Focus on integrated measurement

Renishaw plc (www.renishaw.com) will be exhibiting its range of metrology and additive-manufacturing (AM) systems on two stands at EMO (metrology in Hall 6, Stand B46; AM in Hall 27, Stand A72). Intelligent machining processes are critical to companies that want to exploit the full benefits of Industry 4.0; on its main stand Renishaw will demonstrate the power of integrating its latest measurement technologies in a manufacturing process.

New metrology products to be highlighted by the Wotton-under-Edge company will include: a new contact scanning system for CNC machine tools; software that allows users to integrate the Equator flexible gauge with CNC machine tools; on-machine and mobile apps that simplify the use of machine tool probing; a multi-probe optical interface system; a surface-finish probe for CMMs; and software that enhances the functionality of Renishaw’s XM-60 multi-axis calibration system.

Visitors to EMO will also see Renishaw’s new machining-cell concept, which demonstrates how monitoring key process inputs, analysing data and continuously improving manufacturing processes facilitates increased productivity and higher accuracy. The company says that simply measuring the output of a manufacturing process using ‘tailgate’ inspection is not enough — and it is often too late to control variability. It is critical that checks and measurements are also made before, during and immediately after machining to control both common-cause and special-cause variation.

Paul Maxted, director of industrial-metrology applications, says: “Intelligent process control is a key part of Industry 4.0. While we provide technologies and applications that deliver some of the benefits of Industry 4.0, data generated by Renishaw devices can also be used in conjunction with other process information from machines, cutting tools and other sensors within high-level predictive systems for intelligent process optimisation and control.”

Renishaw will also be exhibiting in the show’s new Additive Manufacturing Zone, where it will demonstrate software and systems for metal part manufacture. This includes the latest version of Renishaw’s build file preparation software, QuantAM 2017, which has been designed specifically for metal AM systems such as the RenAM 500M and AM 400.