North Kingstown, RI – September 15, 2015 – Hexagon Metrology today announced new options for the latest version of its TIGO SF shop-floor CMM, which enable easy integration into fully automated in-line or near-the-line inspection cells, or as part of a complete production/inspection setup. With a 500 x 580 x 500 mm measurement volume and shop-floor specific features, the TIGO SF is designed to efficiently measure small to medium sized parts in a harsh workshop environment. The machine’s structure is open on three sides for maximum accessibility, making it ideal for use with robotic part-handling systems or automatic workpiece recognition systems. A new optional I/O Kit enables the CMM to interface directly with automated lines and exchange data with PLC (programmable logic controllers). Measurement data can be used to inform process improvements as part of a wider product lifecycle management (PLM) system.
The air-free TIGO SF has a robust design and is protected from contaminants by covers and bellows. The CMM also features advanced thermal compensation and passive damping systems as standard. Active damping can be added to enable installation near machining centers or part-transit areas. An IP54-protected machine stand is also available to protect the PC and other electronic components, so the CMM can be positioned directly within the production process to reduce measurement times and maximize throughput. For plants using a fully-automated setup, the TIGO SF can be delivered with messaging lights allowing users to monitor changes in the CMM status from a distance.
“The TIGO SF is a proven system for workshop conditions and provides the perfect base for an automated solution,” said Anna Maria Izzi, Bridge CMM Product Manager at Hexagon Metrology. “With these options, we wanted to make it easier to design systems around the CMM. We firmly believe that measurement should support production, and automated systems gathering and delivering data quickly are ideal for increasing efficiency, improving quality and driving productivity.”
The TIGO SF is available to order worldwide with these integration-ready options preinstalled. Some retrofit options are also offered to bring existing machines up to the automation-optimized standards.