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
Accredited Pi Tape Calibration
Diameter tapes, commonly known as Pi Tapes, are used to find the diameter of an object based on the circumference. Using the formula for pi, the graduations on these tapes act as a vernier scale to quickly find the diameter. Cross Precision Measurement now offers ISO-17025 accredited calibration and NIST traceable calibrations of pi tapes up to 72″.
High Accuracy, High Resolution Blue 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 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.
Cross Provides Tangible Value for You
Improve Efficiency
Sometimes a little thing can be a huge time saver! Take this wireless button from Cross partner Omron. Instead of wires dictating where you need to put a push button, what if you could put it where it was ergonomically efficient? Or time efficient?
With a range of 100 feet, the wireless A2W button can even be mounted on mobile machinery, as it will reacquire the signal when it gets in range. For example, the forklift driver can have an A2W button in their truck to open the roll door, instead of getting out. There’s also no need to worry about changing batteries, as the wireless buttons have self-generating power. Use up to 8 buttons with one receiver.
Improve Efficiency
Need an all-around robotic arm gripper which works for multiple different applications? The new EGU electronic gripper from Cross partner Schunk may be the answer.
It’s designed to be flexible enough to handle many different production processes, even in harsh environments. It has a large stroke and force range, meaning it can handle parts of different sizes reliably and with only one gripper. No need to waste time or money on multiple grippers!
Improve Efficiency
The quality lab is not always ideal for measurements, especially in high production environments. Sometimes, it’s much more time efficient to take a reading on the plant floor. When it comes to portable surface roughness measurements, Cross partner Mahr‘s new MahrSurf M410 is the most advanced and easy-to-use on the market.
The MahrSurf M410 stands out with its ability to use skidless stylus technology for advanced paratmers and complex geometries while having a simple, smartphone-like interface. With a unique stylus interface system, probes can be changed without tools and the detector is protected in the event of collision. The M410 puts advanced surface metrology in the hands of your production team, providing you with the data and throughput needed for high efficiency without compromising quality.
