Renishaw extends radio transmission probe system options

The Renishaw RMI-Q radio transmission interface allows up to four separate tool setting or spindle-probes with radio transmission to be operated on the same CNC machine, making it suitable for machining centres, or machines with rotary tables or twin pallets. RMI-Q enables cable-free automated on-machine tool setting, tool breakage detection, part set-up and part verification capability. A multitude of different multiple probing configurations are possible, typically comprising of the Renishaw RTS tool setter with Renishaw RMP60 inspection probe, or other compatible spindle-mounted touch probes with radio transmission such as RMP40 or RMP600, to suit the user's specific application requirements. The RMI-Q activates either the spindle-mounted touch probe or table-mounted tool setting probe, and gives visual indication of the activated device. Like the RTS tool setter it features 2.4 GHz frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) radio transmission for uninterrupted operation in increasingly busy radio environments. The system is suitable for applications that have obscured line of sight between probe and receiver, and its transmission range of up to 15 m makes it particularly suitable for large machines. The RMI-Q has all the functionality of Renishaw's established RMI interface, plus additional features, including the ability via a simple macro to partner all required probes to the interface in a single operation. The Renishaw RTS contact tool setting probe is a robust, compact and cable-free product that does not restrict table movement. Signals from the probe are communicated using radio transmission which makes it suitable for machines of any size, where line of sight is an issue, and for machines with twin pallets or rotary tables, which historically have proven challenging for installations of hard-wired tool setters. Dimensional accuracy is dependent upon a number of variables, including tool size deviation, tool/holder run-out and tool breakage. The RTS contact tool setter can compensate for variation during the machining process and update the controller automatically to account for actual effects, such as tool wear, and also allows processes to be automatically stopped when broken tools are detected. The RTS probe is powered by two standard AA batteries and can be used in conjunction with up to three other radio probes using the RMI-Q product.