Automation and process control
Using the Equator gauge for automated process control
Equator gauging hardware and software has been designed from the outset to be equally suited to manual or automated operation. The Equator system can be used in a serial production line between turning centres, machining centres, grinders and other machine tools. With the ability to switch between parts in seconds, a single Equator system is able to gauge components from multiple machines in a manufacturing cell.
Integrating Equator systems in production lines and manufacturing cells
The Equator system can be rapidly loaded by an operator or a robot, using quick release fixtures appropriate to the part, but not requiring high levels of expenditure on accurate fixturing. Fixtures for different parts can be changed by hand or automatically, since the base of the Equator gauge includes a 3-point repeatable kinematic location for exchangeable fixture plates. If required, two fixture plates with identical fixtures could be used, one on the Equator system while it is gauging a part, one alongside having the previous part removed, then loaded with the next part.