Blum-Novotest To Present Universal Probe For Tool Setting At MACH 2014

10 January 2014

Blum-Novotest, the leading manufacturer of innovative and high-quality measuring and testing technology, will be giving its UK exhibition debut to its new 3D tool setting probe TC64-20 at MACH 2014 on Stand 5945. The company is supplementing its tool setting probe series with a high-precision, wireless system that features BRC Radio Technology, for tool setting and tool breakage detection in three axes.

Winfried Weiland, Marketing Manager at Blum-Novotest, explains: “The TC64-20 is both a universal and cost-effective system for the automatic measurement and monitoring of tool length, tool radius and tool breakage in CNC machining centres. It is used on machines in many different industrial areas. If several systems, for example a tool setting probe and a workpiece probe, are to be operated in a machine, this is possible thanks to the BRC Radio Technology integrated within the probe. The TC64-20 is also an excellent solution if wired devices cannot be attached, for example on machines with pallet changers."

The compact tool setting probe excels through extremely fast and robust data transmission. Instead of the channel hopping method or channel assignment commonly used in the market, this probe transmits the collected data to the receiver using Blum's BRC technology. The advantage of this technology is based on each single bit of the radio signal running across the entire width of the frequency band, thus making transmission particularly resistant to interference. Then the data is transmitted to the radio receiver RC66 quickly and securely. Just one receiver can be used to control up to six measuring systems from the extensive Blum radio family. This includes all tool setting probes and workpiece touch probes, as well as the newly introduced DIGILOG measuring systems, the bore gauge BG60, the roughness gauge TC63-RG or the workpiece temperature measuring device TG81 that will all also be shown at MACH.

A further highlight of the TC64-20 is the integrated shark360 technology. The patented measuring mechanism offers a considerably higher measuring accuracy than comparable probes because of the modified face gear. During the measuring process the face gear causes a defined deflection direction at constant deflection forces. The torsion force that occurs in the measuring mechanism is absorbed by the gear and therefore has no effect on the measuring result. The switch point repeatability is a high-precision 0.4μm 2σ.

Another advantage is the generation of the switch signal for determination of the axis positions. It is not generated by a mechanical contact, but opto-electronically by shading with a miniature light barrier inside the tool setting probe. As a result, it operates absolutely wear-free and guarantees maximum reliability over many years, even under the most adverse conditions. Further advantages of the TC64-20 are the high probing speed as well as the very low power consumption. Tools from a diameter of 1mm can be measured.

The mechanically robust design of the compact tool setting probe is perfectly adjusted to the harsh environment of a machine tool as per device protection class IP68. The self-centring stylus allows a change to be made without re-aligning the probe using a dial gauge. In addition, an optional predetermined breaking point protects the probe system in the event of an operating error. For further information, please contact your local Blum representative or come to the stand 5945 at MACH for a demonstration.