Caron Engineering automation solutions improve process control

Source: Caron Engineering Inc.

Caron Engineering will showcase its latest automation, tool monitoring and process control technology. In addition to showcasing the capabilities of its flagship TMAC adaptive tool monitoring system, Caron Engineering will introduce AutoComp, automatic tool wear compensation software, and ToolConnect, an RFID tool data management system. The company’s intelligent manufacturing solutions include customizable features tailored to different applications, as well as precision sensors that Canon Engineering says are scalable to meet any cutting requirement. An upcoming automation release, MiConnect Technology, will also be on display.

MiConnect is designed to optimize the connectivity and control of the equipment in a machining cell, allowing complete control of the processes through a single interface. This can range from analyzing a few key data to handling all equipment communications in a fully automated cell. The MiConnect platform can be configured to a customer’s desired process and flow and includes an inventory of pre-built manufacturing equipment and numerous operational building blocks that can be developed to control any manufacturing process. According to the company, MiConnect overcomes the challenges of connecting equipment with different communication protocols, and the flexibility of the software allows the user to add additional equipment and make changes to a process at any time.

Caron Engineering will also showcase a fully automated production cell that includes a FANUC Robodrill with two FANUC cobots, a MiJet air-powered part cleaner, a Fowler CMM and an automated internal thread gauge. Caron Engineering’s integrated technologies that visitors will be able to see automating and controlling the unmanned machining cell include:

• The ToolConnect RFID tool data management system automates the process of loading tools into the machine by automatically transferring preset tool data directly to the CNC control, reducing setup time and eliminating errors.
• During cutting, the TMAC adaptive tool monitoring system is used to optimize cutting by measuring tool wear and detecting breakages in real time, while also monitoring tool and spindle vibration. Using adaptive control, TMAC adjusts the feed rate in real time to reduce cycle time by up to 60% on some cuts.
• MiConnect technology controls the entire post-process automation cell and handles communication between FANUC Robodrill, cobots, MiJet, Fowler CMM and automatic ID thread measuring machine.
• The AutoComp software reads both the measurement data from the coordinate measuring machines and the thread diameter and automatically calculates and compensates for deviations in the control system, thereby avoiding errors and closing the control loop of the automation cell.
• The customizable Smart Light system serves as a visual display on the machine and shows the current production progress
• Other technologies include the RFID user authentication system (supported by MiConnect technology) for individual user access to the machine’s physical and software systems.