Technology tracks tool position
An
Absolute Vision product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Jul 13, 2007
Absolute Vision has helped Castle Precision Engineering to keep track of tools in its factory using DataMouse Pro hand-held 2D code readers.
Castle Precision Engineering (Glasgow), one of the UK's largest computer numerical control (CNC) independent machining sub contractors, is investing in technology from Absolute Vision to improve the tracking and placement of tools throughout its factory as part of a larger company-wide automation exercise.
Work has begun to programme and install DataMouse Pro hand-held 2D code readers at every turning centre, AVM-50 fixed readers at each machining centre, and internet Protocol (IP) cameras at 46 machines in the building to monitor the machining process.
Castle's software team will integrate the vision equipment into the company's automated production control system that includes a biometric login system for machine operators.
Castle has also invested in a high-tech HP20 laser-marker from Pryor Marking Technology, so that every tool and tool-changer, both new and already in use, can be individually marked on-site with an identifiable Data Matrix code to enable full traceability.
Castle's 60 CNCs handle thousands of tools every day, mainly used to make rotational engine parts for the aerospace industry, but also parts for oil, defence and electronics sectors.
Marcus Tiefenbrun, Managing Director of Castle, explained: "In every machine there are cutting tools that we want to track automatically".
"In some of the machines there is a magazine into which the tools fit, and the vision system will enable us to optically check the tools as the magazine goes round".
"On each lathe there is a kit of tools, which will also need tracking".
Richard Laight, Business Development Manager for Absolute Vision , said: "We are delighted to be working with Castle on this implementation".
"We advised on a mix of different products to meet their specific needs".
At the machining centres, operators identify each tooling package using an AVM-50 code reader before starting to machine, to check that they have the right tool for the job.
On the turning centres, a DataMouse Pro will identify each tool and check it against a Data Matrix code placed in the correct position in the turret.
The machining processes are critically accurate, so it is important that each tool is set in the correct location and orientation in order for the part to be machined accurately.
For additional security an internet Protocol (IP) digital camera will be used for video surveillance on each machine.
Motion detection software monitors the machining process, logging when the spindle is turning and the machine is cutting, and the video data is fed back into the PC for management use, in conjunction with data from the production control system for each operation.
Not what you're looking for? Search the site.
Google Ads
Contact Absolute Vision
Related Stories
- Electric-vehicle chargers use Moeller RCDs
- Tube-style cable carriers protect Guedel's cables
- Siemens helps secure safety of Heathrow T5
- Reo AC power supply used in Downhole Compressor
- Emerson to automate EDF's CCGT units with Plantweb
Articles by product category
- Consultancy and Services (903)
- Machine Building (4,517)
-
Engineering Design Software (6,179)
- Engineering Design Software (12)
- 2D CAD software (200)
- 3D CAD software (1,157)
- FEA and structural analysis software (369)
- Fluid, thermal, noise, vibration software (334)
- Simulation, modelling, validation software (914)
- Rendering, visualisation, styling software (196)
- Materials design and moulding design software (151)
- Process, instrumentation, automation software (258)
- Electrical design software (164)
- Publishing and documentation software (229)
- Maths, charting, statistics, QA software (317)
- Data, document management software (310)
- CAM, CNC, production management software (568)
- File conversion software, data capture (351)
- PLM and collaboration software (649)
-
Drives, Motors and Controls (3,361)
- Drives, Motors and Controls (1)
- Precision Motors and Gears (411)
- Industrial Drives/Controls (1,276)
- Linear Drives and Motors (114)
- Industrial Motors (497)
- Stepper and Servo Drives, Motors, Controls (1,060)
- Small Mechanical Components, Joining, Tools (1,975)
-
Control and Instrumentation (5,028)
- Plantwide control (1,324)
- Plant- and Machine-Wide Communications (1,174)
- Smaller-Sized PLCs (387)
- CNC and Motion Controllers (184)
- Mid-range and Large PLCs (201)
- Power Supplies, Uninterruptible Power (562)
- HMIs/Operator Interfaces (294)
- Logic Controllers, Timers and Relays (96)
- Cabling, Conduit, Signal Conditioning (806)
-
Monitoring, Measurement and Quality (5,459)
- Monitoring, Measurement and Quality (1)
- Data acquisition Software and Communications (494)
- Data Acquisition Hardware and PC I/O Boards (472)
- Electrical and Electronic Testing, PAT Equipment (630)
- Form/co-ordinate, optical, vision instruments (703)
- Gauges, Indicators and Instruments (440)
- Data loggers (422)
- Materials testing equipment (421)
- Telecomms/network test equipment, software etc (154)
- Testing and Calibration Services and Information (500)
- Testing, analysing and monitoring equipment (1,222)
-
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Design (4,160)
- Batteries, chargers and circuit protection (555)
- Connectors, Terminals, Busbars, Slip Rings (679)
- Enclosures and Equipment Cooling Fans (709)
- Knobs, Handles and Enclosure Hardware (420)
- PCs and Embedded Systems (798)
- Electrical and Electronic Subassemblies (369)
- Electrical and Electronic Components (630)
-
Materials and Processing (2,963)
- Materials and Processing (5)
- Materials and components (2,215)
- Rapid Prototyping (458)
- Materials processing and testing (285)
-
Engineering Industry News, Resources (6,093)
- Engineering Industry News, Resources (4)
- Engineering Business News, Views (388)
- Engineering Exhibitions, Events (562)
- Engineering Conferences (425)
- Engineering Seminars (400)
- Engineering Industry Developments, Awards (633)
- Engineering Guides, Newsletters (349)
- Engineering Recruitment, Employment (219)
- Engineering Training Courses (433)
- Engineering Education, Resources, Standards (838)
- Engineering Industry Reports, Surveys (597)
- Electronic Resources for Engineers (278)
- Health and Safety Legislation (402)
- Health and Safety Strategy, Risk Assessment (113)
- Health and Safety Consultancy, Software (175)
- Health and Safety Events, Training, News (277)
-
Powertrain Design (3,598)
- Powertrain Design (2)
- Bearings (939)
- Chains and belts (326)
- Gears, brakes, couplings and engines (1,441)
- Hydraulic Components (471)
- Lubricants (418)
-
Capital Equipment (3,387)
- Capital Equipment (1)
- Manufacturing Machinery and Plant Equipment (468)
- Production line blowers and fans (62)
- Compressors and Air Treatment (510)
- Electronics Manufacturing, Tools, Instruments (192)
- Electrical hardware (131)
- Machinery and Production Equipment (1,093)
- Robotics, Handling and Storage (930)
-
Sensors (7,080)
- Sensors (8)
- Accelerometers and Vibration Sensors (427)
- Loadcells, Force Sensors, Torque Sensors (699)
- Pressure sensors (621)
- Flowmeters and Flow Sensors (618)
- Level Sensors and Leak Detectors (527)
- Linear Position Sensors (399)
- Rotary Position, Tilt and Angular Sensors (546)
- Proximity Sensors (700)
- Gas, Chemical, Radiation, Magnetic Sensors (284)
- Humidity and Environmental Sensors (152)
- Temperature sensors (612)
- Vision and Colour Sensors (1,384)
- Barcode Sensors (103)
- Valves, Pumps, Process Hardware (3,623)
