Renishaw focuses on measurement software at Control 2015

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2015-04-23 12:34:27

Renishaw, a world leader in precision engineering technologies, will be exhibiting its extensive range of metrology equipment at Control 2015 which takes place in Stuttgart, Germany. Products highlighted will include new software for the Equator™ flexible gauge which allows users to create simple gauging routines in minutes, new MODUS 2 metrology software suite which simplifies the programming of co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs), and new developments for Renishaw's web shop.

Renishaw will be showing its new INTUO™ gauging software which is now offered with the unique Equator system to simplify and automate the gauging of a wide variety of parts, removing dependence on the skill of manual gauge users. This package also makes an ideal alternative to multiple manual devices such as vernier or digital callipers, micrometres and plug gauges.

With minimal training, the INTUO software allows the programmer to create gauging routines using just a part with an engineering drawing. With the ‘Feature Predict' function activated, the programmer uses the joystick to take points on each feature while INTUO does most of the work, by predicting the type of feature, the nominal value and a possible tolerance band. It is then easy to adjust the program to change the number of points taken or to space them evenly, and match nominals and tolerances to the engineering drawing. Shop-floor operators then simply select and run these programs within the user-friendly Renishaw Organiser front-end software.

Renishaw is also launching the Equator Button Interface (EBI), with simple push-button controls for shop-floor operators, removing the need for a mouse and keyboard. The EBI can be operated by staff wearing gloves and is not affected by shop-floor contamination.

Users of co-ordinate measuring machines visiting Control 2015 will be interested to see how the MODUS 2 metrology software suite will bring new levels of clarity and efficiency to the programming and operation of CMMs. Based on the established and highly capable MODUS platform, and supporting Renishaw's range of three and five-axis CMM sensor technologies, MODUS 2 has been designed with usability in mind, including an innovative, easy-to-learn interface and faster programming, resulting in unprecedented levels of productivity with or without a CAD model.

The user experience for MODUS 2 is also designed to be identical whether the software is connected to a ‘live' CMM or working in an offline environment where full simulation with speed control allows measurement sequence development and visualisation. Further innovations include ‘Off Surface' motion technology, intelligent measurement strategies, automatic reporting and an interactive virtual CMM environment. From simple manual machine operation through to complex part measurement on multi-axis systems, MODUS 2 adapts automatically and only offers functionality relevant to the current task.

Renishaw is also continuing to develop its web shop, with a focus on offering a user-friendly environment which allows customers easy access to a large and increasing range of the company's metrology products at any time of the day. Now live in fourteen countries, with more to be added this year, the web shop includes Renishaw fixtures for CMMs, vision systems and the Equator gauge; an extensive range of precision styli; CMM accessories such as racks, probe extensions and TP20 modules; and credit tokens for the new PRIMO™ twin-probe system for machine tools. 

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