Bosch becomes T&M supplier
In complex manufacturing processes, mechanical and electrical accuracy is a decisive factor for the productivity of the respective user. Tests and measurements at the intermediate products in real-time throughout the course of the manufacturing process therefore guarantee that deviations can be identified immediately and costs for reworking or rejects can be avoided. At the Control 2014, a trade fair with focus on quality assurance, Bosch for the first time actively demonstrates and markets some of these best-kept secrets of manufacturing. For the start, the company will present an optical 3D form measurement machine, the FMS 100, and the 3D flatness measurement system FTP40. A mobile production assistant system called APAS Assistant complements the offering. Proven in Bosch’s captive production landscape, these systems facilitate the automated application of measurement techniques at nanometre resolution in complex and demanding manufacturing environments.
The FMS 100 has been developed for the inspection of rotationally symmetric precision parts in high-volume production. Rotational speeds of up to 100 rpm and optical scanning arms with a diameter of less than 0.7mm enable fast form measurement for internal and external geometries. The machine is typically used to measure roundness and straightness, conical form and diameter. Modular extensions allow users to adapt the system to their specific needs.
The flatness measurement system FTP40 enables users to survey two parallel planes of a product in a single process without moving the object – and this all at high speed. The machine speeds the production process and significantly reduces cycle times, Bosch claims. The FTP40 can be utilised for fast survey of flatness, thickness and parallelism either as a stand-alone machine in precision measurement rooms and development labs or as industrial measurement system for optical 3D measurement in manufacturing. The interferometric technology of this machine stands out through high resolution, short cycle times, and contactless, wear-free usage. In the development of the FTP40, high robustness and low vibration and temperature sensitivity were design goals, Bosch says.
These machines can be equipped either manually or in an automated process handled through an APAS assistant.
The APAS assistant is the first assistance system certified for collaborating with humans without shielding measures.
A flexible solution for retroactive automation of manual working places and small-series production, this mobile production assistant supports workers in particular in dirty, physically demanding or monotonous tasks. The machine’s sensitive three-finger gripper enables it to handle a large variety od complex-shaped parts. Integrated cameras analyse the environments and identify the parts to be handled. A sophisticated image processing software enables high accuracy and, as a consequence, keeping the requirements of parts feeding equipment low. Certified by a trade association, the ASPAS assistant is the first and hitherto only robot-like assistant system allowed to collaborate directly with humans without additional safety measure.
Bosch will present this measurement equipment at Control 2014 in Stuttgart from May 6 through 9 in hall 7, stand 7328.
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