EMO 2013: Blum presents one tech, many possibilities

The new temperature measuring system TG81, the touch probe TC64-DIGILOG, the bore gauge BG60 and the innovative surface roughness gauge TC63-RG.
Heribert Bucher, Director of the Division Measuring Components, says: “Already at EMO 2011, we presented the TC76-DIGILOG as the first system with a revolutionary digital-analogue-technology. At EMO 2013 we will show by means of further innovations the enormous potential within this technology. As with the previously developed touch probe which had been developed especially for measuring and testing of workpieces, we are now presenting with this new development many verification possibilities from one source. Measurement of workpieces and bores, determining and compensating workpiece temperatures, as well as verifying workpiece surface roughness. Whether measuring surfaces or temperature, each of the presented systems determines analogue values, transferring these digitally via BRC-radio technology into the machine control”.
The first highlight, the new temperature measuring system TG81, was developed for simultaneous determination of the workpiece temperature during prime time. This product is used in the field of dry machining or machining of workpieces with strong entry temperature differences, for example, caused by temperature differences between storage and manufacturing. Up to eight sensors, integrated in the workpiece clamping device, determine the current temperature of the workpiece and transfer it via BRC-radio technology to the machine control. NC-controls are able to calculate compensation values based on the data and implement them directly into the machining process. The system can also be operated with other analogue sensors, e.g. with workpiece positioning sensors or clamping pressure sensors.
At EMO 2013, Blum is also presenting the analogue verification of workpieces, live on their stand. Integrated in the machining centre, the compact TC64-DIGILOG is checking workpieces by analogue scan for processing errors. Again, the data transfer will not be made via cable, but with the proven BRC-radio-technology. The touch probe TC64-DIGILOG is the perfect solution for CNC-milling and turning centres. Positive experiences have been made on milling centres with 5-axis-gear machining. In the area of turning machines, tests for roundness, radial runout and cylindricity of workpieces are planned, whereupon the digital application is possible as a standard touch probe.
Also new is the bore gauge BG60. The innovative measuring system is used in the series manufacturing of workpieces with narrow tolerance holes and fits. The measurement will be made in-process during the on-machine measuring, whereby faulty workpieces will be recognized immediately. The bore gauge will be used as a tool within the machine and will be loaded into the spindle for measurement. The BG60 has a separate, analogue measuring mechanism, which, contrary to the conventional touch probes, works independently of the machine accuracy. Especially in the volume production of workpieces with identical bore diameters, as for example engine components – cylinder head and block, connecting rods, valves, … - or hydraulic components, the BG60 brings all its remarkable advantages.

The surface roughness gauge TC63-RG represents a quantum leap in the field of machine-integrated quality monitoring. While workpiece dimensions with the reliable Blum measuring components may be determined in-process and accurately, the evaluation of the surface roughness was only possible with a downstream control step or as a manual work step on the clamped workpiece. “The surface roughness gauge with integrated DIGILOG-technology will close this gap. Poor surfaces, for example, caused by worn out tools, can be recognized during the process. Finally, the workpiece is in the initial set-up during the test, whereby the possibility for re-working by using a new tool is given. This is the only way to reduce the rNike