Expert indexer ensures accuracy and repeatability over 2 million cycles

Citation

(1998), "Expert indexer ensures accuracy and repeatability over 2 million cycles", Assembly Automation, Vol. 18 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1998.03318daf.005

Expert indexer ensures accuracy and repeatability over 2 million cycles

Expert indexer ensures accuracy and repeatability over 2 million cycles

Keyword Part presentation

High positional accuracy and repeatability throughout an operational life of more than 2 million cycles have been key factors in the selection of Expert indexing equipment for a special-purpose inspection machine being manufacturcd by Grantham-based GWJ Engineering Ltd.

The new gauging equipment has been developed specifically to provide automatic measurement of up to ten critical features on welded rear sub-frame assemblies for a leading UK motor manufacturer. It incorporates twin indexing load stations and a Cordax programmable co-ordinate measuring machine that provides 100 per cent inspection on these safety critical parts.

In operation, the fabricated sub-frames are loaded manually on to the machine's fixtures and indexed through 180°, before being traversed forward to engage with precision location pegs at the gauging station.

"This ensures that components are isolated from any machine vibrations which could cause inaccuracies in the CMM readout", explains GWJ's design director, Hugh Barrett. "However, it does mean the indexer must provide extremely high positional accuracy and repeatability throughout its working life."

"'The specified Expert ED450 unit not only fulfils these criteria, but accelerates and decelerates the machine's 400kg twin fixture assemblies smoothly through their 180° indexing cycle in less than three seconds. ensuring maximum production throughput", he added.

For further information contact: Angelo Luciano at Expert UK Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1203 717566. WWW: http://www.expertuk. ltd.uk/expertuk