The Essentials of Integrating a Robot into your Process
The reasons for automating manual processes are well known at this point. For tasks that are the 4D’s – dull, dirty, dangerous or difficult to fill – a robot or other automation solution makes sense from a financial, quality and efficiency standpoint. You could almost say that robots are commonplace these days! However, choosing the right robot and integrating it into your process is anything but easy.
There are many different types of robots on the market – industrial, collaborative, SCARA, mobile and more – each suited for different tasks. In addition, there are many different brands of robots out there, each with their own specialties, their own software and their own quirks. It’s important to work with a company which looks at your automation project based on the task needed, rather than shoe-horning a particular robot into it.
And don’t forget, automation is much more than a robot. Sometimes a custom precision motion control solution will work better for your application than a robot or will have a better ROI.
But choosing the right motion component is only the first step.
Unless you have a large team of automation engineers on staff (and sometimes when you do), integrating your new automation project into your existing process requires specialist knowledge. From the hardware to the software to the safety systems and peripherals, each component must be tied together and communicating seamlessly to achieve the desired result.
What's New at Cross
High Accuracy, High Resolution Blue Light Laser CMM Scanner
Cross partner LK Metrology has just released their new SLK25 blue light laser CMM scanner, designed specifically for high-precision parts with small and complex geometries. It features a high frequency 450um blue laser for ultra sharp data quality even on the dark, transparent and highly reflective surfaces.
In addition, the high density point clouds it generates ensures that even the smallest and most intricate parts are measured in great detail. With a 90° mounting adapter, it can be used in applications which require either a horizontal or vertical laser line direction.
Did you know?
Learn More About GD&T
GD&T (geometric dimensioning and tolerancing) uses symbols and notations to define the shape, size, and tolerances of a part, creating a manufacturing blueprint.
For each feature, it contains all information such as symbol, tolerance, and datums like planes, cylinders, and circles to ensure consistent measurement references. After a part is manufactured, highly precise measuring equipment like CMMs are used to compare the part to the drawing, to ensure it meets specification.
Cross partner Kreon has compiled this e-white paper which gives a thorough overview of GD&T and why it’s so important.
Understanding Autofocus in Optical Measurement
Focus in optical metrology systems is critical as it is the image of the part, not the part itself, that is being measured. If you have poor focus, the system will misinterpret edges and provide incorrect dimensional values. For fixed focal length optical systems, focus plays an additional role – the ability to optically measure depths. This is done accurately and repeatable through the utilization of autofocus. While the autofocus function itself seems logical, it can be quite technical. A correct understanding of the fundamentals of Autofocus for measurement will greatly improve utilization and reliability of the Autofocus function.
This is a comprehensive guide from Cross partner OGP to understanding focus in optical measurement, as well as how autofocus features work and how accurate they are
Cross Provides Tangible Value for You
Improve Efficiency
With increasing levels of automation on the plant floor, gripping components must be both flexible and easily networked. The new EGU universal gripper from Cross partner Schunk has a long stroke and integrated gripping force maintenance, to reliably load or unload rough or finished parts of different sizes. It has a sealed design which can stand up to harsh temperatures or contaminants in the environment.
Improve Efficiency
Need precision measurement on your production floor? Consider the FREEDOM arm from Cross partner LK Metrology. Choose from three models and levels of accuracy which best suits your application.
All models are completely portable with wireless connectivity and battery power. They’re lightweight, with the largest model weighing less than 25 pounds, with infinite rotation and zero-G counterbalance to reduce user fatigue while maintaining accuracy.
Raise Quality
As calibration providers, we know how critical record keeping is for both quality and compliance. Cross’s award-winning, cloud-based calibration software GageSuite® is user friendly and available anywhere.
It’s also ideal for visibility of multiple production locations. Whether those are across the street or across the country, GageSuite® allows you to track every gage and ensure that all of them are within calibration, with one single log-in.
