Renishaw demonstrated IMTS 2018 its range of smart factory process control solutions, which are engineered to help machine shops across many industries transform their production capabilities. Renishaw's product portfolio supports the full spectrum of industrial metrology applications.
A high-productivity machining cell, featuring fully integrated process control, demonstrated how high levels of automation and connectivity can be incorporated into CNC machining operations to improve productivity and process capability. The demo cell reflected process control techniques that Renishaw applies in its own factories to deliver highly automated precision manufacturing.
More and more manufacturers are recognizing the significant benefits of having the flexibility to re-purpose equipment to accommodate shorter product life cycles and increased design variants. Renishaw showcased innovative technology that brings this level of flexibility to the automotive and aerospace manufacturing industries.
For example, the multi-sensor capability of the REVO system on coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) was demonstrated. This system's ability to rapidly acquire data about dimensional and surface finish characteristics on a single platform allows manufacturers to reduce measuring time and provides actionable data more quickly.
On CNC machines, SupaScan used the latest OSP60 probe to offer fast workpiece set-up cycles. The system can also monitor surface condition (waviness), which is a critical-to-quality requirement for product efficiency.
In addition, the increased flexibility and application range of the Renishaw Equator gauging system was exhibited. The new Equator 500 accommodates larger parts, and the introduction of intelligent process control(IPC) software allows manufacturers to automate process control and tool offset correction directly to CNC machines from any Equator gauge.
Renishaw technologies provide the data that enables intelligent decision-making for Industry 4.0. Machine calibration, on-machine measurement and off-machine gauging and verification allow manufacturers to optimize their processes and minimize quality problems and CNC machine stoppages.
"As manufacturers ourselves, Renishaw has significant first-hand process control expertise to help our global partners apply high levels of automation and connectivity to their own production processes," said Paul Maxted, Renishaw's Director of Industrial Metrology Applications. "This will enable them to benefit from the factory of the future, today."
Renishaw also showcased its latest AM system and software. The new multi-laser RenAM 500Q is designed to increase productivity in the most commonly used machine platform size. Renishaw's suite of AM software includes QuantAM build preparation software, InfiniAM Central remote process monitoring and InfiniAM Spectral for live feedback on energy input and emissions from the AM build process.
For more information contact:
Renishaw, Inc.
1001 Wesemann Dr.
West Dundee, IL 60118
847-286-9953
usa@renishaw.com
www.renishaw.com