Tool Setting Probe provides precise linear movement.
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Press Release Summary:
Automatic Z-Nano, for tool length setting and breakage detection, offers ±0.002 mm parallelism between measuring face and mounting face, and torque-free 2.5 N measuring force, which permits measurement of tools less than 0.2 mm in diameter. Repeatability is rated at ±0.5 µm, and overall stroke is 10 mm. Measurement data is transmitted directly to machine CNC via protected conduit connector cable. Software offers NC routines and cycles compatible with most control systems.
Original Press Release:
Blum Introduces Highly Precise Length/Breakage Probe
FORT MITCHELL, KY - Blum LMT, Inc., a global leader in measurement technology solutions, introduces the Z-Nano, a remarkably precise, fast and automatic probe for tool length setting and breakage detection.
According to Paul Meinhardt, general manager, the Z-Nano is a very cost-effective and reliable means to measure the length of a variety of tool types. "Regardless of the tool," he says, "if it's too long, too short or damaged, the results are always predictable: a loss of machining time, a loss of quality and a loss of productivity. The Z-Nano helps avoid these losses by ensuring fast, precise, automatic length measurement and breakage detection."
The Z-Nano features precise linear movement, exact ± 0.002 mm parallelity between measuring face and mounting face and a minimal, torque-free 2.5 N measuring force, which permits even the smallest, most delicate of tools - to less than 0.2 mm in diameter - to be measured. Z-Nano repeatability is ± 0.5 µm; overall stroke is 10 mm.
Measurement data are transmitted directly to the machine CNC via a protected conduit connector cable, which may be mounted horizontally or vertically. Software with proven NC routines and cycles is compatible with all major control systems (Fanuc, Siemens, Heidenhain, Mazatrol, etc.) and allows "unknown" tools to be set directly on the machine. The Z-Nano is produced with highly advanced materials, making it virtually impervious to aggressive coolants and chips and resulting in maintenance-free operation.
"Today's machine tools are faster, smarter and more sophisticated than their predecessors," says Meinhardt. And even though these machines are doing today what just a decade ago we only hoped they might do, there are still a number of variables impacting maximum machine utilization - beyond those of machine design and stability, control technology, cutting tool and fluid appropriateness and quality and operator competence."
One such variable is thermal growth or expansion. Heat, caused by spindle motors, axis motion, workpiece machining and even the temperature of the atmosphere, can cause thermal expansion, or drift in the machine and spindle. The Z-Nano provides automatic compensation of drift or deviation in the Z-axis, thus ensuring higher machine accuracy and greater machine uptime.
"The linear movement of the Z-Nano permits the measurement of extremely thin, delicate tools that can be easily damaged or broken if measured by conventional touch probes," Meinhardt says. "And because of its automatic, constant data transmission to the machine control, the Z-Nano becomes an important tool in process control - in stopping the production of scrap before it begins."
Blum LMT, Inc., is recognized as a developer of leading-edge laser measurement technology, with more than 30 years experience and more than 16,000 installations world-wide, including General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Boeing, General Electric, Bosch, Cincinnati Machine, Mikron, Ingersoll Milling Machine, Huller Hille, Fadal, Haas, YCI and others.
For more information, contact Blum LMT, Inc.; 250 Grandview Dr., Suite 10; Ft Mitchell, KY 41017. Tel: 859/344-6789. Fax: 859/344-6799. blumlmtcom E-mail: solutions@blumlmtcom.
