Renishaw, a global measurement and manufacturing systems company, now offers a wider range of AGILITY® coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). Designed and assembled for speed and accuracy, the range of AGILITY CMMs builds on Renishaw's unrivalled reputation for innovation in the most demanding industrial sectors. Optimized for the Renishaw REVO® 5-axis multisensor system, the machines bring new capabilities to the shop floor.
Nathan Fielder, Renishaw's product manager for the AGILITY CMM program, explains: "We looked at the award-winning REVO 5-axis multisensor system and asked ourselves: how can we use it to achieve an even better solution for the challenging requirements of high-end manufacturers? The result is the AGILITY series - CMMs that offer the benefits of the REVO multisensor system where they matter most: near the point of production. The tried and tested AGILITY series of CMMs now includes machines for the measurement lab, with high-capacity platforms that can accommodate all seven REVO special sensors."
Multisensor CMMs allow manufacturers to perform multiple measurement processes and report results on a single device. For AGILITY CMM users, the full range of REVO sensors is available, including touch-trigger and contact scanning probes, surface roughness, temperature, ultrasonic thickness measurement and non-contact measurement.
The machine structure combines granite with anodized aluminum to provide excellent strength and stability with guaranteed measurement accuracy throughout the measurement volume. Critical elements such as bearing design and placement, innovative cable routing and frictionless linear motors ensure a stable and repeatable platform when the REVO system is scanning at high speed. The minimal contact between parts prevents friction and thermal instability while reducing wear and maintenance requirements. The high-mounted and shielded Y-axis drive system minimizes moving structural mass and prevents contamination.
Renishaw's AGILITY S shop floor CMMs are a highly accurate and robust solution for inspecting parts in manufacturing environments where clean air and temperature control cannot be taken for granted. They are available with work volumes from 700 x 900 x 600 mm to 1600 x 2400 x 1200 mm (X x Y x Z), and in increased work volume variants suitable for pallet loading systems or rotary tables. All models have high-mounted Y-axis guides for even greater stability and protection from airborne contamination. The larger S-frames have a Y-axis configuration with dual drive and dual scale.
AGILITY L machines, designed for the measurement lab, are specified for a temperature range of 18 °C to 22 °C and intended for high-quality 5-axis measurement with multiple sensors in clean rooms. The body with single-sided raised Y-axis and a support column gives wider access to manually position products when automation is not required. AGILITY L frames are available with work volumes from 500 x 500 x 500 mm to 1600 x 3500 x 1200 mm (X x Y x Z).
The AGILITY CMM program combines the wide range of technologies and end-to-end manufacturing expertise on which Renishaw has built its reputation for innovation and quality. Leigh Elsworthy, customer services manager for CMMs, says: "In addition to the machine frame, the measuring probes, encoders, machine controls, linear motors, styli, part fixturing, measurement software and even the laser-based mapping and verification systems are all designed and made by us. Renishaw has complete control over delivery, installation and maintenance of the CMM throughout its lifetime." Each machine is error-mapped and certified with Renishaw's laser calibration systems. Only certified specialists perform installation and maintenance, optionally with UKAS or A2LA accreditation.
AGILITY CMMs are also compatible with Renishaw Central, a powerful production data platform that enables closed-cycle reporting and process control on the shop floor. Renishaw Central uses measurement data to identify deviations and automatically sends corrections to the appropriate production machines.