Solution
Measurement data collection from measuring machines, gauges and machines
Measured values from CMMs, vision systems, gauges and machines, automatically and without double entry.
The problem
The measuring room produces large amounts of data, but it often stays in the measuring machine's own software or in exported files. Transferring it by hand takes time and creates errors.
The context in production
A modern factory measures in many places: coordinate measuring machines and vision systems in the measuring room, measuring fixtures and digital gauges at the machine, sensors and PLCs in the process itself. Each source has its own format and its own software.
For the measurement data to be useful in quality work, it has to end up in the same place, with the right part, characteristic and order, and ideally without anyone having to copy it.
Why it matters
Manual transfer is both slow and a source of errors. A mistyped value can hide a real problem or create a false alarm.
When data from different sources cannot be compared, it is hard to see connections, for example between a process parameter and a measurement result.
In principle
Each source, what it sends and what it is used for
Measuring machines, gauges, machines and ERP systems send different kinds of information. It only becomes comparable when it ends up in the same place, with part, characteristic and order.
Source · what moves
Collection and platform
Decision it supports
In the factory
Rektron DAQ
Reads files, protocols and databases and passes the values on.
Cloud service
Rektron Eyesight
The values are linked to part, characteristic and order and used by every role in the browser.
Results per characteristic from the measuring program in the CMM or vision system.
Decision: Whether the part is accepted and whether the process needs adjusting (operator, quality).
The value from a digital gauge, right at the inspection.
Decision: Whether the part is accepted, right at the machine (operator).
Status, cycles and signals from machines, PLCs and sensors.
Decision: Where time is lost and what to deal with first (production, engineering).
Parts, orders and planning from the ERP system.
Decision: Which orders are affected by a deviation, and what can be shown per order (quality, production).
Does the dimension follow a process value, for example the temperature?
Illustration · Example dataWhen the process value and the dimension belong to the same part, through the serial number, you can see whether they move together. A correlation shows where it is worth looking. It does not prove what causes the deviation.
Step by step
- Each point is one part. The mould temperature comes from the machine and the dimension from the measurement, and they are linked by the serial number of the part.
- The dimension should be 25.00 ± 0.10. Every part in the example is within tolerance.
- The higher the temperature, the larger the dimension. The parts from the hottest cycles, above about 55 °C, are close to the upper tolerance limit.
- The correlation shows where it is worth investigating. It does not prove that the temperature is the cause.
From today to better
Common challenges, and what a better way of working looks like
What it often looks like
- CMM results are printed or exported and then entered by hand.
- Each measuring machine has its own software and its own format.
- Hand gauges are used without a connection, so values are written on paper first.
- Measurement data and process data sit in different systems and cannot be linked.
A better way of working
- Results are read in automatically from the measuring machine when the measurement is done.
- Digital gauges are connected directly, so that the value lands on the right characteristic.
- Process data from machines and sensors is collected in parallel.
- Everything is tied to the same part, order and time, so that it can be compared.
Rektron's approach
How we help
Getting measurement data in from equipment has been at the core of Rektron's work from the start, when the first solutions were built to transfer signals from digital callipers to a computer. Today Eyesight collects data from measuring machines and vision systems, from machines, PLCs and sensors and from digital gauges. Rektron has connected to a long list of systems and formats.
We always start by mapping which sources you have and how data should flow, and then choose the connection per source.
Capabilities used
Automatic import from CMM and vision systems
DAQResults from coordinate measuring machines and vision systems are imported without manual handling.
Read more →Signals from machines, PLCs and sensors
DAQData from production machines, PLCs, loggers and sensors is collected automatically.
Read more →Directly connected gauges
EyesightDigital gauges over USB or Bluetooth, so the value lands in the right place straight away.
Read more →Import of AQDEF (dfq) and DMIS
EyesightStandard formats for measurement data can be imported.
Read more →ERP integration
EyesightParts, orders and planning data from ERP systems such as Monitor, Jeeves, Pyramid and Dynamics 365, so that measured values are linked to the right order.
Read more →CMM Autonomous
SQCServer service in SQC that automatically imports results from measuring machines.
Read more →
The flow
How it works
- 01
Source
A CMM, vision system, gauge, PLC or sensor produces a value.
- 02
Collection
The value is read in via file, protocol or direct connection.
- 03
Linking
The value is tied to part, characteristic, order and time.
- 04
Use
The data becomes the basis for inspection, SPC, reports and analysis.
What changes
- Measured values are recorded once, at the source.
- Fewer typing errors and less time spent on transfer.
- Measurement and process data in the same place, so that connections can be found.
Read more
- Customers and references →
Companies that work with Rektron systems.
- The knowledge base →
The methods behind the solution, explained.
Technical information
- Measuring machines and vision systems Rektron has built connections to include Hexagon PC-DMIS, Zeiss Calypso, Wenzel, Werth and OGP SmartScope.
- Formats: AQDEF (dfq), DMIS (dmo), CSV, TXT, XML and Excel.
- Other systems with file export, a database, OPC, TCP/UDP or an API can be connected through configuration or scripts.
- See the full list on the integrations page.
Knowledge
Concepts on this page
Concept · article
CMM
A coordinate measuring machine that measures many points on a part automatically, guided by the coordinates of the drawing.
Read the articleConcept · article
Annotation
Information linked to a measured value, such as operator, serial number or order, which makes traceability possible.
Read the article
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Our measuring machine is not on the list. Can it be connected?
Probably. The list shows systems we have connected to before. Most measuring machines can export results in a standard or text format that can be read in. Tell us what equipment you have and we will look into it.
Do we need to replace our gauges?
Not necessarily. Many digital gauges from, for example, Mahr, Mitutoyo and Sylvac can be connected directly. Older gauges without a data port can still be used with manual entry.
Related
Solutions that fit together
Solution 01
Process control and SPC
Tell normal variation from real signals and act while you can still make a difference.
ExploreSolution 02
Quality control
Incoming, first-off, in-process and final inspection in one flow, with instructions and reports that follow along.
ExploreSolution 03
Calibration and gauges
A register of gauges, tools and fixtures, with calibration intervals, history and reminders.
Explore
Next step
Want to see how measurement data collection can work for you?
Tell us about your process and your measurements. We will suggest a first step that suits your business.