Seeing Automated Workpiece Measurement in Real Time

A robot is often the first thing that comes to mind when industrial automation is mentioned. But, as I’ve said a million times, there are so many other ways to automate machining and manufacturing operations.

Blum-Novotest offered an example at IMTS 2024 with the company’s new FormControl X measurement software. There, visitors saw a demonstration of it monitoring part measurements between and after machining while performing statistical process control (SPC) based on the recorded measured values.

FormControl X software automates quality control of workpieces in individual and series production. The company explains that it enables high productivity and reduces scrap through automated monitoring of machining processes inline with the principle of SPC. The process is managed based on the recorded measured values and previously defined warning and control limits. The FormControl X alignment function is compatible with unattended machining operations and machine tools loaded/unloaded by robots. This feature detects the current workpiece position and alignment after clamping in the machine, and automatically adjusts the reference points of the machining program to the actual position of the workpiece. This is said to enable reliable, automated machining of parts with small allowances possible. FormControl X also prepares the recorded data in graphic format that can be easily visualized and evaluated by the operator using the web browsers on any devices. That way, operators don’t have to be present at the machine given they can access the data in other locations.

Large touch pads and displays in the booth showed how the software is functioning in the background in real time. But, booth visitors were also able to check out the other forms of automation the company offers in terms of its laser measurement, touch probe, tool-setting and bore-gaging technology.