The Hexagon Metrology Special Systems Group (SSG) is a dedicated team within Hexagon Metrology that does design, system integration and project management for custom and semi-custom integrations of coordinate metrology products with other manufacturing technology. The productivity enhancements possible from CMM technology can be increased with integration within a manufacturing cell or with other systems, all designed to work together.
We offer a complete turnkey approach to special systems, from design to procurement, project management and part programming. We do integrations that are completely custom or ones that use off-the shelf components and designs for a semi-custom solution. Types of integrations possible include:
- Manual part shuttles for staging of parts
- Automated part loading and unloading systems (see video at the bottom of this page)
- Climate Controlled Enclosures with automatic doors
- Specialized Probing designs
- Glovebox integration with a CMM for inspection of hazardous components
- Light curtains / safety lockout systems
- Customized fixtures for loading / staging parts
- Custom operator interface
- Communications software between devices
Most customers that order a custom system have the objective of completely automating a production process from beginning to end. Hexagon Metrology has an integration partnership with
GF AgieCharmilles which offers complete integrated cells combining EDM, milling, machining, part washing and part storage, all served by a robotic handling system. The CMM in this case acts both as the tool presetting device, communicating setup instructions to the machine tools, and as the quality control devices, checking parts at various stages of fabrication. These automated cells allow for complete "lights out manufacture", and are a prime example of the value that an SSG group project can bring to your business.
We serve most industries including automtove, aerospace, mining, heavy equipment, medical, power generation, and custom machinery builders.
Products which are ideal candidates for integration, and which we have many successful integration projects to date, include the Global, ONE and Reference series of bridge CMMs, the PMM-C and PMM-F Ultra-High Accuracy CMMs, and our line of Gantries and Horizontal arms, in particular the Delta gantry and Bravo horizontal series.
To discuss a Special Systems Group approach to your next project, call us at 401-886-2121 or Contact us Online.
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Automated Part Loading and Inspection Cell VideoHexagon Metrology’s already versatile Brown & Sharpe Global Coordinate Measurement Machines can be made even more valuable with the addition of an automatic pallet loader. The pallet loader enables the coordinate measurement machine to be run unattended for long periods, resulting in higher levels of productivity and lower operating costs.
The automatic pallet changer is designed for flexibility. The operator loading station can be located in three different places depending on facility layout. Three different pallet sizes are available, 600 by 600 millimeter, 900 by 900 millimeter and 12 hundred by 12 hundred millimeter. The pallet changer features four hardened aluminum pallets, with additional pallets available for part staging. The system’s heavy duty steel base is secured directly to the floor for stability.
The automatic pallet changer allows non-inspection tasks, such as fixture setups and part changeovers to be performed offline on one pallet while parts are being inspected on another pallet. With all four pallets loaded, the cmm can run continuously and unattended. This integrated system requires minimal training to operate and runs seamlessly from a graphical user interface.
An optional cooling chamber can be incorporated to bring parts to a reference temperature prior to the inspection process. Each part holding fixture may be equipped with a temperature sensor that reads the part temperature automatically. All four pallets can be loaded with parts and sent into the cooling chamber to cool. When a part reaches the proper temperature it will be loaded for measurement.
The Automated Part Loading and Inspection Cell, the smart choice for automated coordinate measuring systems. Available for Brown & Sharpe Global and Leitz Reference machines, an automated pallet system is ideal for gear measurement, automotive and aerospace applications, and other high volume production parts. The Hexagon Metrology group, developer of the world’s leading brands in metrology systems, is uniquely positioned to deliver the products, services, integrated systems and software that you require to keep your inspection program running smoothly.