Industrial Factory Automation

At Westec 2010 , Renishaw will display products that increase machine-tool automation and process control, as well as a wireless device for assessing the performance of machines before metal cutting. The company will introduce new touch-probe systems that use its frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) probe signal radio-transmission technology to allow automated job set-up and in-process measurement on all sizes of CNC machine tools. The ultra-compact RMP40 touch probe is suited to multi-axis and mill-turn applications, while its variant, the RLP40 touch probe, is designed for more hostile turning environments. Also on show at Westec will be the successor to Renishaw's QC10 ballbar system, which has been adopted worldwide for the assessment of machine-tool positioning and servo-control performance. The QC20-W ballbar is a new design featuring a Renishaw-developed linear sensor and Bluetooth wireless technology, which also allows testing in three orthogonal planes through a single...

Kurt will unveil a range of workholding and high-productivity products at Westec 2010, to meet the needs of the manufacturing industry. Applications include automated workholding systems, multi-chuck clamping systems, cast caged tombstones and custom-engineered workholding. Kurt's automated workholding fixtures load and unload parts with a robot arm, and have pre-load features that centre and clamp parts securely. Pressure and proximity sensors communicate wirelessly with the robot and machining centre. Workholding setups can be designed for 24/7 operation, eliminating the need for operator interaction. Kurt has capabilities for designing and building automated cells that include assembly and gauging functions to form a complete system. Another Kurt workholding option for improving productivity and precision is the Leader Multichuck MMY product line. This system consists of two- and three-jaw manual self-centering static workholding modules, in four sizes from 80 to 150mm. They ar...