Page 16 - MetalForming Magazine October 2022 - FABTECH

with wide acceptance angles.
In addition, the Vantage Max provides
accurate probing that helps quicken inspec- tions and reduce the number of tooling changes and device moves. Previously, users relied on a spherically mounted retroreflector (SMR) to measure high accu- racy points. To take these measurements, the user had to select an appropriate target nest and have line of sight.
“With the higher accuracy of the Vantage Max, users can probe more points beyond the line of sight, using an SMR only for alignment points and ultra-precision meas- urements,” says Leo Martinez, Faro product marketing manager. “This results in a sig- nificant productivity improvement of 20 percent compared to lower-accuracy probes.” Faro Technologies: www.faro.com
Automated Material
Storage and Retrieval
Solutions for Tube Lasers
BLM Group USA, Novi, MI, has intro- duced a new automated tube storage and retrieval setup that fully integrates with the company’s tube laser systems, using special cassettes that can be loaded directly inside of the machine. The storage system automatically retrieves the correct material and brings it to the machine for automatic loading. When jobs are complete, the machine automatically removes the used cassette with any remaining stock to be placed back into the tower, then automatically checks the stock level and updates the warehouse-management soft- ware. Automating these tasks helps to improve workplace safety and productivity by reducing the amount of downtime caused by moving raw material between jobs or restocking unused materials.
For additional flexibility, BLM offers a second retrieval-system style for use with a central warehouse. Here, the desired bundle automatically is extracted from the storage tower and staged near the machine in a queue for either crane or forklift loading. Use this system along with older legacy machines that can’t use a fully automated system.
Previously, say company officials, tube
lasers have featured integrated bundle loading, requiring the use of overhead cranes or forklifts to load raw material and finished-part unloading systems. Given the variety of tube specifications—length, profile shape, size, and raw material weight
—automating this process proves more difficult than in a 2D application. Addi- tionally, with tube stock, maintaining stable tube position during movements and sep- arating the tubes can prove challenging. Despite these issues and some potential limitations, automating storage and retrieval functions will increase manufacturing effi- ciency and improve workplace safety. BLM Group USA: www.blmgroup.com
Tech Update
It used to skew and chatter.
Now it runs like a Swiss watch.
This press applies up to 3000 tons to form composite automobile panels. Delta’s RMC does multi-axis control of position and pressure to keep every moving part in perfect synchronization.
Look to Delta RMC motion controllers & graphical RMCTools software to make complex motion design easier, smoother, and more precise.
Visit our website for the full Wuxi LANLI Machine Tool Co. case study or one about your industry or application. Watch our training videos and see how Delta motion can make your application work in perfect, precise harmony.
Booth B5535
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1 to 50 Axis