In-Machine Tool Measurement
nearby that these two types of systems may help complement one another and overcome known shortfalls, there are also critical factors that help illustrate the value of offline presetters working alone and particularly in complement with laser technologies to improve manufacturing efficiency, save costs, and maximize profit. Adjustment & Cutting Time: Adjustments that could take up to 15 minutes when made in-machine can be made offline in less than one minute using a presetter, with your machine cutting – and earning revenue – that entire time. In fact, one aerospace customer of ours recently reported how having offline presetters actually makes their in-machine lasers measure faster. But reduced tool-changeover time isn’t the only time saver . . . By measuring their tools offline first, key setup data can be pre- loaded into the machine’s tool table via RFID. From there the laser acts as a final check before starting production. But here’s the difference, and it’s a great example of how presetter and in-machine technologies work together for optimal manufacturing results: Because the preset lengths were
In-machine laser technology is touted by machine tool builders and distributors as the way of the future and an indispensable tool for machinists. Do you really need an offline presetter if you have in- machine lasers? Yes, you do, and here’s why. In-machine tool measurement has become a standard feature on many of today’s metalworking machines that use lasers to measure key setup parameters. This enables the machine to diagnose and, in some cases, automatically adjust the cutting tool to correct for cutter or spindle runout. This type of in-machine laser technology is being touted by machine tool builders and distributors as the way of the future and an indispensable tool for machinists. So now, needless to say perhaps, I’m being asked all of the time, “Do I really need an offline presetter if I have in- machine lasers?” And my answer is very often a resounding “Yes!” Here’s why:
Presetters provide extremely valuable supplemental setup capabilities that in-machine functionalities cannot. This is particularly true in high stakes, high-precision applications; in large capacity shops that operate, for example, 20 to 100 machining centers; and even in small mom- and-pop shops that have to maximize output from just one or two spindles. So as we compare and contrast the capabilities of in-machine tool measurement with those of offline or standalone presetters, the hope is that we might alter the way most folks think about the entire laser vs. preset debate. In the end, it’s less about choosing which one system is best and more about discovering the many benefits of using both systems in conjunction. Offline Presetters vs. In-Machine Laser Tools In addition to the ways listed
22
Powered by FlippingBook