Equator™ 300

Equator 300 has improved inspection routes and shop floor efficiency
Currently, 13 Equator 300 systems are deployed to control manufacturing processes on the shop floor at the Fulin P.M. facility. After identifying the QR code on each batch of manufactured parts, the Equator 300 gauges the parts and tracks each one throughout the entire process from manufacture to delivery. As a result, Fulin P.M. is able to ensure not only quality of manufacture, but also product marking and traceability, which conform to the strict requirements demanded in
the ISO-TS16949 Automotive Quality Management System.

In doing so, another efficiency has been realised. Due to the flexibility of the system, operators can rapidly switch between part measurement programs as requirements change. This eliminates the cost of investing in new inspection equipment.

The high efficiency rate realised by the Equator 300 systems in use at Fulin P.M has led to 100% on-site gauging at the point of manufacture.

“Based on the data collected from 100% inspection, we can implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) to analyse on-site quality and process capability, along with Quality Risk Management (QRM). With the Equator 300 gauging system, we are fully confident that our parts meet the high standards for quality and reliability,” said Mr Lyu.

Partners for service and support
Fulin P.M. and Renishaw have maintained a close cooperative relationship since 2015. This partnership has resulted in Fulin P.M. continuously optimising its measurement technology, using Renishaw’s machine tool probes for in-line measurement on the production line and Renishaw’s XL-80 laser interferometer for machine calibration.

“Renishaw is very responsive in service and technological support,” said Mr Lyu. “Renishaw’s engineers took time at the start of the Equator
project to help inspectors operate the gauging systems, providing advice on applications, even during the height of the pandemic.”

As the automotive industry transitions from conventional internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric and hybrid models, the Fulin P.M. Testing Centre is also adapting to this rapid change by implementing Intelligent Process Control (IPC) software. Fulin has also introduced the Equator 500 system to its automated inspection processes to cope with the increased demand on inspecting bigger parts at faster speeds. The Equator 500 system, which was launched by Renishaw in 2018, is designed for larger part gauging with a measuring volume of up to 500 mm in diameter and up to 400 mm in height. IPC software connects the Equator system to the machine tool controller to create an integrated closed-loop solution using gauging data to calculate cutting tool offset updates. This minimises human intervention and tool wear errors, while increasing process efficiency.