Digital readout for gauging probes M400
Versatile, robust, intuitive
The M400 features a 7-inch color TFT touchscreen with an intuitive interface, capable of processing up to 32 characteristics simultaneously from up to 99 possible inputs distributed across an M-Bus module network. It manages 128 programs in memory and accepts direct characteristics (sensors, instruments), calculated characteristics, attribute dimensions, or manually entered values.
Thanks to its SPC functions, guided sequential mode, and communication capabilities (USB, RS232, Modbus RTU, Profinet via MOD-PN, inputs/outputs via MB-IO), the M400 fits equally well into manual line-side inspection or a fully automated machine. Its machined aluminum housing and proprietary embedded OS ensure ruggedness and flawless IT security.
The M400 is a multifunction industrial display designed for the most demanding dimensional inspection applications. Unlike the M5 display, dedicated to 1 or 2 sensors, the M400 is built to centralize a large number of measuring devices (up to 99 inputs via its M-Bus module network) and process up to 32 characteristics simultaneously.
Its highly intuitive 7-inch touchscreen interface allows for quick handling by any operator, whether for a simple manual inspection application or to run a fully automated production machine. The M400 can operate completely standalone, with no PC required, making it a rugged, cost-effective, and secure solution.
Do you need to save your measurements on your network? The M400 can be delivered with a network acquisition solution allowing both to generate customizable measurement files (CSV, XLSX or other) but also to configure the M400 remotely. This is possible thanks to the use of the MB-NET module and the Metro Data Server software.
The M400 is equipped with a 7-inch (17.8 cm) color TFT touchscreen, with an intuitive user interface allowing for quick device programming and efficient handling by any operator. Measurements can be displayed as a bar graph, an analog dial, or as numeric values only, depending on the application's needs.
The housing is made of machined aluminum, with ruggedness proven even in the harshest industrial environments, and the front face is covered with a full polyester film ensuring maximum protection against liquid splashes.
The M400 connects to a very wide range of measuring devices through its M-Bus module network (up to 99 inputs):
- Inductive probes:
- Metro
- Tesa
- Mahr
- Marposs
- Etamic
- Solartron
- Heidenhain sensors,
- TTL scales and encoders
- Magnescale sensors
- Micron Epsilon laser sensors
- Sylvac Bluetooth and digital instruments
- Air Gage pneumatic gauges
- strain-gauge sensors
- PT100/Type K temperature probes
- Digimatic instruments
- 4-20mA/0-10V analog inputs
- RS232 instruments.
This modular architecture allows the M400 to be precisely tailored to each application, from the simplest to the most complex, and lets the installation evolve over time by adding new M-Bus modules.
The M400 can record up to 1,000 measurements per part (128 parts max) and use this data through various SPC screens (machine or process statistics), giving the operator quick, easy access to information right at the machine.
For more advanced processing, archiving, or integration with an IT system, the MB-NET module takes over and interfaces the M400 with the company network (file generation, communication via Web API).
The MB-IO module enables to interface automatism devices to the M400 thanks to its 8 optocoupled I/O.
A simple programmation language allows then to define the needed actions in functions of the inputs and the internal status of the M400. Thanks to this language the user can define an PLC program included in the control characteristics in order to perform the requested functions. These remote I/O are made to automate the measurements. They bring the following additionnal functionnalities :
- Direct automation of a machine by the M400
- Automation of the measurement by an external system (PLC)
- Transmission or display of messages on the screen in function of programmable events.
The M-Bus network is at the core of the M400's architecture: it allows up to 99 measurement or automation inputs to be connected via a wide range of dedicated modules. The MB-IO module, for example, offers 8 configurable optocoupled inputs/outputs (up to 4 modules, i.e. 32 I/O), with each terminal assignable to one of around thirty available functions (good/bad part, data transfer, cycle start...).
Other M-Bus modules add temperature compensation (MB-TP), a remote control with 4 programmable buttons (MB-RC), a relay output to control an air preparation unit (MB-RO), or a 4-20mA/0-10V analog input (MB-1A). This flexibility makes it possible to build a tailor-made measurement solution that can evolve as needs change.
Use on multi-dimensional fixtures.
Many industries of precision mechanics use multi-dimensional assemblies with comparators. A M400+inductive sensors solution replaces advantageously the comparators in such assemblies.
Indeed, the reading of each comparator, then the recording of the results is long and source of errors.
By using the same mechanical assembly, the M400 makes it possible to take all the measurements simultaneously (up to 32), to display very clearly the position of each measurement compared to its tolerances as well as the result good part / bad part. At the same time, the M400 can send the measurement results to a PC or a PLC and display locally numerous statistical screens.
The productivity of the operator is increased tenfold and the risk of error becomes almost zero, the return on investment is immediate.
Watch industry
The manufacture of mechanical watches requires an impeccable measurement quality. Sensors must have a high accuracy over their entire measuring range in order to measure parts of different sizes with the same sensor. Sylvac or Heidenhain sensors are therefore very well suited to this mission. With the M400, the dimensions of these sensors can be displayed with great clarity. Thanks to the galvanometer display mode and the automatic change of dimension by sensor movement, the M400 is a device which will facilitate the work of the control operator. The measurements can be sent to a PC or processed locally with statistical functions to ensure a high quality monitoring. The M400 is a compact device despite the size of its screen (7'', 17.6cm) which is often an important point on a workstation.
Measurement of 4 diameters simultaneously with a small tolerance by air gage
This sturdy pedal can be configured in different ways: calibration, measurement transmission, start of dynamic measurement etc...
This robust and ergonomic button is made on a machined aluminum base.
It advantageously replaces the pedal when it is used on a table.
Compatible with all Metro products: Displays and multiplexers.
The MB-IO M-Bus box has 8 optocoupled inputs/outputs for additional functionality, e.g. output of good or bad parts, calibration input etc. The M-Bus units are presented in an aluminum profile that can be mounted on a standard DIN rail. More details on this page: M-BUS
