Industrial Gauge is cell-ready with software and process monitor.
Press Release Summary:
Equator™ Flexible Gauge works with EZ-IO software, which facilitates cell controller communications configuration and allows intelligent functions, such as automatic re-mastering, upon detection of change in shop floor temperature and then directs robot/shuttle system to load master part into gauge. Process Monitor display provides graphical chart of history of feature measurements and enables management of mastering process according to temperature, time, or number of parts measured.
Original Press Release:
Equator(TM) Gauge Now Cell-Ready with New EZ-IO Software and Process Monitor
New integration software facilitates setup of communications between cell controller and Equator Flexible Gauge. Process Monitor displays part-measurement histories.
Renishaw's new EZ-IO software for the Equator™ Flexible Gauge makes it easy for automation integrators to configure communications between Equator systems and a cell controller. EZ-IO software allows intelligent functions, such as automatic re-mastering when the Equator detects a change in shop floor temperature, then directing a robot or shuttle system to load the master part into the gauge.
EZ-IO includes the Process Monitor display, which provides a chart of the history of feature measurements, an invaluable feature for controlling manufacturing processes. The history shows a graphical view of proportion of tolerance for each feature. It also enables management of the mastering process according to temperature, time or number of parts measured.
Equator principle of operation
Equator is a radical alternative to traditional dedicated gauging. The low-cost programmable system is capable of high-speed comparative gauging for inline inspection of high-volume manufactured parts. It can switch between parts in seconds, making it ideal for flexible manufacturing processes or accepting parts from multiple machines. Its ability to use both touch-point and high-speed form scanning probes allows the Equator to perform the quickest possible inspection routines for any given part and feature – for a fraction of the cost of single-purpose hard gauges.
Equator uses the principle of mastering to cope with changes in shop-floor temperature. Master parts do not need to be expensive or custom made; users can simply take a production part and measure it in any number of ways, such as on a calibrated co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM) in a temperature-controlled environment. This measurement establishes the variation of the master part from the CAD or drawing nominals.
Traceability to calibrated CMMs
The calibrated absolute accuracy of the CMM or other devices can be effectively “extended” onto the shop floor to provide calibrated traceability to Equator measurements. With the calibration data for the master part loaded into the Equator software, measurements then made on the Equator gauge can be referred back to the CAD or drawing nominals for traceability to a calibrated device.
Supported by a turnkey installation service and global support network, Equator systems are installed in multiple automotive, aerospace, medical and electronic companies around the world. Renishaw’s extensive network of Equator support engineers allows projects that are initiated in one country or region to be easily transferred and locally supported in multiple locations. There are more than 70 regional support offices, and multiple approved partners, in all industrialized areas of the world. For more information, visit www.renishaw.com/gauging.
Contact
Jeffrey Seliga
Renishaw, Inc.
Tel: 847.286.9953
Jeffrey.seliga@renishaw.com
or
Jeff Drum
Kemble & Drum Communications, Inc.
Tel: 513.871.4042
jdrum@kembledrum.com
Inquiries should be directed to:
In USA:
Susan Wilm
Marketing Assistant
Renishaw Inc.
5277 Trillium Blvd.
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
susan.wilm@renishaw.com
Tel: 847.286.9953
In Canada:
Dafydd Williams
General Manager
Renishaw (Canada) Limited
2180 Dunwin Drive, Unit #1
Mississauga ONT L5L 5M8
dafydd.williams@renishaw.com
Tel: 905.828.0104
Photo below accompanied release as a high-resolution jpg file. For a backup copy, contact Jeff Drum at jdrum@kembledrum.com or 513.871.4042.
