HBM Test and Measurement (HBM) has introduced its T21WN torque transducer. Based on strain-gauge technology, the T21WN uses contactless energy and measurement signal transmission to take measurements. The torque transducer enables the static and dynamic measurement of torque, rotational speed and angle of rotation to be performed on non-rotating as well as rotating components. HBM says that laboratory, test shop and testing applications will benefit, as well as performing production and process monitoring, and quality assurance.
Apart from the torque output signal of ±10 V at nominal (rated) torque, the transducer also provides a standard frequency output signal of 10 kHz ±5 kHz.

The T21WN torque transducer is available with nominal (rated) torques ranging between 0.1 and 200 Nm, while the maximum permissible rotational speed of the torque measuring system is up to 20,000 rpm, depending on the measurement range. An integrated rotational speed/angle of rotation measuring system with 360 pulses per revolution completes the transducer and can be used up to the specified maximum nominal (rated) rotational speed without restrictions.
HBM’s new torque transducer is supplied with a direct voltage of 24 V that is common in test benches. The T21WN is suitable for use in substantially more dynamic applications than the preceding model, the T20WN, thanks to its measurement bandwidth of 1 kHz. In addition, users benefit from a significantly broader range of functions than with
the preceding model – at the same price.
For further information www.hbm.com

Industrial robot specialist, TM Robotics, is introducing the new TSAssist software, a programming tool from Toshiba Machine. The software offers assistance to all phases of automation, including planning, design and improvement, and arrives at a time when more businesses are turning to high-performance 3D simulation for manufacturing.

TSAssist is a step up from the company’s standard TSPC programming software, bringing more features and capabilities in the midst of Industry 4.0. As more businesses are investing in automation, there are increasing options for third-party control and monitoring software. However, working across multiple software platforms can bring issues in calibration.
“Everything is in one place with TSAssist,” explains Nigel Smith, founder and CEO of TM Robotics. “Interference checking, cycle-time measurement and 3D CAD manipulation are integrated together in calibration, bringing a high level of accuracy. In 3D editor mode, you can input positioning data just by dragging the mouse, with no need for complex position calculations. This saves businesses huge amounts of time that can be better spent on training and product improvement.”
TSAssist is a hub of 3D simulation; from simple outline simulation to intricate multi-angle simulation, the options are endless, says the company. The user can save the 3D simulation to a video file, before archiving it into a folder. Similarly, TSAssist offers easy calibration between the robot and a vision system to enable automated bulk picking. The software is compatible with any of TM Robotic’s SCARA, Cartesian and six-axis robots.
For further information www.tmrobotics.co.uk

Creaform, a specialist in portable 3D measurement solutions and engineering services, has launched the R-Series Productivity Station and R-Series Autocalibration Kit. Both are key upgrades to the company’s robotic metrology dimensional measurement solution, which is designed to offer an alternative to traditional shop-floor CMMs.

The MetraScan 3D R-Series solution enables manufacturing companies to combine both optical measurements and industrial automation, to ensure reliability and increase inspection cycles. According to the company, the solution provides actionable results with a smaller footprint, facilitating integration into any factory.
“The major mechanical and software upgrades to the R-Series product line allow operators to run data acquisition, while simultaneously analysing previously acquired data to maximise throughput,” says Jérôme-Alexandre Lavoie, product manager at Creaform. “Self-calibration limits the need for human involvement, ensuring higher throughput and 24/7 operation.”
MetraScan 3D R-Series products include an automatic field calibration procedure, so there is no accuracy drift over time, thus allowing continuous operation. The system uses industrial components that include an industrial-grade tool changer, computers and touch screens. Creaform says the device carries NEMA 12 certification and is accurate up to 0.030 mm, with a resolution of up to 0.050 mm.
“Automated quality control has been one of our driving forces since 2013; Creaform is now fully braced to support a large range of customer needs in terms of industrial automated quality control,” says Marco St-Pierre, division vice-president technology and innovation at Creaform.
The R-Series solution will make its first appearance at the Control exhibition in Stuttgart, Germany on 24-27 April.
For further information www.creaform3d.com