Technology in Motion

Presence or Measurement Sensor with Ethernet Connectivity
Adding to the Cognex line of vision sensors is the Checker 4G Series. Checker 4G offers the same powerful and easy-to-use setup Checker is known, while adding Ethernet networking for remote setup and monitoring, PLC communication through EtherNet/IP and PROFINET, and the ability to save inspection images to an FTP server.

Checker 4G allows the user to configure the sensor as a presence sensor or measurement sensor to inspect and error proof a manufacturing process. Presence sensors verify that features are present. Measurement sensors verify that features are the correct height, width, and/or diameter. In either mode, there is no limit to the number of part features that can be checked by a single Checker. With patented part detection technology, Checker sensors are also able to detect and inspect more than 6,000ppm in varying positions along the production line.

The Checker 4G Series is available in high speed and high-resolution models, and feature:

• Integrated lighting, optics, and I/O in an industrial IP67 housing;
• Remote setup and display through a PC;
• Patented part detection technology;
• Inspects multiple part features for presence or correct dimension;
• EtherNet/IP industrial protocol with RSLogix500 add-on-profile;
• PROFINET industrial protocol;
• Image storage to FTP server;
• Logic for custom outputs;
• Up to 32 job changes;
• Up to four discrete outputs;
• Encoder based part tracking; and
• Colored lens filters.

Cognex Corp.
Natick, MA
cognex.com/4G

Wire EDM Delivers Big Value
The AccuteX AX-1165 EDM is a heavy-duty wire machine that weighs in at 18,800 lb and can handle a workpiece of nearly half its weight, or 9,000 lb. The machine is equipped with an annealing, fully automatic wire threading system (AWT) with a tip disposal unit. AccuteX’s intelligent servo-control wire-threading technology, together with multi-detectors makes it fast, reliable, and automatic.

A main standard feature that appeals to users is the Windows CE-based CNC system’s powerful 64 bit CPU. It is a high speed, stable, industrial-grade computer, featuring a powerful NC calculation function for high accuracy machining. Comprehensive online help information and user-friendly operational interface presents extra powerful calculation features.

Other standard features include machine travels of 43.3" x 25.6" x 23.6" x 5.9" (X, Y, Z, U, and V). Rapid traverse rates are as high as 51.1ipm, with simultaneous wire federates of 0 to 590ipm using electrode wire diameter ranging from 0.008" to 0.013".

Absolute Machine Tools Inc.
Lorain, OH
absolutemachine.com

Ink Printing Technology Makes Implants Visible
Specialized Radiopaque ink printing, which has been steadily developed over a number of years by CI Medical Inc., is now being used by several major medical OEM’s on both a temporary and permanently implantable devices. Radiopaque ink – coupled with fluoroscopy – enables a surgeon complete visibility of marked medical device components implanted beneath the skin or deep within the body. Surgeons may require this type of X-ray vision for purposes such as proper device positioning and device identification. Implantable devices already utilizing Radiopaque ink technology by CI Medical include pacemakers and chemotherapy ports as well as tubes, fabrics, and polypropylene sheets used in stentless and/or spinal procedures.

CI Medical Inc.
Norton, MA
cimedical.com

Version 2011 offers more functionality
PartMaker 2011 includes more powerful milling functionality, an optional module for 3D design and model repair, a more flexible tooling library, improved programming and simulation of bar-fed mills, more vivid set-up documentation, and a host of additional productivity enhancements.

PartMaker Version 2011 features the PowerSHAPE Companion for PartMaker, which is an optional module allowing the user to design 3D models, repair poor quality 3D data, and modify 3D geometry to improve design for manufacturability (DFM). This optional module features the powerful Solid Doctor utility, allowing the user to read and repair models from all sources, and tackle the common problems that can be found when translating low-precision and incomplete 3D data. Solid Doctor detects and repairs faults in engineering models and then generates a valid, high-precision solid model ready for programming in PartMaker.

Another enhancement is the ability to manage tool inventory in an universal manner with Master Tools Databases. Master Tools Databases can be edited, manipulated, and stored through external database programs, such as Microsoft Excel, and individual tools can be quickly imported for specific jobs. This approach makes programming more productive because it allows the user to quickly choose previously created tools faster than before. It also allows the user to reduce the size of a given tool library for a particular programming job.

Partmaker Inc.
Fort Washington, PA
partmaker.com