MACH 2016MACH saw the UK trade show launch of a new vision measurement probe by Renishaw plc (
www.renishaw.com).
Designed for use with the company’s new REVO-2 five-axis measurement system on co-ordinate measuring machines, the RVP adds non-contact inspection to the system’s touch-trigger, high-speed tactile scanning and surface finish measurement capabilities.
For certain applications, non-contact inspection has clear advantages over traditional tactile probing techniques; thin sheet-metal parts, components with large numbers of small holes (down to 0.5mm in diameter) and parts that are not suited to tactile measurement can be fully inspected with the RVP.
The system comprises a probe and a range of modules that are automatically interchangeable with all the other probe options available for REVO-2. Moreover, data from multiple sensors is automatically referenced to a common datum.
Also new from Renishaw was INTUO gauging software for the company’s Equator flexible gauge.
This is designed to simplify and automate the gauging of a wide variety of parts, removing dependence on the skill of manual-gauge users. Renishaw also launched its Equator Button Interface (EBI); this has simple push-button
controls for shopfloor operators, removing the need for a mouse and a keyboard.
Also making its UK trade show debut was Renishaw’s RenAM 500M, an additive-manufacturing machine designed for industrial production. Featuring a build volume of 250 x 250 x 350mm, automated powder seiving and recirculation, a 500W ytterbium fibre laser anda patented high-capacity dual filter system, the RenAM 500M has been designed and manufactured with serial production in mind.
Moreover, each system is intended to be dedicated to a single material type and has been designed for a ‘lights out’ manufacturing environment; it has also been designed and manufactured to accept future upgrades.