-learn “GEOMET” Software. It is believed to be the first DCC CMM in the USA priced below $20,000 ready to go. The Phoenix RB is rugged, fast, and an excellent CMM value ideally suited to production, lab, and reverse engineering needs.

“At a point in time when US manufacturers need every single competitive, cost-reducing advantage, no matter how small,” comments Art Whistler, VP of Sales & Marketing, “who else but Helmel would do this? The price is absurd for a machine of this quality, but we have learned our lessons, honed our skills, and invested in efficiencies over the last 35 years, perhaps for this moment. RB? It stands for either ReBorn, or Recession Buster. You be the judge.”

Linear Accuracy : 0.00018" + 0.000006" per inch

Bandwidth : 4.5 µm + L * 0.150 µm, (L in mm)

Performance per ANSI B89.4.1a-1998 : Performance is based on dynamic measurements with touch trigger probe and 300mm Ball Bar. Tests are at 68°F and 50% relative humidity .

Utility : 120-230 V~, 50-60Hz, 10A grounded main power supply.

Helmel DNA:

Since 1973, a common genetic thread has run through all Helmel CMMs reflecting a philosophy and culture of sound mechanical designs, properly constructed, and coupled with leading probe systems and software that is powerful, efficient, and simple. Our objective is to provide customers with a trustworthy, durable and long lasting precision CMM that is affordable, economical to operate, easy to learn and use, and delivers decades of value and return on investment. It is an added bonus that Helmel is a stable company who will promptly provide knowledgable service and support.

All Helmel Coordinate Measuring Machines have mechanical bearing systems characterized by strong bearing ratios, design emphasis on balance, attention to the center of moving mass, and optimized drive locations on powered machines. Our CMMs are constructed with Intrinsic Mechanical Accuracy – IMA: they are physically straight, flat, square, and true, with precision derived from the structure, not from software error mapping. That is our Credo.

Intrinsic Mechanical Accuracy is standard in every Phoenix. Performance is delivered without 3D error correction software.

Turn off error mapping on any competitive machine and you reveal a poor underlying product, for which you pay a dear price. Mapping is done to reduce production costs, but it will cost you more each time you need calibration. Error correction files are hidden behind password protection only the OEM can access, binding you to their higher priced services for years. A Helmel CMM employs scale correction factors only, and ours are open and accessible files.

We are a vertically integrated manufacturer with all key processes in-house: concepts, prototyping, mechanical and electrical design, machining, grinding, welding, painting, electronic and controller assembly, motion control and GEOMET metrology software development, system build, calibration and test, installation, training, and ongoing service and support. Helmel takes total responsibility for our products. We are still servicing Helmel products over 30 years old.

Helmel’s GEOMET CMM Software System has been an industry leader since the early 1980’s. Like our machines, there has been a continuity of concepts, and a fundamental goodness in ease and efficiency, that runs through the decades. A user of early HP Basic Geomet would have little difficulty to walk up and use the later DOS versions, or today’s Windows versions, because the operating principles have not changed. The user interface, though vastly updated with graphical and Windows functionality, remains recognizable through our parallel iconic keyboard keylabel interface trademarked “Keystroke Magic”. Users inevitably gravitate to this ultimately efficient interaction with Geomet.