Laser Toolsetter is configurable for automated operation.
Press Release Summary:
Housed in stainless steel, NC4 non-contact laser tool setting system features transmitter and receiver units that measure 30 mm in diameter x 35 mm high. It offers repeatable toolsetting at system separations of up to 5 m, and tools as small as 0.2 mm dia can be measured at any selected point along laser beam. Breakage detection can be carried out on tools as small as 0.1 mm. LED, mounted on top of transmitter unit, delivers constant feedback on system status.
Original Press Release:
Compact Design, Optimized Detection Ranges Make New NC4 Laser Toolsetter Affordable, Adaptable Solution for Hard-to-Fit Machine Tools
Easy to install, ideal for retrofit, versatile NC4 can be configured for automated toolsetting and broken tool detection at distances of up to 5 meters.
September 2004 - Newest addition to Renishaw's line of non-contact laser tool setting systems, the ultra-compact laser NC4 features tool setting transmitter and receiver units measuring just 30 mm (diameter) x 35 mm (height), less than 1.5 inches in each dimension. Space-saving design allows the NC4 system to bring fast non-contact tool setting and tool breakage detection to machines previously unsuitable for such applications.
The NC4 system offers highly repeatable toolsetting at system separations of up to 5 meters. Depending on separation distances, tools as small as 0.2 mm diameter can be measured at any selected point along the laser beam, and breakage detection carried out on tools as small as 0.1 mm.
Before the introduction of the NC4 system, non-contact tool setters were incompatible with some machine tools, due to machine size or configuration. Toolsetters could only be installed by limiting machine axis travel, or by using complex and expensive actuators. The ultra-compact NC4 tool setter overcomes these problems, removing the need to compromise machine performance, and offering the full benefits of non-contact setting. Application versatility also makes the NC4 system highly suitable for retrofit installations. System set-up is also simple, as there is no laser focal point to identify, and a new visible LED mounted on top of the transmitter unit gives users constant feedback on system status.
Housed in rugged stainless steel, the NC4 laser tool setter has an IPX8 rating, and will operate in the harshest of machine environments. Renishaw's MicroHole(TM) protection system uses a continuous stream of compressed air to provide uninterrupted protection from swarf, graphite and coolant ingress, even during measuring routines. If the air supply fails, a new innovative failsafe sealing device prevents contamination, maintaining IPX8 protection.
The NC4 tool setter is available as both fixed and separate systems, with a fixed system of 300 mm, and separate systems spanning up to 5 meters. For separate systems, there is now just one generic transmitter unit and one generic receiver unit. Separation distances are set by simply changing just one serviceable part on both transmitter and receiver units, bringing large benefits to system installers.
Fully compatible with Renishaw's comprehensive suite of tool setting software, the NC4 also incorporates "drip rejection" techniques that reduce the unwanted effects of coolant drips and metal chips. An impressive system response time of 10µs also aids the accurate setting of fast rotating tools.
Renishaw's web site - www.renishaw.com - offers six short video clips demonstrating various features and capabilities of the NC4 laser toolsetting system.
For more information on the NC4 and Renishaw's NC family of non-contact laser toolsetters, contact Dave Bozich, Business Manager - Machine Tool Products, Renishaw Inc. Phone 847-286-9953. Fax 847-286-9974. Email: dbozich@renishaw.com.
Inquiries should be directed to:
Susan Wilm
Marketing Assistant
Renishaw Inc.
5277 Trillium Blvd.
Hoffman Estates IL 60192
