Rotary encoder with built-in vibration analysis

Featuring an integral accelerometer, the new Heidenhain ECI 123 Splus rotary encoder enables position measurement and vibration analysis in a single component. This added functionality simplifies condition monitoring and maintenance planning in high-wear automated systems.

Detecting vibration early on is vital for achieving smooth processes, optimal results and long service life in high-performance automation systems. The earlier the detection, the easier it is to prevent scrap, machine damage and system downtime. By integrating an accelerometer into a rotary encoder, Heidenhain is offering a new and convenient solution for detecting and analysing vibrations on rotating machine elements.

Users of the ECI 123 Splus benefit from combined motion control and condition monitoring on their rotating machine elements. Linking vibration data with position feedback makes it easier to determine the type and location of the vibration’s source. And for even more condition data, the ECI 123 Splus supports up to three connected external temperature sensors. The system reliably transmits all data for further processing via an EnDat 3 interface. This combination of functionality saves on additional vibration sensors while simplifying cabling and installation.

So how does it work? Well, the ECI 123 Splus measures machine vibration using a built-in three-axis accelerometer and a microcontroller for on-device analysis, including initial analysis for up to 64 orders. For Subsequent analysis, the encoder’s EnDat 3 interface transmits the purely serial data to the user’s downstream electronics. There, OEMs can segregate their analysis based on timing, type, trigger, speed range and measured axis, and monitor data over time for changes to the relevant orders.

For further information www.heidenhain.com

Faster, clearer CT scans with AI Reconstruction

Nikon IMBU is releasing AI Reconstruction, a 3D computed tomography (CT) reconstruction software solution powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that eliminates the traditional trade-off between scan speed and image quality. By applying deep learning (DL) techniques to enhance image quality, Nikon’s breakthrough technology enables rapid results and superior analysis. Traditionally, CT users had to pick between fast, lower quality scans or slow, higher quality scans. Quick scans promote the possibility of missing important details, whereas slow scans lead to the scanning of fewer items.

AI Reconstruction lifts these limits through AI enhancement tailored to individual customer needs by Nikon’s applications engineering team. The DL modelling underpinning AI Reconstruction is trained to distinguish relevant information from the scan artefacts to filter noise and improve clarity.

“Nikon’s latest breakthrough in AI-enhanced 3D reconstruction represents a fundamental change for industrial CT,” says Chris Price, product manager with Nikon for X-ray and CT systems. “By lifting the speed-quality trade-off, AI Reconstruction provides both rapid results and superior image clarity, unlocking a new level of scan flexibility for users. This technology leap helps testing and quality teams enhance throughput and precision like never before. The dramatically sharper image quality reveals tiny product flaws that previously required painstaking scans, while faster scan speeds let users reliably analyse many more units per day.”

Examples of where this technology will demonstrate a profound impact include the automotive, aerospace and manufacturing sectors, as well as the medical device industry. In these markets and others, meticulous quality control via precise metrology is essential for product safety.

AI Reconstruction complies with the European Union’s ‘Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence’.

For further information https://industry.nikon.com

Flexxbotics presents robot compatibility with Hexagon

Flexxbotics, which delivers work-cell digitalisation for robot-driven manufacturing, presented robot connectivity compatible with the entire range of Hexagon inspection products at Hexagon’s Sixth Sense Summit in London last month.

The company’s patent-pending FlexxCORE technology enables the robots to connect and communicate securely with Hexagon machines to provide closed-loop feedback and real-time updates to the inspection equipment for autonomous process control. With Flexxbotics, manufacturers can enable advanced robotic machine tending with CNC machinery and Hexagon inspection technology to achieve Six Sigma quality for increased yields with improved margins. Flexxbotics compatibility includes Hexagon’s PC-DMIS CMM for bridge and gantry CMMs, NC measuring software, the full Q-DAS product line for SPC and intelligent machine control.

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division selected the company from hundreds of applicants across 27 countries to join the elite Sixth Sense programme. The initiative is designed to nurture high-growth companies within the manufacturing industry by supporting them with Hexagon’s extensive resources.

Flexxbotics says that its robotic work-cell digitalisation is the backbone of the smart factory, delivering robot-driven manufacturing at scale with autonomous process control for advanced machining operations. Its SaaS/hybrid architecture runs both online and offline so that production continues with or without internet access. Flexxbotics also works with existing systems such as CADCAM, DNC, SCADA/HMI, IIoT, MES, ERP, PLM and others for enterprise-wide synchronisation.

“We believe that inspection equipment in the smart factory effectively becomes the ‘eyes and ears’ of robots running lights-out production,” says Tyler Bouchard, co-founder and CEO of Flexxbotics. “By connecting Hexagon’s inspection capabilities to robots with Flexxbotics, companies are able to achieve continuous operations through robot-driven manufacturing and autonomous process control.”

For further information www.flexxbotics.com

Renishaw grows five-axis multi-sensor CMM range

Renishaw now offers an extended range of Agility CMMs featuring the company’s Revo five-axis multi-sensor system.

Nathan Fielder, Renishaw’s product manager for Agility, says: “We took Revo and asked ourselves: how can we turn this into an even better solution to meet the challenging demands of high-end manufacturers? The result is the Agility range – CMMs that deliver the advantages of Revo where they matter most: close to the point of manufacture. Our Agility series now includes CMMs for the measurement lab, offering high throughput platforms capable of using any one of seven dedicated Revo sensors.”

The CMMs enable manufacturers to carry out multiple measurement processes and report results on a single device. The full range of Revo sensors is available to Agility CMM users, including tactile touch-trigger and scanning, surface roughness, temperature, ultrasonic thickness measurement and non-contact probes.

The machine’s structure combines granite and anodised aluminium to provide strength, stability and accurate metrology throughout the measuring volume. Critical elements such as bearing design and placement, the innovative cable track arrangement and frictionless linear motors, ensure a stable and repeatable platform when Revo is scanning at high speed. Minimal contact parts prevent friction and thermal instability, while also reducing wear and maintenance requirements. In addition, the elevated and protected Y-axis drive system minimises the moving structural mass and prevents contamination.

Agility L machines, designed for the metrology lab, are specified for a temperature range of 18-22°C to provide high-performance, multi-sensor five-axis measurement in cleanrooms. The single-sided raised Y-axis design with an outrigger leg expands accessibility for manual part loading when automation is not required. Agility L frames are available with working volumes ranging from 500 x 500 x 500 mm up to 1600 x 3500 x 1200 mm.

For further information www.renishaw.com/agility

Future engineers get busy

Young students got hands-on with crawler robots, drone simulators and 3D printers at a state-of-the art engineering centre to celebrate British Science Week. More than 50 children were treated to an immersive experience at Sellafield Ltd’s Engineering Centre of Excellence, shining a light on the exciting careers available in automation, AI and more. The visit from Distington Community School to the centre at Cleator Moor saw children aged seven to 11 set a series of engineering challenges. They enjoyed a host of activities led by the team at the centre, each set up to show the diversity within engineering.

For further information www.bit.ly/3IBtEaG