Blum at EMO 2009 in Milan

Wireless, fast and secure – Blum-Novotest launches its new innovative Radio Touch Probe TC60 at the EMO 2009

Blum-Novotest, one of the leading suppliers of innovative and high quality measuring and test technology introduces their new radio touch probe TC60 at the EMO 2009 (Hall 4 stall B14A). This high speed probe with innovative radio technology represents an extension of the company’s product range offering distinctive advantages in respect of speed, reliability and user-friendliness when compared to systems used up to now. The TC60 was especially developed for situations where the distance between the touch probe and the receiver is very long or where a continuous visual contact during the measuring process cannot be guaranteed. This is for instance the case for machines with large machining areas, 5-axes processing or when the probe has to be immersed within the workpiece

The TC60 excels through extremely fast and robust data transmission. Instead of using the usual data transmission via channel hopping or selection, the touch probe TC60 transmits data via in-house driven BRC technology. The advantage of this technology is based on each single bit of the radio signal running across the entire width of the frequency band, thus making transmission particularly resistant to interference. Additionally, Blum technology also wins hands down through its very short transmission time. Normally radio probe systems require 10ms or more for the transmission of a trigger signal. In practise, however, it happens quite often that the user reduces the feed rate during measuring operation by turning the override button in order to prevent collisions. Errors occur as a result as the actual measuring speed no longer corresponds to the one calibrated for the system. However, as BRC technology requires a mere 1.7ms for transmission, it is possible to virtually eliminate this error.

Apart from the workpiece probe TC60 Blum also introduces the compact radio receiver RC66 as well as the interface IF59-A2. The elegant radio receiver RC66, like its infrared counterpart is ready for adaptation to various mounting conditions by making use of its great range of accessories. The interface IF59-A2 is ready for use with infrared or radio transmission. This presents an advantage, on the one hand, for the machine manufacturer in respect of storage and machine preparation but on the other hand is also of great value for the end user if an already installed touch probe system is to be retrofitted by Blum for radio transmission.  All that is required is a simple replacement of the IR receiver unit mounted in the machine panel with the assembly compatible radio receiver. The interface IF59-A2 remains in the switch cabinet, thus saving cost and effort.

Additional advantages of the TC60 include long battery life and user-friendly operation. Taking the starting point usual for industry purposes of utilization rates of 5%, batteries will need to be changed after approx. 4 months. Apart from that, user-friendliness manifests itself in the simple teaching method used between measuring probe and interface. A selector switch is used to set and address (1 to 6) on the IF59-A2 selector switch whereupon all inactive touch probes in the vicinity will be triggered. The appropriate touch probe is selected manually with the help of a magnet pin included in the delivery by Blum, thus being allocated to the set address on the IF59-A2. The Blum system functions perfectly without the need to carry out the usual teaching steps when access is difficult due to soiled parts of the machine.

The design of the touch probe allows considerably higher measuring speeds than comparable systems. Other systems measure at a speed of 400-500 mm/min, the TC60 can be used at 3000 mm/min offering a massive reduction of measuring time. Apart from its new radio technology the TC60 has its integrated, proven and tested precision measuring mechanism that has been used successfully for many years in other touch probes by Blum-Novotest. Its rotation symmetric design offers constant scanning behaviour in all measuring directions without relying on a favourite direction. Another advantage for the customer has been the way of generating the switch signal. This is achieved opto-electronically by shading a mini light barrier making it free of wear and tear.



Downloads:

Brochure TC60

Brochure RC66



Editors´s notes:

Established in 1968 and based in Ravensburg, Germany, Blum-Novotest GmbH is recognized worldwide as a developer of leading-edge measuring and testing technology for international machine tools, aerospace and automotive industries. The family firm has more than 260 employees working in Germany, Great Britain, Italy, France, USA, China, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore and Korea. Together with skilled dealers (due to their technical competence called "system integrators") and regional sales offices they guarantee comprehensive service for thousands of Blum systems applied all over the world.




For further information:
 
Blum-Novotest GmbH
Production Metrology
Postfach 1202
D-88182 Ravensburg
Germany

Tel:  + 49 (0) 751 6008-0
Fax: + 49 (0) 751 6008-156
E-Mail: vk@blum-novotest.com
Web: www.blum-novotest.com