LK Metrology Introduces EcoAir System to Reduce CMM Carbon Footprint!
By Ashutosh Arora
LK Metrology has unveiled the EcoAir system, an innovative solution designed to lower the carbon footprint of its coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). Available for new machines manufactured at the company’s Castle Donington factory in Derbyshire, U.K., or as a retrofit for existing models, the EcoAir system is a step toward sustainable manufacturing. The technology can be integrated into any CMM equipped with LK’s NMC300 controller, which is also offered as a retrofit option.
The EcoAir system works by connecting to the machine’s air filter set and automatically shutting off the compressed air supply to the CMM’s air bearings when the machine is idle. This feature reportedly reduces air consumption by up to 95%, leading to significant energy and cost savings. Users can adjust the inactivity period that triggers the shutdown to as little as one minute. Despite the shutdown, the CMM remains ready for use, automatically resuming the air supply when the machine is reactivated in either manual or CNC mode.
This energy-saving innovation aligns with manufacturers’ regulatory requirements for energy efficiency and supports corporate social responsibility initiatives. Beyond EcoAir, LK Metrology has introduced additional measures to enhance sustainability. These include reducing the thickness of the air bearing film, cutting air consumption while improving measurement accuracy with higher stiffness bearings. The wrap-around design of these bearings offers three and a half times higher resistance to dynamic forces, enhancing precision during tasks like tactile scanning or using long probes.
Furthermore, LK CMMs feature advanced motor control and intelligent power management. The drive motors automatically power down during inactivity, minimizing energy use. The machines are also constructed with lightweight materials, such as ceramic bridges and spindles, reducing the energy required to move their components.
The EcoAir system and other sustainability-focused innovations reflect LK Metrology’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices and delivering energy-efficient solutions for modern manufacturing environments.
