Wireless multi-sensor laser scanner

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has launched a wireless multi-sensor laser scanner with metrology levels of precision for operation inside CNC machine tools. The m&h LS-R-4.8 can capture around 40,000 measurement points a second and securely transmits the data to a receiver, via radio, enabling operators to change the sensor automatically without manual intervention.

Measuring on the machine tool, whether for workpiece inspection, temperature or tool control, is a valuable source of information in the machining process. With this data, it is possible to control workpieces before, or even between, machining operations. The wireless scanner will remove bottlenecks by taking in-line measurement for in-process enhancements away from CMM machines.

Capturing 40,000 measurement points a second provides information about the complete part, rather than selected individual points. This capability enables users to evaluate production quality, enhance manufacturing processes by identifying problems early, better align parts for steps later in the workflow, and gain an insight into complete part quality.

Notably, the wireless scanner deploys laser triangulation to deliver high levels of speed and accuracy. The laser beam projects on to the component and its reflection passes through a lens for detection by an imager. That information then determines the positional measurement points.

Dedicated modular software presents the data in an easy-to-understand format, making it simple for machine operators or quality teams to quickly identify issues and correctly align a part for reworking while it remains in the machine tool.

Hexagon’s new package includes the wireless scanner, modular software and the company’s RC-R-100 multi-sensor receiver. The scanner is stored directly in the machine’s tool magazine, from where it inserts automatically into the spindle without manual intervention.

For further information
www.hexagonmi.com

Say goodbye to tool vibration

Ceratizit Group’s Team Cutting Tools has launched new variants of its hydraulic chuck range with VDI and cylindrical shank connections as part of the WNT Performance tooling series. This latest addition to the portfolio provides a solution when boring bars need to be precision clamped with a shank tolerance of h7. The new hydraulic chucks featuring VDI and cylindrical shank connections can achieve this tolerance with a repeatability of 3 µm. The key benefit, though, is that in applications such as thread turning, fine boring or cutting with long tool overhangs, the precise tensioning and damping properties of the technology can reduce surface roughness by up to 70% when compared with standard systems.

Another feature of the Ceratizit hydraulic chucks is the radial adjustment screw, which helps position the boring bar to micron accuracy on diameter. Similarly, it is possible to remove the length adjustment screw to push the boring bar through – for efficient machining of various lengths of turning tools.

Ceratizit’s hydraulic chucks are available with a VDI interface for direct mounting in the turret of a turning centre complete with through-tool coolant capability. The chucks are available as 30 and 40 VDI with a 20 mm bore, along with a cylindrical shank version in 16 and 20 mm bore diameters for the 32 mm diameter shank, and 16, 20 and 25 mm for the 40 mm diameter shank variant.

In addition to the accuracy of hydraulic chucks, another significant advantage is the speed at which tool changes can take place (typically just seconds) without having to make tedious fine adjustments.

For further information
https://is.gd/xanado

Lights-out machining at Ritchie Precision

Lang Technik has completed a Lang RoboTrex installation at the premises of Ritchie Precision in Livingston.

Ritchie Precision recently had the opportunity to quote for a high-volume, long-term contract related to the manufacture of intricate, multi-feature medical components with extremely challenging dimensional tolerances. Mindful of the length of the potential contract and the fact that the company could amortise some of the costs involved in purchasing the necessary equipment, Ritchie set about investigating the most efficient methods of producing the complicated components and achieving their demanding dimensional specifications.

The company installed three DMU eVo universal machining centres from DMG Mori, all of which are now served by Lang Robo-Trex automation systems. Working unattended and fed by the Lang Robo-Trex systems, the company’s DMU eVo machines run throughout the day. Then, before the end of each day shift, the company restocks the Robo-Trex trollies with batches of workpieces, enabling each machining centre to run unmanned throughout the night.

The trollies are loaded with multiple vices that hold workpieces ready for machining. Unattended, the systems’ robots pick workpieces from the trollies, load them into the DMG machines and, when complete, return them to the trollies.

A simple to operate touch panel enables easy control of the automated system and, thanks to external trolley access, production remains seamless as there is no need to interrupt the machining cycles. It is possible to control the system’s zero-point clamping system either pneumatically through the machine tool, or mechanically via the system’s robot.
Ritchie Precision’s senior manufacturing engineer Taylor Barr says: “By enabling our three new universal machining centres to work around the clock without stopping, our Lang Robo-Trex systems have allowed the maximum productive potential of the machines to be realised.”

For further information
www.lang-technik.co.uk

New look for Cutwel

Tooling specialist Cutwel is celebrating its 25th anniversary by revealing a forward-looking rebrand to better reflect its values and company image. Cutwel has a turnover of £20m (up from £11m five years ago) and employs 83 staff at its headquarters in Cleckheaton. The company is now on track to grow a further £15m in the next five years (£35m total). To mark the anniversary and demonstrate its commitment to the community, Cutwel will be donating £1000 to four charities chosen by staff: Andy’s Man Club, Kirkwood Hospice, Martin House Hospice and Yorkshire Dog Rescue.

For further information
www.cutwel.co.uk

Better to ‘B-Safe’ than sorry

The Engineering Technology Group (ETG) is now offering UK manufacturers the new B-Safe from Balance Systems. B-Safe expands spindle and machine-tool diagnostics according to vibration and temperature analysis. The miniaturised system installs directly on to the machine’s spindle, guaranteeing real-time monitoring and the reduction of machine downtime by predicting malfunctions and potential failures. However, the system can provide so much more. Based upon fully customised solutions from ETG, B-Safe has an overload alarm, an overheating alarm with programmable thresholds that correlate with real-time data from process monitoring, and can create a collision alarm within 1 ms
B-Safe easily retrofits to virtually all machine tools and spindles. The system consists of a B-Safe sensor with a connector or integrated cable, a UPS and TCP-IP connection device interface, a start-up kit with software and user manual, a wide range of extension cables, and M5 to M12 adaptor and magnetic support that can all be fitted with simplicity.

Options include an event logbook, tri-axial real-time data recorder, high-frequency mono-axial data, FFT analysis, a collision waveform recorder, historical trends, spindle check-up, service notes and the ‘Fingerprint’ feature (a B-Safe app intended for condition monitoring of machine tool and machine tool spindle based on vibration analysis).
This information and much more is available in the always-connected HMI, while the multi-platform software provides users with full control from anywhere. The B-Safe HMI is a software platform that allows interaction with multiple sensors at the same time and is available in different languages and layouts. It is suitable for PCs or machine-tool control panels that run Microsoft Windows 7, 8.x or 10.

For further information
www.engtechgroup.com