Article by: Hexagon Metrology (Thailand) Co., Ltd. & MEGA Tech
Hexagon’s TIGO SF coordinate measuring machine is purpose-built for near-the-line or inline measurement integration
As manufacturers aim to maximise product quality, process efficiency and reliability, there is an increasing need to measure workpieces near the point of production.
Product quality depends critically on the accuracy and repeatability of measuring and inspection devices, and choosing the right measuring machine is a crucial driver of efficiency in the production process.
Precise, compact and highly versatile, Hexagon’s TIGO SF is purpose-built for shop floor measurement integration. The CMM combines robust design, innovative technologies and configuration flexibility to guarantee high-precision, reliable and highly efficient measurement across a broad range of applications.
With a measurement volume of 500 x 580 x 500 mm (X/Y/Z), it is the ideal inspection solution for a wide range of small and medium size parts from all industrial sectors.
Performance in the most hostile environments
The CMM has a robust design and sophisticated measurement technologies to combat the many challenges in shop floor environments, including vibrations, temperature fluctuations, air quality and contaminants.
These features and capabilities include:
- Covers and bellows that protect the machine structure from dust and airborne contaminants
- Machine axes that slide on highly reliable stainless steel linear guides and hard bearings
- A granite working plate that ensures a stable structure
- High resistance to vibrations: Passive dampeners insulate the CMM against the effects of vibration. Optional active dampeners isolate the mechanical frame to provide extra protection in workshops where strong vibrations are likely
- An IP54-rated stand is available as an option for extra protection of the PC and other electronic components in the harshest environments
The TIGO SF’s standard operating temperature range of 15°C to 30°C means it can operate in production areas without air conditioning. This range can be widened with the XT (extended temperature) option, which ensures accurate and precise measurements in temperatures up to 40°C using a network of thermal sensors combined with enhanced structural thermal compensation and an air-conditioned machine stand.
Fast, highly accurate and flexible measurements
TIGO SF can be equipped with either fixed or indexable probe heads to handle a wide range of application requirements.
The CMM comes with HP-S-X1C fixed 3D scanning probes for high-accuracy, high-speed measurements in point-to-point and continuous scanning modes. These probes rapidly and automatically collect thousands of data points for the complete and precise evaluation of all part features, including form, location and size.
To further boost the flexibility and versatility of the system, Hexagon recently introduced a new configuration option for the CMM, which can now be equipped with the automatic indexable HH-A-T5° index head and HP-S-X1S scanning probe. This configuration allows the easy inspection of features, however they are oriented on the workpiece, without the need for complex star styli configurations or a rotary table. Furthermore, the HP-S-X1S has a kinematic joint, allowing for automated probe changes with a probe changer rack.
Integration and shop-floor automation
Capturing data for quality checks doesn’t create value in itself; making metrology data available to production instantly and in real time is the game changer. Manufacturers are increasingly looking to integrate their CMMs into smart connected systems that boost product quality and process efficiency to save time and costs.
TIGO SF is ready for integration directly within the production workflow close to machine tools and within closed-loop automated inspection cells. The CMM has a suite of capabilities that enable manufacturers to integrate the machine into their production floor and automate inspection easily.
These include an advanced input-output kit that enables signals and information exchange with the production line. Data from the CMM can automatically drive machine tool corrections, environmental information can be factored in to reduce waste, and collaborative robots and automated part loading systems can be deployed to optimise production workflows.
Software capabilities
The CMM comes with the powerful PC-DMIS measurement software that enables operators to create and execute measurement routines and collaborate to make decisions based on the results. Thanks to Inspect, an easy-to-use operator interface, users do not need to be experts to execute measurement routines to measure almost any part, from simple prismatic to the most complex components.
In addition, the optional PULSE and Q-DAS statistical software technologies improve quality and reduce waste through environmental monitoring and statistical analysis.
The PULSE environmental monitoring system supports quality control processes using a network of sensors to record occurrences around the CMM that could influence the quality of measured data – including vibration, temperature and humidity, air pressure, as well as alerting operators to unexpected machine stoppages. It provides a comprehensive picture of inspection activities, suggests optimal measurement efficiencies and provides actionable corrective information.
The Q-DAS statistical process control (SPC) software portfolio is an option for enhanced machine and process monitoring. It offers powerful analysis tools to help keep production quality under control. The data captured from TIGO SF can be used to provide automatic machine calculations to machine tools generating corrections and reducing scrap.
The advanced insights from these software options are invaluable in the fluctuating conditions of the production environment, ensuring data integrity and facilitating fast remedial responses to problems. The main benefit is reducing rejected parts thanks to real-time capability and alert functions.
Automated part loading: load the system, schedule the job and walk away
TIGO SF is open on three sides for maximum accessibility to the measurement volume, making it ideal for use with robotic part-handling systems and for integration into automated cells and production lines.
The CMM is compatible with TEMPO, Hexagon’s off-the-shelf automated part loading system. TEMPO automates part loading, queuing and unloading to enable continuous measurement without operator intervention for hours, entire shifts and even lights-out production. Operators are freed to focus on value-added tasks where their expertise is needed most.
This significantly increases production efficiency and improves the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) of the CMM.
Conclusion
Manufacturers aim for a constant production flow from milling, drilling, threading, and grinding to final inspection. To remain ahead of the competition, they need technologies that improve the quality and efficiency of these and other critical workflows. Built upon a connected portfolio of advanced measurement technologies, TIGO SF is an accurate, highly versatile and reliable CMM that is among the most capable metrology devices for smart manufacturing on the shop floor.
