Rise of the cobots

Based on a universal collaborative robot with an Alicona R25 sensor head, the system can be used for the measurement of surface finish, edge break, valve seats and edge radii on a wide range of products, especially on large objects. It can also be used in conjunction with a machining centre providing in-process measurement capability with feedback for higher quality results.

This automated system allows measurements to be made without human intervention and variability ensuring consistent, accurate and traceable results. Users rights can be tailored to accommodate specific tasks.

The cobot’s software is integrated into the Alicona automation manager providing seamless programming for the measurement task. As the collaborative robot can be manually moved, it allows the measurement cycle to be easily programmed in ‘teach’ mode; then the program can be stored for later use.

Being portable, the system can be moved to measure large components such as engine housings, disks and blisks in the aircraft industry and cylinder heads and engine blocks in automotive applications. It can also be used for cutting tool measurement for wear studies and edge condition and can be operated manually or programmed to carry out defined automatic measurements.

The system can be used in a measurement room alongside a measurement table where heavy and difficult to measure components can be placed. With the Alicona surface metrology system it is possible to measure a 5µm radii on a 5m diameter component offering direct measurement capability.

Measurement capabilities (depending on optical magnification) include height steps down to 20nm, height range up to 16mm, and Ra values down to 0,08µm. Software is included for surface finish and profilometry.

Alicona www.alicona.com Stand H7-48

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