Caron Engineering Automation Solutions Improve Process Control

Caron Engineering showcases its latest technology for automation, tool monitoring and process control. In addition to unveiling features of its flagship TMAC adaptive tool monitoring system, Caron Engineering highlights AutoComp, automated tool wear compensation software and ToolConnect, an RFID tool data management system. The company’s smart manufacturing solutions include customizable features tailored for diverse applications and precision sensors that Canon Engineering says can scale to meet any cutting requirement. An upcoming automation release, MiConnect Technology, is also on display.

MiConnect is designed to streamline connectivity and control across the devices in a machining cell for total control of processes from a single interface. This can include the parsing of a few pieces of meaningful data to handling all inter-device communication across a fully automated cell. Configurable to a customer’s desired process and flow, the MiConnect platform contains an inventory of pre-built manufacturing devices and numerous building blocks of operations that can be designed to control any manufacturing process. According to the company, MiConnect combats the challenges of connecting devices with different communication protocols, and the flexibility of the software enables the user to add additional devices and make changes to a process at any time.

Caron Engineering is also highlighting a fully automated production cell featuring a FANUC Robodrill equipped with two FANUC cobots, a MiJet air-actuated parts cleaner, a Fowler CMM and automated ID thread gage. The Caron Engineering integrated technology attendees can see automating and controlling the lights-out machining cell include:

• The ToolConnect RFID tool data management system automating the process of loading tools into the machine by automatically transferring preset tool data directly to the CNC control, reducing setup time and eliminating error
• During cutting, its TMAC adaptive tool monitoring system is featured, designed to optimize cutting by measuring tool wear and detecting breakage in real time, while simultaneously monitoring tool and spindle vibration. Using adaptive control, TMAC is said to adjust feed rates in real time to reduce cycle time up to 60% on some cuts
• MiConnect Technology controls the entire postprocess automation cell to handle communication between the FANUC Robodrill, cobots, MiJet, Fowler CMM and automated ID thread gage
• AutoComp software reads both the CMM and ID thread gage measurement data and automatically calculate and compensate offsets in the control, which can eliminate error and close the loop on the automation cell
• The customizable Smart Light system is used as a visual indicator on the machine to display the current progress of production
• Other technology includes the RFID user authentication system (powered by MiConnect Technology) for customized user access to both the physical and software systems on the machine.