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60 MMS August 2017 mmsonline.com QUALITY GAGING TIPS Columnist With these transmitters, parts can be measured wherever they sit, even in the machine tool, without cables getting caught in the tooling. Plus, the tools provide visual feedback, generating a signal to the operator that the transmission was received and acknowledged by the computer. This happens virtually instantaneously, so it does not slow down the operator. Most transmitters also can be con- figured to provide a "go" or "no-go" signal to the user based on whether the part is within tolerance. Another application for wireless transmitters might be when multiple digital indicators are being used on one gaging fixture. Typically, each digital indicator would have its own cable, and some type of interface box would be required to handle multiplexing the signals to the computer. Inte grating transmit te rs into gaging device s eliminates the need for both the cabling and the multiplexers, and it also provides a cleaner- looking gaging station. In addition, the PC running the data-collection sof tware can be triggered by the operator to gather the data from the mul- tiple digital indicators. Eliminating cables is great, but probably the best application for this wireless technology is right at the machine tool. As the operator mea- sures a part, the data are transmitted wirelessly into the machine tool's controller and used to help calculate proper offsets, greatly improving throughput and part quality. Out-of-spec parts are virtually eliminated. At the same time, the data can be stored in the cloud for long-term archiving, also indicating when the part was measured and by whom. In this way, it also can be used for tracking and improving operator throughput. The next revolution is rising through a combi- nation of digital gaging for accurate shopfloor measurement, unrestricted wireless transmission of reliable data and statistics for process control. Add to this the way machines, robots, inventory and material-handling systems are all talking together, and you'll see that we truly are getting closer to the fourth manufacturing revolution. I N PA RT N E R S H I P W I T H : Gardner Business Media Metalworking Group 2 0 1 7 TOP SHOPS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 5-7, 2017 | INDIANAPOLIS, IN TopShopsEvent.com BUILD YOUR MACHINING BUSINESS Modern Machine Shop Top Shops Conference is the place to build your business. The event will connect the leaders in machining and metalworking – the top shops, the top suppliers, the top innovators. REGISTER TODAY!