Bristol-based automation technology company Insphere Ltdis the first company to join the Renishaw Channel Partner Programme as a specific provider of the Renishaw RCS product series. Insphere has become an Official Channel Partner, supporting the installation and integration of Renishaw’s RCS products for industrial robots, including the RCS L-90 ballbar, the RCS T-90 tri-ballbar system and the RCS P-series probing solution.

Insphere serves automation customers throughout the UK. The company focuses on developing game-changing manufacturing technology that enables smart factories and facilitates a more sustainable future. Known for its flagship Iona system, which aims to improve robot accuracy and fixture alignment, Insphere represents a natural fit as the first Renishaw Channel Partner to offer the RCS product series.

Ben Adeline, CEO of Insphere, says: “The manufacturing industry is at an exciting inflection point with intelligent automation now becoming a reality. We’re delighted to collaborate with Renishaw in offering new and exciting products in this space. Renishaw’s automation range perfectly complements our broader portfolio of products including Iona and our Ora software platform, both of which aim to improve robot performance and process control.”

He adds: “By applying these solutions to industrial robots, we enable enhanced levels of flexibility, autonomy and awareness, creating more versatile and higher performance automation solutions.”

For further information www.renishaw.com/industrial-automation

Apex Dynamics has been selected as the supplier of a key component by rotary measurement specialist Rotary Precision Instruments (RPI) UK because of the fast delivery, low backlash, low noise and good value offered by its AF series precision planetary gearboxes.

The world’s largest manufacturer of rotary devices, RPI UK was looking for a new supplier when lead times rose sharply after the Covid-19 pandemic and the company found it more difficult to source parts. After seeking a reliable supplier that could meet its very specific requirements for high-accuracy measurements and angular positioning, the company turned to Apex Dynamics, which provides delivery times of 2-3 weeks.

In this case, the gearbox had to fit into the existing design of a rotary table for CMMs. The AF series gearbox is now used in RPI UK’s LabStandard and QuadDualPurpose assemblies. Itmounts to a motor via a pulley arrangement with a belt that drives a worm and wheel arrangement.

Each Apex AF series gearbox has 100% optimised helical gearing, low backlash and easy mounting, reports the company. High precision taper roller bearings equip the gearboxes to handle high axial and radial loads and output torque ranges from 14 to 2000 Nm.

RPI UK technical manager Adrian Blake says: “High levels of accuracy are key to the success of our application-specific products. As a key component of our CMM rotary table, the low backlash provided by the AF series gearbox means that it positions correctly, an essential feature for our machines as it forms part of the drive assembly.All the gearboxes we’ve purchased are running smoothly and have met our calibration standards.”

For further information www.apexdynauk.com

Due to the significant growth of its subcontract CNC turning and machining service, Alrose Products invested in a selection of precision measurement instruments from Bowers Group to improve turnaround times and deliver high-quality machining processes. Enhancing its operations with both a Baty Venture vision system and a Trimos V7 height gauge, the company now offers the highest levels of accuracy to customers by measuring to very tight tolerances with consistent precision.

“Buying any equipment is a consideration as there are so many factors involved, not least the investment of capital,” says Jon Aconley, managing director at Alrose Products. “However, knowing the reputation of Bowers Group and understanding what’s on offer made it far easier. The equipment was agreed and ordered, delivered on time and to specification, while the back-up service has been faultless.”

Bowers says that its instruments adhere to strict tolerance standards, ensuring consistent and reliable measurements across all operations. This consistency eliminates the potential for operator-induced variations, providing the business with enhanced accuracy and confidence in their measurement data.

The Baty Venture Vision System features powerful optics and intuitive software in support of measurement capabilities that include dimensional analysis, surface inspection and defect detection.Key features include high-resolution cameras, precision motorised stages and intuitive software interface, which allow for rapid and accurate measurement of complex parts with minimal user intervention. According to Bowers, the system’s robust construction and ergonomic design ensure reliability and ease of use in demanding manufacturing environments.

The Trimos V7 height gauge features a touch-display and lateral insert holders, serving as a versatile tool for workshop environments.

For further information www.bowersgroup.co.uk