Dual-method gauge for shop floor inspection

PHOTO CREDIT: RENISHAW

The Equator-X 500 gauge combines a dynamically stiff hexapod structure with independent drive and metrology frames. High-speed motion is achieved without compromising metrology due to design features such as carbon fiber metrology struts, linear motor drives, and the SP25M scanning probe. With the SM25-2 scanning module, the SP25M probe performs throughout the entire stylus range from 50mm to 105mm effective working length for straight styli, and up to 83mm for cranked styli.

The system can be deployed as a standalone shop floor device or integrated within a fully automated cell, offering flexibility to adapt to evolving demands and variable shop floor conditions.

The standard software platform for the system features an intuitive and feature rich operator interface coupled with the latest MODUS IM Equator metrology software applications. This comprehensive suite of software tools offers convenience and robust performance for programming, reporting, and operation, simplifying complex tasks and enhancing user experience.

The Equator-X gauge enables manufacturers to select the optimum inspection method, Absolute or Compare, for their process challenge, effectively deploying two systems in one.

In Absolute mode, the system measures parts at scanning speeds up to 250mm/s, improving the inspection capacity and throughput for small to medium batch sizes and high part variety. This mode is particularly useful for first-off verification next to the machine or even at-line 100% inspection.

In Compare mode, the system delivers a scanning speed up to 500mm/s – much higher than conventional 3-axis CMMs – for inspecting large batches of the same component when cycle time is a priority. It also provides a high-speed measurement option where varying thermal environments present a challenge.

Key benefits of the system include increased throughput, with high-speed measurement increasing inspection capacity; fully traceable in-process verification of parts on the shop floor; continuous validation of the production process; and the flexibility to select the optimal measurement method for each application with a single device.

The Equator-X system provides fully traceable in-process verification of parts to ISO 10360 standards, providing assurance when moving measurement out of the measurement lab and onto the shop floor, continuously validating the production process with real-time feedback.

Renishaw
https://www.renishaw.com