EV and hybrid automotive part manufacture benefits from Renishaw’s Equator™ flexible gauging systems
When you visit Renishaw at EMO Hannover (16- 21 September 2019) you will see multiple Equator systems gauging a range of electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid engine and transmission components. The same parts that Equator systems are gauging ‘24/7’ in factories around the world.
Several thousand Equator gauging systems have been delivered to Renishaw’s global customers over the last few years, with extensive presence in all the European, American and Asian automotive markets.
Proven capability on EV parts</h4
EV motors, generators, transmission gears and casings – all examples of parts where production lines and cells now rely on the process control capabilities delivered by the Equator gauging system, at the point of manufacture. Motor stators are a prime example – the high-speed scanning capability of Renishaw’s SP25 probe used by Equator systems, coupled with Renishaw’s powerful MODUS programming software, is ideal for assessing the demanding size, position and geometric tolerances on the ID and concentricity of an assembled EV stator – critical to guarantee motor efficiency.
The same Equator system can also use a Renishaw TP20 touch probe to collect single point data at a rate of up to three points a second – perfectly suited to gauging the relative positions of multiple edge points on a stator lamination plate.
Direct process control where it matters
IPC (Intelligent Process Control) software, developed with help from many end users across multiple industries, is an optional feature available on all Equator systems. This software allows constant monitoring and automatic adjustment of machining operations, keeping part dimensions close to nominal and within process control limits.
Automated cells versus manual gauging stations
Equator gauges can be quickly configured to meet the same application demands of dedicated gauging systems. With the reduction in automotive design life cycles in recent years, fast and efficient re-deployment of Equator gauges to new lines and cells is a major advantage over part specific gauges which require time consuming redesign, costly rework or being scrapped altogether. In addition, with increased demands for factory automation, Equator machines are perfectly suited for integration with robots and conveyors.
In some situations, particularly with very harsh environments, Equator systems are placed in an optional enclosure; an EQ-ATS system may also be fitted so that the parts can be loaded safely and easily outside of the machine volume.
Suggested pictures and video
EV stator and laminate plate from motor and/or generator Equator with EV part on shop floor Equator with EV part in automated cell Video – rapid scanning & TT points on EV parts, with animation of EV parts in action. Cylinder block and transmission casing on EQ500, rotor and gears on EQ300?