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An example for Fraunhofer CMI's expertise in automation

While fiber optic gyroscopes (FOGs) have several advantages over ring-laser gyroscopes, the difficulty of cost-effectively winding a high performance sensing coil has kept the cost of FOGs excessively high. In order to cost-reduce the manufacture of FOGs, Fraunhofer CMI developed a high-precision, computer controlled winder for the production of navigation and strategic-grade sensing coils. With over 15 coordinated servo-controlled axes, the winder is capable of cost-effectively winding, with minimal touch-labor, strategic grade coils for long-range navigation and space applications.

A Custom Designed Machine

This machine was customized for a number of large defense contractors, including Honeywell Corporation, and builds upon a long-standing relationship between Fraunhofer CMI and the world's premier fiber-optic gyroscope manufacturers.

Technical Summary

• Developed an automated, ultra-precision coil winder
• Cost reduced the production of fiber optic gyroscope-sensing coils
• Decreased winding time significantly while increasing quality and performance
• Included error detection and correction
• Achieved dynamic tension control within ±0.5 grams @ 60 RPM
• Achieved steady-state tension resolution of 0.05 grams
• Achieve winding speed of 30+ m/min