Touch Probe TC53-30 at ZF Steyr

Troubleshooting for Automotive Industries –
Blum-Novotest presents their new Probe System TC53-30

Blum-Novotest, leading manufacturers of innovative and high-quality measuring and testing technologies presented their new TC53-30 with integrated shark360 measuring mechanism in completion to their modular probe system TC53-10 available since 2007. The TC53-10 was developed for tool and workpiece measurement in small machining centers and turning lathes, the TC53-30 is the perfect solution for special measuring operations in large production lines, as they are used e.g. in automotive industries.

Heiko Petruska, area manager Austria, explains: „This probe is used for measuring tasks which require movement deep into the workpiece. If measuring is carried out with an extension of 300 mm as the case at ZF in Steyr/Austria the TC53-30 is at its most impressive. At higher accelerations the extension causes a leverage which must be absorbed by the housing. Due to its robust design it can be moved with much higher accelerations than other comparable spindle probes.“

In the gear production of ZF in Steyr (Austria) the probe has already proved itself for several months in serial operation. It is used in machining centers from Hüller Hille to measure inside widths for O-rings on a gear housings. The production sequence was simplified greatly with the TC53-30. Previously the gear housings had to be removed and measured on a measuring machine which was both time and cost-consuming. Furthermore transport and storage times on the way to the measuring machine and back caused delayed completion of the housing.

„Since we are using the TC53-30 these steps can be completely omitted“, says Otmar Schlachter, General Manager at ZF in Steyr. „Today we take the necessary measurements directly on the machining center. The first step is to trigger on a reference surface, the second step is to measure the distance to the inside width. Then the inside width is checked in ‚pulling/pushing measurement‘. Should any allowance be detected, the operator can initiate post processing as the housing is still in original setting."

The TC53-30 by Blum is a combination of the probe system TC76, application-oriented accessories like extensions and angles as well as a housing with integrated infrared transmission. The real measured value acquisition is carried out via the adapted probe system.

The ‘pulling/pushing measurement’ mentioned can primarily be carried out due to the new shark360-measuring mechanism. Due to its integrated face gear the measuring mechanism offers an essentially higher measuring accuracy than other probe systems especially when using cranked styli as they are used by ZF. The face gear secures a defined deflection direction at constant deflection forces. The torsional force in the measuring mechanism is adapted by the face gear and has no influence on the measuring result.

Due to the innovative way of signal generation the probe is perfectly suitable for serial application. It is not done via a mechanical contact but opto-electronically by shading of a miniature light barrier inside of the probe. The system is working without any wear and guarantees maximum reliability for many years even under the worst working conditions. A further advantage of the TC53-30 besides that of a high measuring speed and repeatability of 1 µm 2 σ, is the very low power consumption required with up to 100,000 triggers with a standard off-the-shelf battery.




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