To facilitate the growing popularity of multi-functional mill/turn machine tools, Blum Novotest will be exhibiting its LaserControl NT-H 3D at MACH, where the company will be demonstrating the benefits of its tool setting system as well as a range of Z-probes for tool setting and measurement. The system provides non-contact measurement of rotating tools as well as the mechanical measurement of non-rotating tools in five approach directions. Traditionally, turning tools are measured with a mechanical probe and milling tools utilise a laser system, however, the NT-H 3D eliminates the need for both these types significantly improving setting times. Using one complete system means that the product can offer high accuracy for all measuring requirements and is ideal for machines where space is limited. Alongside the LaserControl NT-H3D will be the Blum range of Z probes, including the Z-Pico, Z-Nano and the Z-3D. Launched at the end of 2008, the Z-Pico probe is a compact tool length setting and breakage control system for machine tools. The ‘little brother' of the Z-Nano, the Z-Pico can carry out machine compensation of the smallest tools in one machine axis, with a total height of only 55mm and a total width of just 28mm. Thus it is particularly suited to micro machining applications that often have small machining areas only capable of executing short traverse paths in each axis. It is also useful for monitoring the smallest of tools like gravers, micro drills and small cutters.
The linear working principle of the Z-Pico provides a minimum and torque free measuring force making the system suitably sensitive to measure the smallest diameters or very long tools. The Z-Pico is able to measure tools down to a diameter of 0.05mm depending on the geometry and the material of the tool, and as with all other Blum probes the trigger signal is not generated via mechanical contact but opto-electronically by shading of a miniature light barrier inside the probe. This guarantees a wear-free product with constant reliability under the roughest working conditions.
For slightly larger applications, the Z-Nano tool probe allows fast, precise and automatic measurement of tool length and breakage control. Even long or small tools up to D=0.1mm can be measured with high repeatability (± 0.1µm) due to the linear actuation of the probe. If the tool touches the probe, a miniature light barrier inside the unit is shaded. This principle is almost wear-free and enables consistently high measuring accuracies over many years. By means of a cable the Z-Nano can directly be connected to the measuring input of the control and needs no additional interface.
Also available in a wireless version, the Z-Nano IR enables machines to be equipped or retrofitted and is also a solution for machines with changeover tables or pallets where no connecting cabling to the measuring system is possible. Several systems can be operated on different pallets in one machine.
The Blum stand will also showcase the Z-3D probe. Offering tool length and radius measurement whether the tool is standing or rotating, the universal Z-3D can conduct breakage control, length and radius measurement from a single cutting edge
Finally, MACH will provide the launch pad for Blum's new range of touch probes as well as its FormControl 5-axis contour measurement software. The touch probe selection will include the established TC50, which is used to determine workpiece position and calculate tolerance deviations and thermal drift in machining centres. Also present will be the TC52, which has a diameter of 40mm and an effective length from spindle nose to stylus tip of only 112mm. The system has an optoelectronic measuring unit and constant measuring forces at any spindle position allow for precise measuring results. For higher accuracy, versatility and reliability, Blum Novotest will exhibit the TC53-10 probe that is used on milling, turning or combined mill/turn machines for tool and workpiece measurement. Off centre probing of vertical tools such as turning tools is catered for by the TC54-10 probe, which is an ideal solution for machines with limited space. For additional turning and round work applications, Blum will also show its established TC76-N touch probe, which has been designed for both tool and workpiece measurement in turning machines. To support the measurement of the workpiece and working in conjunction with the TC range of Blum spindle probes, the company will demonstrate its new FormControl V3 software at the show. The latest addition to the software family is ideal for 5-axis applications and it allows the end user to eliminate additional CMM set-up times. Version 3 measures the workpiece in situ without the need to remove the component. The most important innovations in this version include: virtual collision detection; the ability to measure functions as distances and angles; and 5-axis measurement with arbitrarily oriented probe and automatic compensation of setting errors, thermal drifts and changing probe errors. Through FormControl it is possible to measure mould and dies on the machining centre, ensuring fast machining control without resetting of the workpiece. Blum-Novotest
www.blum-novotest.com
Hall 5, Stand 5130
