cmm pick & place
Dimensional metrology in combination with collaborative robots
The optical coordinate measuring machine µCMM can be extended with a collaborative robot arm to automatically pick, place, measure and sort components (ok/not ok).
The teach-in of measurement series takes place in only three steps, requires no programming knowledge and can also be used in smaller production environments.
USER CASE
Optical 3D measurement of a 3-up stamping insert
For many years, the stamping tool expert has relied on Bruker Alicona's optical 3D measurement technology for quality assurance. Stepper now also uses the new automated optical CMM measuring solution µCMM Pick&Place. The optical coordinate measuring system µCMM is extended by a robot arm to automatically pick, place, measure and sort components. The range of applications includes embossing inserts, embossing dies, bending inserts, bending dies, etc.
The component being measured:
3-up stamping insert for high-performance stamping tools, which are used for the production of miniaturized automotive contacts. Stepper produces up to 2250 plug contacts per minute, and within just a few years 3 billion parts have already been produced.
What is important for the measurement:
Dimensional accuracy, surface quality and the position of the embossing die relative to the outer contour. As 3 parts are produced simultaneously with each stroke in this stamping process, it is also checked whether all 3 forms match.
What is also possible with µCMM:
Reduced measuring times with highest accuracy. One of many benefits is that it is not necessary to measure the complete component. Users only need to measure the relevant measuring positions. “We only have to measure selected positions of the tools´ contour. This reduces measurement times by more than 2/3.”
Stamping insert measured with the µCMM Pick & Place
What is the benefit of Vertical Focus Probing?
The possibility of measuring components with flanks of more than 90° opens up a completely new spectrum of parts for Stepper. "To date, we have mainly measured embossed and bent parts. Now we can also measure cylindrical, continuous contours such as cutting punches and cutting inserts."
How is automation implemented?
µCMM is extended with a collaborative robot arm. This Pick & Place solution enables automatic assembly and measurement including sorting in OK/not OK components. The teach-in of measurement series takes place in only 3 steps and requires no previous knowledge of measurement technology.
Measurement Technician Alexander Geiger and Marcel Heisler, Head of Laser Ablation and High-Speed Cutting, with the µCMM
"We manufacture high-end punching tools, so we need high-end measuring technology. For us, only Bruker Alicona is an option. I also don't see a possibility to measure those components with tactile instruments!"
Marcel Heisler, Head of Laser Ablation and High-Speed Cutting
Find out more
How Stepper expands automation in production with optical 3D measurement
Read more
Optical 3D measurement of a 3-up stamping insert for high-performance stamping tools
Video
In this video you can watch the optical coordinate measuring machine µCMM is extended by a robot arm to automatically load, measure and sort a 3-up stamping insert.
Measurement Report
The measurement object is a 3-up stamping insert, measured with the µCMM and a rotation unit (Real3D). To analyze the stamping insert, the following parameters are measured:
- Shape accuracy over the entire stamping insert
- Measurement of the position of the stamping insert in relation to the outer surfaces
- Contour inspection: angle and radius measurement
- Surface quality: Profile and surface roughness
Technical Specifications | µCMM Pick & Place
| Pick & Place | μCMM with AdvancedReal3D RotationUnit 3R or EROWA |
| Robot type | UR3e (optional also type UR5 possible), Radius 500 mm, 11 kg weight, 3 kg pay load |
| Gripper | collaborative gripper, BG/DGUV certified |
| Safety | collaborative - robot stops on contact with object, certified by TÜV Nord and TÜV Süd, Gripper has mechanical self-locking mechanism for safe handling even in emergency stop mode |
| Dimensions | Attachment to μCMM (LxTxH) 0,6m x 1m x 0,85m |
| Specimen compatibility | Pallet type EROWA ITS 50 or 3R MacroNano (54x54mm) |
| Components | up to 24 pieces, max. weight 1,5 kg inkl. pallet |
| Operation | Teach-in of a complete project in a few steps, doesn’t require any previous knowledge |
| Features | Process monitoring with evaluation in OK and not OK incl. individual reports for each component |
| Other | Connection to other measuring systems (InfiniteFocus SL, InfiniteFocus G5) possible on request |
