Blum-Novotest to present Z-Pico probe at Euromold

The Z-Pico probe offers compact tool-length setting and breakage control for machine tools.

It can carry out machine compensation of the smallest tools in one machine axis.

It is 55mm high and has a 28mm2 area.

Uwe Fischer, sales manager at Blum-Novotest, said: 'The Z-Pico is ideal for machines in micromachining applications that often have small machining areas and are able to execute only short traverse paths in each axis.

'That is why users in areas such as the watch and electronic manufacturing industries will profit from the compact size of the probe.

'It is ideal for monitoring the smallest of tools such as 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 sensitive enough to measure the smallest diameters or very long tools.

The Z-Pico can measure tools down to a diameter of 0.05mm depending on the geometry and the tool's material.

The Z-Pico's trigger signal is generated opto-electronically by shading of a miniature light barrier inside the probe.

This guarantees a wear-free probe with constant reliability under the roughest working conditions.

The Z-Pico can be mounted in vertical and horizontal directions.

The delivery programme includes practical measuring cycles for all common control types.

The switching status is indicated by an LED, which allows easy control of operation.

Blum is offering many accessories for the system, including the integrated blow-off system to clean the tool and measuring surface or an additional mechanical chip protection for the horizontal installation.

The Z-Pico offers the fastest tool breakage control and measurement of the tool length, rapid ROI (low investment), reduced scrap rate and improved productivity and quality.

The new probe is suited for the retrofitting on machining centres and enables unmanned operation to enhance production capabilities.

Fischer added: 'The accuracy of today's machine tools is heavily influenced by temperature variation.

'The temperature differences within the machine caused by spindle motors, axis motion, workpiece machining and sunlight cause errors that significantly exceed the workpiece tolerances.

'The Z-Pico provides constant high machine accuracy with its automatic correction of the drifted axis.

'The probe is also available in size as a cable-free version, Z-Nano IR, with infrared data transmission.

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