Optimistic and enthusiastic Indian market widens Renishaw offerings

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2015-02-20 13:02:40

Keeping up with the company’s tagline of ‘Apply Innovation’, 3,500 personnel across the globe and 350 in India are working round-the-clock to make Renishaw plc the most technologically advanced company in the world. While the majority of R&D and manufacturing is carried out at company headquarters in Gloucestershire, UK, the assembly facilities at Pune and Dublin, Ireland are the real backbones of the company where quality products needed for inspection of machine tools are congressed. With more than 60 offices in 32 countries, Renishaw has a strong global presence and around 94% of its sales are made outside the UK.

“Renishaw will continue to invest more in India as the market is growing at a rapid pace. The people here are intelligent and always want something more. We are committed to live up to their expectations. Also, the Indian market is expanding which means that the users of machine tool technology are growing with each passing year. It is a positive sign and we are happy to be part of that growth,” Renishaw’s Director of Sales, Mr Colin Price said during a brief conversation with CNCTimes on the sidelines of IMTEX 2015 in Bengaluru.

Stating that the Indian market is optimistic, Mr Price said there has been enhancement in the enthusiasm and confidence among the users of this technology. “This confidence was not there 6-8 months ago. It is slowly and steadily picking up bringing in positive sentiments in the industry. Though Indian market was always sensitive when it comes to pricing and the customers here want cost effective products,” Mr Price said.

About Renishaw’s history, he said the company was established in 1973 by Sir David McMurtry and Mr John Deer. The company's first product, the touch-trigger probe had been invented by Sir David to solve a specific inspection requirement for the Olympus engines used on the supersonic Concorde aircraft. This innovative product led to a revolution in three-dimensional co-ordinate measurement, enabling the accurate measurement of machined components and finished assemblies.

“Renishaw always participate in the IMTEX as the exhibition is the best platform to display our premium products. We have been getting a very good response at the IMTEX since the crowd that come here is very technology savvy and ask for innovative products. Considering this, we decided to launch two new products -- Primo™ System and GoProbe Software at this event,” he said.

The Primo system is the first all-in-one package for part setting and tool setting specifically aimed at machine tool users who are new to probing. It offers a simple path to the many benefits of using probes in machining processes. Easy to install and use, the new system represents a low initial outlay, yet retains Renishaw’s proven quality. Primo hardware has been designed and manufactured to the same market-leading standards as all Renishaw products; achieving a repeatability of 1µm 2? to deliver consistent and accurate performance. The innovative Primo credit token system offers users the flexibility to ‘pay-as-you-probe’. Its 6-month renewable tokens allow unlimited use of the Primo Radio Part Setter and the Primo Radio 3D Tool Setter within this period of time. The credit tokens are also available as an upgrade to enable unrestricted continuous use.

The Primo hardware, which uses radio transmission, is a twin probe system comprising the Primo Radio Part Setter, Primo Radio 3D Tool Setter and Primo Interface.

“The Primo Radio Part Setter accurately locates a workpiece before machining and automatically updates the machine tool’s work co-ordinate system. It eliminates manual setting errors, saves time and reduces scrap caused by alignment errors. It can also be used to measure and verify conformance prior to the removal of parts from a machine. Similarly, the Primo Radio 3D Tool Setter enables on-machine automated tool setting, further eliminating manual setting and input errors. This method is typically up to ten times faster than manual or offline tool setting. The Primo Interface enables communication between the system’s probes and the machine’s controller. The radio transmission makes longer communication distances possible, so the Primo system is suitable for most machine sizes. The interface also displays the user’s remaining credit allowance.”

“The system is supplied with GoProbe, an innovative ‘all-in-one’ software package that simplifies part setting, tool setting and calibration. Supported by a training kit (comprising an e-learning course, a training part and a quick-reference tool) the software requires only single-line commands, which makes each cycle easy to learn and use. Also included with the Primo system is Primo Premium Support Cover (PSC), an enhanced warranty that protects Primo hardware against accidental damage during use. Primo PSC offers peace of mind, enabling users to concentrate on controlling processes, reducing costs and increasing profits,” Mr Price explained.

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