Multiple tool setting, inspection probing for machine tools

Renishaw, developer and manufacturer of precision technologies in measurement, motion control, spectroscopy, and precision machining, has a new RMI-Q multiple probe radio transmission system that uses a single radio receiver for tool setting probe and spindle-mounted touch probe installations, offering fast integration and a cable-free machine environment. The system is easily integrated on a wide range of machining centres and computer numerical controlled (CNC) milling machines, offering automated on-machine tool setting, tool breakage detection, part setup, and part verification capability.

The full potential of Renishaw’s RMI-Q radio transmission interface is realised when as many as four separate radio transmission probes are operated on the same CNC machine, making it an excellent choice for fitment onto CNC machining centres, or machines with rotary tables or twin pallets.

Multiple probing configurations are possible, typically comprising the new Renishaw RTS tool setter with Renishaw RMP60 inspection probe or other compatible spindle-mounted touch probes with radio transmission such as RMP40 or RMP600, selected to suit the user’s specific application requirements.

The RMI-Q is used to activate either the spindle-mounted touch probe or table-mounted tool-setting probe, and gives visual indication of the activated device. It features the tried-and-tested 2.4 GHz frequency-hopping spread spectrum radio transmission, designed to be compliant with radio regulations worldwide, enabling uninterrupted operation in increasingly busy radio environments. The system is suitable for applications that have obscured line of sight to the probe, and its transmission range of up to 15m makes it particularly suitable on large machines. The RMI-Q has all the functionality of Renishaw’s proven RMI, combined with additional features. RMI-Q allows easy acquisition using a simple macro to partner all required probes to the interface in a single operation. Additionally, when RMI-Q is used in conjunction with an RTS and radio spindle probe, it is possible for a simple automated calibration cycle to be run using the RTS stylus as the calibration artifact.

Renishaw’s new RTS tool-setting probe with radio transmission is a robust, compact, and cable-free product that does not restrict table movement and offers users broken-tool detection combined with fast and accurate tool measurement. Its design is particularly suitable for machines with twin pallets or rotary tables, which have proven challenging for installations of hard-wired tool setters.

The RTS is a contact tool setter for tool-setting and tool-breakage detection. It communicates using radio transmission, which makes it ideal for large machines or where line of sighNike Zoom Flight Bonafide