Today we are introducing an improved model of our popular device:
Laser Wheel Profilometer IKP-5 (Model 2016).
While developing the new model, we have tried to resolve current problems to enhance the device reliability, taking into account all wishes and recommendations of our Customers, obtained over the years of exploitation of profilometers in more than 30 countries. Below we represent the upgrade that was provided:
1. The main advantage is a fundamentally new and a very reliable transmission.
The differences between old and new type of transmission are shown in the photos below. The comparison of transmissions (IKP-5 and IKP-5 Model 2016).
| Design | Disadvantages | |
|---|---|---|
| IKP-5 | Two linear guideways of sliding |
A high friction The possibility of jamming |
| A thin thread as a traction element | A high probability of breaking | |
| Design | Advantages | |
|
IKP-5 (Model 2016) |
One linear guideways with recirculating rolling elements |
A minimal friction A high accuracy |
| Toothed belt drive instead of thread | A high reliability |
2. Improved and advanced Software for PDA:
2.1 A new and more user-friendly interface;
2.2 Possibility to save several Bluetooth-devices and then to select the required one from the list. I.e. You save addresses of several IKP and after that you need only to select the required one from the list without a necessity of searching procedure (the same is for IMR and IDK);
2.3 A more flexible setting of measured parameters of the wheel flange;
2.4 The list of calculated parameters of the wheel flange and rim was enlarged:
- Calculation of even/uneven wear,
- Hollow calculations,
- Measurement of defects (slides and cavities) of the wheel surface,
- Calculation of special flange parameters of the tram wheel and etc.;
2.5 Possibility of PC connection as an external storage device (alternative of ActiveSync).
3. Improved and advanced Software for PC:
3.1 A more flexible setting of measured parameters of the wheel flange;
3.2 The list of calculated parameters of the wheel flange and rim was enlarged:
- Calculation of even/uneven wear,
- Measurement of defects (slides and cavities) of the wheel surface,
- Calculation of special flange parameters of the tram wheel and etc.;
3.3 Setting of displayed identification parameters of the wheelset. I.e., you can select only required parameters (number, series, operator, mileage, and etc.) for displaying on the screen;
3.4 Calibration procedure was simplified: it performs automatically by clicking one button;
3.5 The possibility to compare several saved profiles;
3.6 The possibility to align measured profile manually (by buttons) relative to the reference with saving.
4. A new shock-resistant case
5. To measure wheels with limited space for installing a device, we offer a special model of the Profilometer which has a shortened handle, model IKP-5-short.
The device is developed with support of our Poland and Holland Partners, especially for measurements of tramway wheels. We see a large interest of Customers for such a Profilometer and we think that Tram (streetcar) transport can become a new and large sphere of activity.
6. And, finally, our nearest plans for IKP-5 upgrading (by the middle of 2016 year):
6.1 From the middle of 2015 we have been selling our most popular RF603 laser sensors with new advanced electronics based on a power ARM – processor. The same electronics is planned to be used in IKP-5. That will allow us to get two times better accuracy (0,05% of the range) by the expense of improved algorithms implementation;
6.2 Also a new stepper motor driver is planned to be used. It will decrease power consumption significantly and will allow to make 5 times more (about 5000 instead of 1000) measurements without batteries recharging.