Renishaw Gaging System Enhances Shopfloor Process Control
Renishaw Inc.’s Equator-X 500 dual-method system offers flexible measurement modes for high-speed inspection and quality assurance.
Share
Renishaw Inc.’s latest solution for shopfloor process control is the Equator-X 500 dual-method system, which enables users to select the optimum inspection method — Absolute or Compare — to address a variety of process challenges, effectively deploying two systems in one.
The Equator-X system is designed to handle situations where product variety and frequent design changes require measurement systems capable of speed, flexibility and ease of use to keep pace with machining capabilities. Key benefits include increased throughput with high-speed measurement that improves inspection capacity, fully traceable in-process verification of parts on the shop floor with continuous validation of the production process, as well as the flexibility to select the optimal measurement method for each application with a single device.
The optional Absolute or Compare measurement modes address the demands of fast-paced manufacturing environments with different requirements.
In Absolute mode, the Equator-X system measures parts at scanning speeds of up to 250 mm/s, improving the inspection capacity and throughput for manufacturers of small to medium batch sizes and high part variety. This mode is particularly useful for first-off verification next to the machine or even at-line 100% inspection.
In Compare mode, the Equator-X system provides high-speed scanning up to 500 mm/s and is well suited for inspecting large batches of the same component when cycle time is a priority. It also offers a high-speed measurement option where varying thermal environments present a challenge.
The Equator-X 500 gauge is a hexapod structure with independent drive and metrology frames. High-speed motion is achieved without compromising metrology due to design features such as carbon fiber metrology struts, linear motor drives and the SP25M scanning probe.
The system can be deployed as a standalone shopfloor device or integrated within a fully automated cell, offering flexibility to adapt to evolving demands and variable shop floor conditions.
The standard software platform for the Equator-X 500 system features an intuitive operator interface coupled with Renishaw’s latest Modus IM metrology software applications. This suite of software tools provides convenience and robust performance for programming, reporting and operation, simplifying complex tasks for the operator.
Related Content
-
Machined Part Geometry Measurement
Uncertain about uncertainty? Having trouble remembering the difference between accuracy and precision? Read on to review key metrology terms relevant to the ISO Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (ISO GUM).
-
Marathon Precision’s Engineering Playground: One Shop’s Secret to Sustaining High Tech, Low-Volume and High Morale
Half an airplane on the wall, a ten-foot metal dragon, and a full-blown recording studio might not scream “manufacturing efficiency,” yet Marathon Precision proves otherwise. Here’s how forging, complex CNC operations and staff-driven creative projects combine to fuel the shop’s productivity and profitability.
-
A Balancing Act for Differential Gaging
Differential gaging measures using two devices, which has advantages over standard, comparative measurements using a single sensing head. These include the ability to measure size without regard to position.
