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To facilitate the growing trend in multi-functional Mill/Turn machine tools, Blum NovoTest will be exhibiting its market leading LaserControl NT-H 3D at MACH 2010 on stand 5130. Blum will demonstrate the benefits of the exceptional tool setting system as well as the exciting range of Z-probes for tool setting and measurement.

Since its UK exhibition debut at MACH 2008; the LaserControl NT-H 3D has proven a resounding success for the German metrology manufacturer. The LaserControl NT-H 3D non-contact tool setting technology provides non-contact measurement of rotating tools as well as the mechanical measurement of non-rotating tools in five approach directions. Blum NovoTest has developed the LaserControl NT-H 3D to cater for the demands of Mill/Turn machine tools. Traditionally turning tools are measured with a mechanical probe and milling tools utilize a laser system, the NT-H 3D eliminates the need for both these types - significantly improving setting times.

The LaserControl NT-H3D can set the radius & tool length for both turning and milling tools and this reduces set-ups and reduces machine downtime. Measuring both sets of tools in one system, the NT-H3D can eliminate the need for two separate systems. Using one complete system, the LaserControl NT-H3D offers exceptional accuracy for all measuring requirements – ideal for machines where space is limited. Competitor products can only offer two separate systems and this reduces accuracy levels and machine accessibility. Alongside the LaserControl NT-H3D will be the Blum range of Z probes that includes the Z-Pico, Z-Nano and the Z-3D. Launched at the end of 2008, the innovative Z-Pico probe is an extremely compact tool length setting and breakage control system for machine tools.

The tiny 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 28mm2 the Z-Pico is one of the smallest tool setters on the market. The Z-Pico is the ‘little brother’ of the well-established Z-Nano tool setter. It is the ideal solution for micromachining applications that often have small machining areas only capable of executing short traverse paths in each axis. It is ideal 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. This makes 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. 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 an absolutely wear-free probe 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 very long or very small tools up to D=0.1mm can be measured with the highest repeatability (± 0.1 µm) 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 free of wear 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/retrofitted in short time and is also the ideal 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.

Completing the range of Z-probes to be shown at MACH will be the Z-3D probe. Offering tool length and radius measurement whether the tool is standing or rotating, the Z-3D has universal for breakage control, length and radius measurement that is possible from a single cutting edge plus a pre-determined breaking point that protects the probe system from faulty operation. For information and demonstrations of the LaserControl NT-H 3D and the Z-probe range or to enquire how Blum Novotest can resolve all your measurement problems, please visit us on Stand 5130.

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