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.
Case Study: Global Plastics Manufacturer Migrating to Vision and Multi-Sensor Inspection
Cross longtime customer Technimark has a world-class product inspection lab where they inspect thousands of parts a day for defects and process control. Recently, they have begun migrating from traditional Coordinate Measuring Machines( CMMs) to video and multi-sensor systems for the benefit of higher throughput without sacrificing accuracy.
Cross partner OGP created this video case study which features Technimark’s Senior Metrology Manager Todd Nance and Cross salesperson Matt Youngblood. Watch to understand why they are making the change and how it turned out.
What's New at Cross
High Accuracy, High Resolution Blue Laser CMM Scanner
Cross partner LK Metrology has just released their new SLK25 blue 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 the 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
The Mitutoyo QuantuMike achieves a spindle speed that is four times faster than standard micrometers. Its spindle is specially designed to move 2mm per thimble revolution compared to the normal 0.5mm of other micrometers.
An internal Mitutoyo test shows the QuantuMike can save up to 60% in positioning time and up to 35% in measuring time while maintaining the same exceptional accuracy as Mitutoyo Digimatic micrometers with an accuracy of ±1µm/.00005”.
For a limited time, Mitutoyo is offering the QuantuMike at a fantastic 20% discount.
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
Cross partner Prolink Software makes SPC data collection easy so you and your team aren’t wasting time manually collection data. In the fall, their flagship products, QC-CALC and QC-Gage will have major upgrades.
Since many customers are still running version 3.4 of their software, which will no longer be supported, they are offering customers who own version 3.4 software and do not have maintenance in place a chance to upgrade their software at a 40% discount off normal upgrade charges and will also receive 50% off maintenance when purchased at the same time.
