Automatic measuring system for textures with sample change by means of a robot arm

Abstract

The existing texture measuring device of the research department of Thyssen Stahl AG has been retrofitted and automated to make it possible that ODF analyses may be used more comprehensively in steel development, despite the high efforts required for measuring and evaluation. Now it is possible to automatically measure series of up to 10 samples. All measuring processes are controlled by step motors by a computer, which also collects the measured data. Samples are changed by a robot arm, which replaces the measured sample by a new one taken from a special sample magazine. Both the evaluation and the output of data and graphics are also performed by series and automatically on a second computer. Because of the new investigation device, up to 12 ODF measurements per day are possible, while the costs are reduced to one fifth of the former level.