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The touch probe is used every 45 seconds and measures six points on the workpiece.Equipped with a short stylus, this probe has been in use for some time in volume production at Berger. The probe is used every 45 seconds and switched on by encoded infrared signal. It touches in six positions on the flange and outer diameter and transmits these trigger positions to the control. To save energy, it is immediately switched off after measuring. Only if all 6 values are within the permissible range does the machining cycle continue. The inspection procedure takes just 5 seconds of the machining cycle Initially the machine was programmed so that the cutting process was stopped if measured values were found to be outside the predefined tolerance. However, this meant unscheduled machine downtime that limited achievable machine capacity. Each time an operator had to remove the part and start the procedure again. In order to save valuable production time, false measurement now results in automatic removal and ejection of the part. A new part is then automatically loaded and the cycle starts without requiring any outside intervention. This saves time and enhances the self-reliance of the automated machine. Both capacity and productivity of the machine, usually running on 3 shifts, is considerably enhanced.
Since errors in the machine can sometimes happen and because chips are the biggest problem in lathes, Berger bought a spare probe but there has been no need to use it so far. The touch probe always stays installed in the lathe turret without requiring special maintenance. Possible chip deposits on the touch probe do not impede its function. Chips and other things sticking onto the stylus ball are removed by the strong coolant spray and have not affected the measuring process so far.
Retrofitting of infrared receiver and touch probe at Berger was done by m&h service staff and an m&h Fanuc specialist. He was in charge of the initial programming on site plus any control changes made to the Takamaz. Proveout on the machine was done by m&h and since then the machine has been running without problems.
A comparably small investment gives great results in daily use as production is now running without any unscheduled downtime. Even in the case of false loading, the machine continues production. The few seconds required for measuring have paid off through error-free, reliable manufacturing. Measuring on the machine contributes to considerably enhanced process reliability and economic efficiency in volume production.
M&h 赤外線プローブはタッチトリガープローブです。部品の測定表面に接触すると、スタイラスがたわみ、トリガーシグナルが赤外線でレシーバーに転送されます。
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