The goal to fully automate the factory is often referred to as lights out manufacturing. The opportunities lights out manufacturing offers are clear. But for many manufacturers, the journey to fully autonomous manufacturing operations may seem long and distant.
At Hexagon we emphasise that digital transformation isn’t necessarily about huge change in a short space of time. For some, it will be mainly small, incremental steps that deliver accumulative gains.
Rather than taking aim at the factory in one hit, it’s worth thinking about which processes will deliver the most value if they were automated.
A good place to start is repetitive batch production. Having operators execute and oversee processes that are rarely changed is an obvious drain on resources. No doubt you can think of such a process or two in your quality operations.
What would it do for your throughput and operational capacity if you could leave coordinate measuring machines to run unattended?
That’s why we developed TEMPO, the cost-effective, automated part loading system that enables you to keep measurement in motion. Running hours or days at a time without needing operator intervention, TEMPO’s interruption-free inspection is a step towards lights out manufacturing.
What is TEMPO?
Need to run measurement routines overnight? Need operators to leave the CMM and focus on other work? TEMPO is there to keep quality moving forward.
By maximising your operational capacity, TEMPO is an essential tool for smarter batch production.
The TEMPO system consists of part storage and a collaborative robot. Users can configure TEMPO with up to six loading drawers. Each offers 0.3 square metres of storage space and can hold up to 100 kg of parts.
You are not restricted to measuring the same workpieces in a single measurement cycle. The drawers can hold different parts and, unlike other automated part loading systems on the market, you don’t need to completely fill the drawers with workpieces. If there is space within the drawers, the cobot will automatically skip over the space and select the next available part.
The cobot, provided by Universal Robots, combines high performance with lightness, enhancing both speed and portability. The system is easily configured, with no robot programming required.
Users can monitor machine status and the process remotely via mobile or tablet. The software notifies operators when all parts have been measured and informs them which workpieces are out of tolerance.
Using TEMPO
TEMPO is an off-the-shelf solution that can be used with existing and new Hexagon CMMs.
Downtime is minimised during installation, as TEMPO will be up and running within two days.
The system can be easily reconfigured to accommodate for your customers’ new parts. The usability and easy operation of the system enables anyone in the factory to start using TEMPO with minimal training, increasing operational capacity.
Ultimately, TEMPO helps drive a range of quality objectives. Whether you’re looking to take a step toward lights out manufacturing, free up your operators for more value-added work, or increase production throughput, TEMPO can help.
Want to keep measurement in motion and increase productivity? Learn more about TEMPO or contact one of experts to see how you could increase efficiency with TEMPO.
