Process and part quality control using Equator™
During Mecspe 2024 we presented our C21 solution on our stand in association with Renishaw's Equator™, establishing a new synergy.
The decision to embark on this new collaboration with Renishaw, a global leader for its wide range of expertise and innovative applications in the fields of motion measurement and control, stemmed from a desire to demonstrate how our robotic solution can integrate with a first-class quality system.
This allows us to ensure that the parts produced and handled by the C21 strictly comply with the customer’s design and requirements.
What is Equator™ and what are its features?
Equator is Renishaw's patented flexible process control gauge, designed to operate directly in the production area alongside the CNC machine tool.
Equator's operating logic is based on the comparison between a reference part and all products machined by the machine tool.
The Equator series comprises two devices: Equator 300 and Equator 500. Regardless of size and version, the Equators offer high repeatability, resistance to temperature variations and programmability, with an optimal ratio between footprint and measurement volume.
Key features:
- Flexibility: Equator can be programmed to work on different parts and quickly reprogrammed in the event of changes.
- Quick installation: Installs in minutes and allows the operator to switch from one operation to another in seconds.
- Plug&Play system: Lightweight, robust and easy to set up, with a parallel, rigid kinematic mechanism to ensure excellent repeatability even at high speeds.
- Accuracy: Use the SP25 scanning probe to perform form checks with high speed and repeatability.
With Equator, Renishaw offers an innovative and versatile solution for quality control in manufacturing, capable of adapting to a wide range of requirements and ensuring high accuracy results every time.
Renishaw's software
Renishaw’s new Intelligent Process Control (IPC) software combined with Equator allows tool corrector updates during CNC machining processes to be fully automated.
With Equator, machine offsets can be updated in real time, automating process control and compensating for instabilities due to tool wear and thermal variations.
Offsets are statistically managed to improve job quality and throughput.
If the wear of a tool exceeds a defined threshold, the machine is alerted to replace it or stop the process, avoiding problems.
Another advantage of Equator is the ability to send updates to multiple machines at the same time, allowing the operator to manage different tools on different machines with a single calibration cycle.
Data is also time-stamped to allow future analysis.
Key features of the system include:
- Reduced human intervention and downtime.
- Averaging of errors for more accurate updates.
- Elimination of delays due to proximity to the machine tool.
- Possibility of simultaneous updates for several machines.
System set-up is simple and allows tool corrections to be easily configured.
Why are ROBO FEED C21 and Equator a winning pair for your machine shop?
Complex machining operations often lead to increased scrap, reducing productivity and overall efficiency, especially with the Quality Control step.
The solution lies in using control systems that guarantee accuracy, repeatability and ease of use in your machine shop.
The combination of Robo Feed C series and Equator 300 is an ideal solution for metalworking workshops.
Reduced scrap: The accuracy and repeatability of the Equator 300 ensure that every part produced meets stringent quality standards, significantly reducing scrap.
Increased productivity: The speed and accuracy of the Equator 300, coupled with the automated workpiece handling capability of the Robo Feed C-Series, results in a continuous and highly efficient workflow.
Ease of use: Both systems are designed for easy installation and use, allowing operators to concentrate on other tasks without having to worry about complex set-ups or long interruptions.
DIMENSIONAL QUALITY CONTROL PERFECT
Conclusion
The integration of our Robo Feed C21 and Renishaw's Equator quality control system represents a breakthrough for machine shop efficiency and accuracy. This synergy not only reduces scrap and increases productivity, but also simplifies day-to-day operations, allowing operators to focus on more valuable tasks.
If you want to take your workshop to the next level of competitiveness and precision, choose the winning combination of Robo Feed C21 and Equator.
Contact us today to find out how we can transform your production process.