Robot Gages target lean manufacturing environments.

Press Release Summary:



Mounted on gantry or robot end-effectors, In-Process Gages enable measurement of parts while they are in grip of automation devices. Measurement can be used for part sorting, tool compensation, statistical process control, and Cpk analysis. Slip-clutch keeps setup time under 30 seconds and protects gage head from damage when excessive force is applied to contacts. Gages provide guaranteed repeatability of .0005 mm.



Original Press Release:



Robot Gage Measures On-the-Move



Ann Arbor gage manufacturer announces an innovative concept for production gaging in Lean Manufacturing environments.

(Ann Arbor, MI) - Control Gaging, a leading American supplier of in-process gaging systems, announces a new concept for production gaging in lean manufacturing environments - integration of precision gages into part transport automation to provide automatic measurement of part size during the part load/unload cycle.

Control Gaging's quick setup gages can now be mounted on the gantry and robot end-effectors, enabling measurement of a part while it's in the grip of automation devices. Measurements can be used for part sorting, tool compensation, statistical process control and Cpk analysis - a perfect concept for Lean Manufacturing programs and speeding production line flow.

This gaging technique can be applied to turning, grinding and other metal cutting processes where automation is used to speed production. These factory-hardened precision gages can be set up in less than 30 seconds. The data provided by the gages can be used by Production Managers to monitor quality, improve process control and remove out-of-tolerance products from the part stream. Additionally, parts can be pre-checked to avoid tool damage

Based on the lean manufacturing principle of "value-added flow", the system requires no additional floor space, reduces cycle time and can eliminate the need for hand-loaded or robot-loaded bench gages.

The gages are shown mounted on a FANUC M 710i B robot. With over 150,000 robots installed worldwide, FANUC Robotics America, Inc. is the leading supplier of industrial robots for manufacturing.

Control Gaging has over 30 years experience in the design and manufacture of factory hardened gaging systems. The gage heads mounted to the automation employ a patented "slip-clutch" which keeps setup time under 30 seconds and protects the gage head from damage when excessive force is applied to the gage contacts.

The gages have a guaranteed repeatability of .0005mm (.000 020"). System accuracy and repeatability depends on part type, surface finish and gripper design.

These gages can handle a range of parts and the quick setup feature reduces part changeover costs. Part contacts to extend the range of the gages can be installed and set up in less than 5 minutes. Currently, gage configurations are available for outside diameter measurement on drivetrain parts, electric motor shafts, and crankshafts. Additional applications are under development.

For additional information contact Bob Darrow, Business Development, Control Gaging Inc. GGG@Controlgaging.com Phone 734.668.6750 Fax 734.994.1335

Control Gaging Inc, designs and manufacture a wide range of gages typically used for in-process measurement and control of precision grinding processes. In business for over 30 years, their product line continues to grow. Their current emphasis is on adapting our factory hardened gages for use on robots and gantries. Over 75% of sales are to repeat customers. Customer satisfaction is the driving force for their design, manufacturing and customer support teams. Control Gaging's distribution network currently includes the United States, Mexico, Europe, Japan, and India. Additionally, they have recently added a product repair and support team in China. For more information please contact Bob Darrow, Business Development, Bdarrow@controlgaging.com at Phone 734.668.6750

FANUC Robotics America, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures industrial robots and robotic systems for a wide range of applications including arc and spot welding, material handling (machine tending, picking, packing, palletizing), material removal, assembly, paint finishing and dispensing.

The company also provides application-specific software, controls, vision products, and complete aftermarket support. After 23 years of success, FANUC Robotics maintains its position as the leading robotics company in the Americas. A subsidiary of FANUC LTD in Japan, the company has facilities in Chicago; Los Angeles; Charlotte, N.C.; Cincinnati and Toledo, Ohio; Toronto; Montreal; Aguascalientes, Mexico; and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Over 150,000 FANUC robots are installed worldwide. Contact FANUC Robotics at www.fanucrobotics.com or by calling 800-47-ROBOT.

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