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. MeBsystem fUr Texturen mit vollautcmatlschem Probenwechsel mit Hille eines Roboterarmes. Die bei der Thyssen Forschung vorhandene TexturmeBeinrichtung wurde umgebaut und automatisiert. Jetzt k6nnen OVF-Analysen in der Stahlentwicklungtrotz des hohen Aufwands, der zur Messung und Auswertung erforderlich ist -besser verwendet werden. Reihen von bis zu 10 Proben k6nnen nun automatisch gemessen werden. Aile MeBverfahren erfolgen computergesteuert; MeBdaten werden im Rechner gesammelt. Die Proben werden von einem Roboterarm ausgewechselt. Auswertung und Datenausgabe -auch in Form von Graphiken -erfolgen ebenfalls serienrnafiiq und automatisch auf einem zweiten Rechner. Mit dieser neuen Untersuchungseinrichtung k6nnen bis zu 12 OVF-Messungen pro Tag durchgefUhrt werden. Die Kosten wurden im Vergleich zurn truheren Verfahren auf ein Funttel gesenkt.

Improved sample manipulation at the STRESS-SPEC neutron diffractometer using an industrial 6-axis robot for texture and strain analyses

“…Standard series measurements are done routinely by individual experiments of up to 100 samples by manual sample change. For quality control in steel production a robot has been implemented in a conventional laboratory X-ray texture diffractometer [11]. The pole figure measurement itself was carried out using an Eulerian cradle.…”

“…This include a system developed by Thyssen Company [11] where a standard X-ray diffractometer with a conventional sample table was equipped with a robot based sample changer to facilitate automated texture analysis of sample series. In a similar vein a robot system is implemented purely as a sample changer in combination with conventional sample tables at the neutron facility ANSTO at the powder diffractometer Echidna [12] and recently at the instrument Hippo at the LANSCE facility [13].…”

The Robot Concept at STRESS-SPEC for the Characterisation or Semi-Finished Products

“…1 three examples are shown in which texture gradients can be measured only destructively at STRESS-SPEC using without the robot. For texture analysis a standard X-ray diffractometer was equipped with a roboter based sample changer, developed by Thyssen Company [4] in connection with the ODF analysis by Bunge (Technical University Clausthal). Cost reduction by a factor of 5 results.…”