Flexxbotics presents robot compatibility with Hexagon

Flexxbotics, which delivers work-cell digitalisation for robot-driven manufacturing, presented robot connectivity compatible with the entire range of Hexagon inspection products at Hexagon’s Sixth Sense Summit in London last month.

The company’s patent-pending FlexxCORE technology enables the robots to connect and communicate securely with Hexagon machines to provide closed-loop feedback and real-time updates to the inspection equipment for autonomous process control. With Flexxbotics, manufacturers can enable advanced robotic machine tending with CNC machinery and Hexagon inspection technology to achieve Six Sigma quality for increased yields with improved margins. Flexxbotics compatibility includes Hexagon’s PC-DMIS CMM for bridge and gantry CMMs, NC measuring software, the full Q-DAS product line for SPC and intelligent machine control.

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division selected the company from hundreds of applicants across 27 countries to join the elite Sixth Sense programme. The initiative is designed to nurture high-growth companies within the manufacturing industry by supporting them with Hexagon’s extensive resources.

Flexxbotics says that its robotic work-cell digitalisation is the backbone of the smart factory, delivering robot-driven manufacturing at scale with autonomous process control for advanced machining operations. Its SaaS/hybrid architecture runs both online and offline so that production continues with or without internet access. Flexxbotics also works with existing systems such as CADCAM, DNC, SCADA/HMI, IIoT, MES, ERP, PLM and others for enterprise-wide synchronisation.

“We believe that inspection equipment in the smart factory effectively becomes the ‘eyes and ears’ of robots running lights-out production,” says Tyler Bouchard, co-founder and CEO of Flexxbotics. “By connecting Hexagon’s inspection capabilities to robots with Flexxbotics, companies are able to achieve continuous operations through robot-driven manufacturing and autonomous process control.”

For further information www.flexxbotics.com

Renishaw grows five-axis multi-sensor CMM range

Renishaw now offers an extended range of Agility CMMs featuring the company’s Revo five-axis multi-sensor system.

Nathan Fielder, Renishaw’s product manager for Agility, says: “We took Revo and asked ourselves: how can we turn this into an even better solution to meet the challenging demands of high-end manufacturers? The result is the Agility range – CMMs that deliver the advantages of Revo where they matter most: close to the point of manufacture. Our Agility series now includes CMMs for the measurement lab, offering high throughput platforms capable of using any one of seven dedicated Revo sensors.”

The CMMs enable manufacturers to carry out multiple measurement processes and report results on a single device. The full range of Revo sensors is available to Agility CMM users, including tactile touch-trigger and scanning, surface roughness, temperature, ultrasonic thickness measurement and non-contact probes.

The machine’s structure combines granite and anodised aluminium to provide strength, stability and accurate metrology throughout the measuring volume. Critical elements such as bearing design and placement, the innovative cable track arrangement and frictionless linear motors, ensure a stable and repeatable platform when Revo is scanning at high speed. Minimal contact parts prevent friction and thermal instability, while also reducing wear and maintenance requirements. In addition, the elevated and protected Y-axis drive system minimises the moving structural mass and prevents contamination.

Agility L machines, designed for the metrology lab, are specified for a temperature range of 18-22°C to provide high-performance, multi-sensor five-axis measurement in cleanrooms. The single-sided raised Y-axis design with an outrigger leg expands accessibility for manual part loading when automation is not required. Agility L frames are available with working volumes ranging from 500 x 500 x 500 mm up to 1600 x 3500 x 1200 mm.

For further information www.renishaw.com/agility

QualiSense provides QA for magnet production

Augmented AI pioneer, QualiSense, is entering into a new deal with Johnson Electric to supply quality inspection systems for dozens of new manufacturing lines. The lines will produce millions of magnets per day: key components in electric motors for use by leading automotive OEMs.

Each production line includes multiple cameras, which will inspect two magnets per second. Johnson Electric selected QualiSense software because of its augmented AI technology, which allows fast and swift deployment thanks to knowledge transfer between different lines. Also, it has an ability to deal with complex surfaces and non-recurring defects present on the magnets.

