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TBI MOTION: supplying the industry with accurate automation solutions
—— An exclusive interview with General Manager of Renishaw, Taiwan - Chobby Lai
Editor:What are the exhibiting products of Renishaw at iMTduo 2018?
Mr. Chobby Lai : Our theme for this year is centered on automation and intelligent manufacturing. The main products will be new Intelligent Process Control (IPC) software for Renishaw's Equator gauging system.
IPC provides the functionality to fully automate tool offset updates in CNC manufacturing processes. It fundamentally improved capability in precision part machining, by reducing setting and process adjustment time, it is able to perform full integration with automation systems.
IPC (New Intelligent Process Control) is used with the existing software running on the Equator controller, using recent historical gauging data to determine process corrections. Connection to a compatible machine tool can be as simple as connecting an Ethernet cable from the Equator to a CNC machine.
Renishaw’s global clients have already been applying this particular system on CNC machine tools, lathes, machining centers, and highly automated machine cells – it drastically strengthens the production efficiency.
Furthermore, the other key theme for iMTduo is the latest release: Renishaw On-machine apps. It allows users to access, set up, and further implement the programming of our probe systems with Windows-based software and other digital platforms.
These new Apps are designed for users to operate intuitively, and particularly suitable for new-comers in measurement as well as those who are unfamiliar with mechanic codes. Naturally, it would be equally valuable for skilled technicians.
Additionally, the new NC4 non-contact tool setter is a rapid and accurate solution. It detects the geometric shapes of tools, the condition of them, and traces the temperature alternation in 3 or 5-axis CNC machining centers. The new NC4 non-contact tool setter detects these variables automatically, it reduces faults, and diminishes the time of performance 10 times less than that needed in manual operation. It truly accomplishes’ getting machining right first time’ - therefore reducing machining scraps and repetitions, and boost the production value.
 Editor: Does Renishaw have any latest R&D results to share with the readers?
Mr. Chobby Lai : Renishaw recently optimized our applications, we have adopted graphical user interface system for our On-machine apps to help users achieve greater accessibility and efficiency with clear and straight-forward interfaces from smart phones and tablets to perform accurate measuring.
For example, clients who use Renishaw’s probes can access the machine tool probes by using Set and Inspect app, which supports part setting, inspection and tool setting cycles. In addition, Reporter is another On-machine app that inspects production condition instantly. Its graphical display indicates every condition whether it is pass, fail or warning. It is an ideal tool for basic data analysis. Furthermore, historical data allows the app to display measurement data for every part measured on that machine tool. It is good for identifying the effects of thermal change over a longer period of time, and arrange maintenance timeslots.
Users of NC4 non-contact tool setter can control a number of systems from the app from smartphone, within your fingertips, trouble shootings could be implemented.
Editor: What kind of challenges do you think it will occur for achieving intelligent manufacturing? And how does your equipment solve these problems?
Mr. Chobby Lai : I believe precise manufacturing in the metal working sector is the foundation to reach smart manufacturing, as achieving high level of accuracy during production would be the prerequisite condition to enhance quality required for smart manufacturing. Therefore measurement and probing equipment are essential in all sectors. Under the flourishment of sectors like electronics, wearable devices, robotics and aerospace, we have successfully completed a number of projects with manufacturers in Taiwan. Furthermore, I believe that the other challenge is about nurturing the other generation of youngsters who are capable and passionate to be in the manufacturing sector. Particularly as the demography changes, we should come up with a more comprehensive training or education plan for the youngsters.
Editor: What do you expect from iMTduo?
Mr. Chobby Lai : Participating in exhibition/event is also one of the key activities for us to engage with OEMs, users, customers in the local market, allow us to understand what the market needs and users’ expectation, an effective way for us to interact with users and the local market.
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