Blum-Novotest BG60 automatic bore measuring system checks diameters on the machine

Blum-Novotest technical director Wolfgang Reiser explains "In the mass production of workpieces with identical bore diameters particularly, like cylinder heads and blocks, connecting rods, valves or hydraulic engine components, the BG60 comes into its own with a measuring time of less than 0.5 sec per diameter." Measurement is performed locally in the machining set-up, thus ensuring that faulty workpieces are immediately detected. The gauge is handled in the machine like a standard tool and is loaded into the spindle for measurement. The entire measuring operation therefore runs automatically." A major advantage is that unlike other process-oriented measuring systems, the diameter values recorded are not based on the machine's current axis positions. The BG60 is equipped with a dedicated analogue measuring mechanism that operates independently of the machine accuracy, thus offering genuine objectivity. The mechanism is float-mounted, which enables simple diameter measurement independent of the exact spindle position with a resolution of 12 bit/0.15 µm. As with all Blum equipment, the BG60 is an opto-electronic measuring system that offers wear-free operation and reliability. It is supplied with a bore gauge for the specific application. Depending on the gauge used, bore diameters from 3–200 mm can be measured. The analogue measuring value is then transmitted via radio signals to the receiver and transferred to the IF48 interface. For many companies involved in mass production, the objective is to achieve a closed process chain. To enable them to do this, Blum offers the optional IF48 graphical interface. If a deviation from the expected dimension is detected during measurement, the interface automatically corrects the adjustment value to mid-tolerance. For this purpose, the upper and lower tolerance can be specified in the IF48. If successive measurements reveal a trend caused by thermal drift of the machine, or tool wear, the interface intervenes in the process accordingly. If a value is outside tolerance, the machine stops automatically. The IF48 logs individual measurements and allows users to perform statistical analysis and compile measuring reports. The reports can be accessed using computers connected to the company network or simply read out via USB interface. It is connected to the control system via Profibus or an Ethernet bus module. Data is transmitted between the BG60 and the RC66 receiver using proven BRC radio technology developed by Blum. 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. On the other hand, BRC technology does not interfere with local Bluetooth or W-LAN networks. Up to 16 bore gauges can be activated sequentially by a single RC66.