The agreement is an extension of QualiSense’s continued partnership with Johnson Electric. Earlier this year, the two companies entered into a five-year deal to become the preferred software vendor for inspection and quality control using augmented AI technology.

“This agreement is a reflection of our successful collaboration with QualiSense, whose technology gives the highest level of performance and precision, ensuring no defect goes undetected,” says Austin Wang, senior vice president at Johnson Electric. “QualiSense’s Augmented AI allows us to deploy new production lines quickly that reflect our quality requirements and commitment to customers. For the Johnson Electric team, the technology allows us to save time and make quick model changes whenever needed.”

Erez Tsur, CEO and co-founder of QualiSense, adds: “The speed at which QualiSense’s technology is able to inspect millions of parts is one of the key reasons why companies like Johnson Electric choose us as their preferred software partner. On top of this, we’re committed to ensuring that we offer the highest level of reliability, which is essential for any business supplying to tier one OEMs.”

For further information www.qualisense.ai

Two new tools for multiple measurements

Reliable, flexible measuring equipment is indispensable in production and quality assurance. This is what two new additions to the Mahr family stand for: the MarCal 30 EWRi depth caliper and the new Millimar P 2002 sensor.

Normally, it is not possible to measure lengths linearly over the entire measuring path with an inductive probe. This is not the case with the new Millimar P 2002 all-rounder from Mahr, which achieves high linearity thanks to its optimally matched measuring system.

Wherever the lengths, the new P 2002 shows its strengths; from brake discs and smartphone covers to turbine blades, Mahr says that its new Millimar sensor is a true all-rounder. The probe stands for maximum measuring accuracy and minimal linearity deviations over the entire measuring range. At the same time, its revised ball guide ensures high-precision, easy handling.

The second new Mahr addition, the MarCal 30 EWRi depth caliper, represents maximum process reliability. This tool allows users to measure completely without any disturbing cables and to benefit from its fast, automatic data acquisition that eliminates manual input errors. The depth caliper sends the displayed measured value directly to the user’s Windows application via radio transmission and at the touch of a button.

Lapped guide rails allow the slider to run smoothly and sensitively. Depending on the measuring task, users can measure either with the universal stylus or the wide front measuring surface: the stylus is removable for this purpose. Mahr offers 30 EXm long measuring bridges of 300 and 400 mm for supporting or bridging distances. Mounting is simple and can be individually adjusted in the hole grid. This means that users can easily reach their measuring point, even with larger support distances.

For further information www.metrology.mahr.com/en-int

Europe’s first 5G interactive microscope labs

The University of Plymouth will become the home of Europe’s first 5G interactive microscope labs. This advanced facility will transform the learning experience of students on a number of science courses.

Comprising 150 microscopes, the labs are the result of a partnership between the university and two global technology companies, Nikon and Ostec Instruments. They also reflect recent changes to courses, aligning their content even more closely with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Professor Kevin Jones, executive dean of science and engineering at the University of Plymouth, says: “These new labs will transform our teaching and revolutionise the learning experience for our students. They will get to explore a wider range of specimens in greater detail than ever before. By getting the opportunity to use cutting-edge technology, our students will also gain first-hand experience of using systems that will either match – or in many cases exceed – those they will work with once they graduate.”

Across two spaces in the university’s Davy Building, students will have access to 60 polarising microscopes and 20 biological microscopes, as well as 60 low-power microscopes used to analyse larger specimens. In addition to the microscopes, each stand will have a digital screen that can link to others across the room to share the same content.

The lecturer will have his or her own camera set-up linked to screens on each of the microscope stands, and the screens will also display QR codes so that students can bring up details of what they have been scrutinising on their mobile devices. Importantly, the combination of microscope and screen displays, as well as desks of adjustable height, will make the set-up more accessible to students with sight or mobility difficulties.

For further information www.nikonmetrology.com