The compact device, the size of a credit card, has been specifically developed for sensor-based condition monitoring of clamping systems. The recorded values are transmitted wirelessly in real-time to control the machine tool, allowing them to be directly integrated into the process.
Winfried Weiland, Head of Marketing at Blum-Novotest, explains: “The goal of an automated machining process in the sense of Industry 4.0 is to capture all relevant influences and derive corresponding actions. BLUM already offers many innovative solutions for monitoring cutting tools and measuring produced workpieces in the machining center. However, with the new MG81, we are taking a decisive step further: By integrating the transmission system and sensors directly into the clamping systems, the main-time-parallel acquisition of important process data in real-time is enabled – from the current workpiece temperature to clamping pressure, presence of the workpiece, and the position of the clamping jaws. This allows the machining center to access and respond to the process-relevant data of the clamping device at any time.”
The MG81 is used, for example, in automated processes where workpieces with highly fluctuating input temperatures are processed. Integrated sensors in the clamping jaws measure the temperature of the current part, which is then transmitted to the control system and can be immediately considered in the process. The system is also used for monitoring clamping pressure. Corresponding sensors can detect whether a workpiece is securely clamped with constant force.
Another example is the automatic pre-positioning of the clamping jaws according to the currently processed workpiece size: If workpieces with different dimensions are to be automatically fed to the clamping device, this is done with the support of integrated path measurement sensors. This enables process-safe and efficient part feeding for the shortest cycle times.
BLUM offers three types of communication depending on the application: The customer can either initiate a single query or continuously query the sensor data with adjustable low query frequencies. For the fast transmission of large data volumes, the third option is the ‘DIGILOG mode’ developed for BLUM analog measurement. This allows for the transmission of 1000 values per second, which can, for example, enable control of movement actions. Like all wireless measuring systems from BLUM, the MG81 also operates with the proven BRC wireless technology.
If a wireless tool or workpiece measuring system from BLUM is already installed, no additional wireless receiver including associated electronics needs to be integrated into the machine. Moreover, in series operation, multiple pallets are often equipped with an MG81 — with the wireless receiver RC66, this is not a problem, as it can sequentially control up to 16 MG81.
“The topic becomes particularly interesting when the multifunctional measuring device is used in line operation or in chaotic assignment with multiple machines and a variety of pallets. In this case, each machine has a receiver RC66 and one MG81 per pallet. As the pallet moves from machine to machine, the currently used MG system can be identified via the newly inserted pallet, and communication can be automatically established. In combination with tool and workpiece measurement systems, users thus have the automated machining process fully under control,” adds Winfried Weiland.
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