At Diemould 2016, Renishaw highlighted a range of process control solutions that help tackle the increasing drive to lean manufacturing.

At the Diemould 2016 exhibition at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (6-9 April), Renishaw highlighted a range of process control solutions that help tackle the increasing drive to lean manufacturing, from new technologies for pre-process machine calibration, to on-line and off-line post-process measurement. There was significant focus on the company’s additive manufacturing (3D printing) systems with the new PlusPac™ upgrade for its AM250 additive manufacturing machine.

The company had active demonstrations of its Equator gauging system along with various machine tool software catering to Diemould industry.

Renishaw is the UK’s only manufacturer of a machine that ‘prints’ metal parts and visitors to the Renishaw were able to see applications that demonstrated the capabilities of the company’s additive manufacturing technology and strain gauge high-accuracy machine tool touch probes – unparalleled accuracy and repeatability make this technology the best choice for complex multi-axis work and machine calibration.

Highlights include:

* RENGAGE™ technology that delivers true three dimensional (3D) measurement performance and submicron repeatability. This is available with radio transmission in the RMP600; with optical transmission in the ultra-compact OMP400 and compact OMP600; and in the miniature MP250, offering an unmatched combination of size and accuracy.

* The Primo™ system – an entry-level machine tool probing system that opens up the world of precision manufacturing to all types of manufacturing operation. A genuine breakthrough business model, the Primo system makes it easy for manufacturers to take their first steps towards higher-value manufacturing by automating their operations and achieving repeatable processes.

* Renishaw fixtures: the new single source for metrology fixturing. Following the acquisition of R&R Sales LLC in 2012, Renishaw has developed an extensive new range of modular fixturing designed specifically for co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs), vision systems and its Equator™ gauging system.

* Renishaw Equator™, a lightweight, fast and highly repeatable gauge, will be demonstrated in an automated cell. Equator’s innovative flexible gauging technology is based on the comparison of production parts to a reference master part, which can greatly increase throughput and reduce scrap rates at a fraction of the cost of an equivalent custom gauging system.

* Visitors were able to see a new range of additive manufacturing technologies. Renishaw’s laser melting systems utilise a pioneering, additive manufacturing process capable of producing fully dense metal parts direct from 3D CAD, using a high-powered fibre laser. Parts are built from a range of fine metal powders that are fully melted in a tightly controlled atmosphere, in layer thicknesses ranging from 20 to 100 microns.

* The AM250, Renishaw’s first additive manufacturing machine is now available with PlusPac – an add-on kit, which transforms the machine to meet the demand for cleaner process environments, improved surface finish and precision. PlusPac includes new Optical Control Software (OCS), a gas knife lens window protection system, and a high capacity filtration system. These updates give the user tighter control over the build process, enabling users to create even better components.

Renishaw Metrology Systems Ltd, Pune. Tel: 020-66746772. Mobile: 090490-01589. Email: samina.khalid@renishaw.com, india@renishaw.com