Integrated manufacturing with robot transfer

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE COMPANIES

ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System (AIMS) individual modules can be configured into a tailored automated tool manufacturing system, using a trolley for manual pallet and tool transfer with basic connectivity or a complex, fully autonomous production solution.

The AutoFetch autonomous mobile robot (AMR) robot can transfer pallets between the setting station, called AutoSet, to the tool grinder. It also automatically transfers single tools for spot check measurements outside of the grinder.

AutoFetch AMR can safely operate where people are present, using an optimized route, constantly scanning for unexpected objects using laser scanners, 3D cameras, and proximity sensors. For extra security, an AMR-prohibited area can be defined, or the AMR can be programmed to reduce speed and warn nearby staff with beeper, horn, or pre-recorded spoken messages. Using AMRs can increase safety and reduce accidents by eliminating human fatigue, lack of focus, or awareness.

Modular coolant filtration system expansion

The FlexFiltration system adds the Flex B using bag filtration and Flex C incorporating a cylindrical/hydrocyclone filter. Both versions are built on a modular design allowing shops to adapt filtration to changing jobs, materials, and production needs.

The pre-engineered modules tackle difficult coolant filtration applications to efficiently remove fine chips and grinding sludge.

Both versions provide flow rates of 30gpm, 60gpm, and 90gpm, and filtration down to 10µm for most applications. Bag filters make the Flex B cost-effective for coolant and cutting fluid filtration for applications involving a single CNC machine or centralized coolant systems.

In Flex C, contaminated CNC coolant enters the cyclonic filter at high velocity through the inlet where solid contaminants are thrown against the chamber walls and forced to the bottom by centrifugal force. Solids are then discharged through the filter bottom, achieving high separation efficiency without filter media. Cleaned liquid exits at the top of the filter.

Hydrocyclone filters in various sizes fit the volume and desired coolant clarity.

Software for tactile, optical measurements

ZEISS CALYPSO 2023 measuring software offers improved fault analysis, optimized workflows for optical coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), better usability, and improved algorithms for advanced geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) evaluations to ISO-GPS and ASME standards.

Automated fault analysis of the evaluation process saves time, as the software dynamically recognizes errors in testing, with all faults displayed in an interactive report where improved plots show details with dynamic zooming.

New evaluation functions for CMMs use the overview camera for navigation or to automatically search for geometrical elements in the acquired image.

Frequently used testing features can be stored as favorites in an individual toolbox.

Customizing the software by adding CALYPSO freeform or CALYPSO curve offers additional options.