Article From: 11/27/2007 Production Machining
This electronic measuring system specially suited for tool setting for turn-mill centers, combines all the advantages of non-contact laser measuring of rotating tools with the mechanical touch probing of non-rotating tools in five approach directions within a single bolt-on unit, including precise non-lobing touch characteristics and optoelectronic signal generation, according to the company. Blum's shark360 technology, which introduces a face gear measuring mechanism system to perform off-center probing as, for example, when using cranked styli by providing a repeatable home position in the probe.
The measuring mechanism gives full protection against coolant and chips, and it can be customized.
There are many possible positions for the touch probe mounting as it can be located on almost any face of the laser control. This, combined with the diverse range of options allowed by the probe's modular design, gives a quite astonishing degree of flexibility in the way the whole package can be used. The probe can be affixed vertically, horizontally, inside or outside the laser control frame. Its mechanical design permits any of five approach directions to be employed without compromising accuracy in any way, the company says.
