Robot gauging speeds cycle time
Quick set-up gauges from Control Gaging are mounted on a Fanuc M 710i B robot from Fanuc Robotics America Inc .
Ann Arbor, MI —New concept for production gauging in lean manufacturing environments integrates precision gauges into part transport automation to provide automatic measurement of part size during the part load/unload cycle. Quick set-up gauges from Control Gaging can now be mounted on gantry and robot end-effectors to enable measurement of a part while in the grip of automation devices. Measurements can be used for part sorting, tool compensation, statistical process control, and Cpk analysis.The technique can be applied to turning, grinding, and other metal cutting processes where automation is used to speed production. Gauge data can be used to monitor quality, improve process control, and remove out-of-tolerance products from the part stream. Parts also can be pre-checked to avoid tool damage. System needs no additional floor space, reduces cycle time, and can eliminate the need for hand-loaded or robot-loaded bench gauges.Gauge heads use a patented slip-clutch that keeps set-up time to less than 30 sec and protects the head from damage if excessive force is applied to the gauge contacts. The devices have a guaranteed repeatability of 0.0005 mm (0.000020 in.). Accuracy and repeatability vary with part type, surface finish, and gripper design.
—Control Engineering Daily News DeskJeanine Katzel, senior editor, jkatzel@reedbusiness.com
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