Renishaw has presented its new XM-60 multi-axis calibrator. The XM-60 is capable of measuring all six degrees of freedom from a single set-up, in any orientation for linear axes. It offers significant improvement in simplicity and time saving over conventional laser measurement techniques.
As demands on component tolerances increase, manufacturers are now required to consider all error sources from the machines producing parts; angular errors as well as linear and straightness errors. XM-60 captures all these errors in a single set-up. Designed for the machine tool market, the XM-60 multi-axis calibrator complements Renishaw’s calibration product line which includes the XL-80 laser system, XR20-W rotary axis calibrator and QC20-W wireless ballbar. The XM-60 uses the XC-80 environmental compensator to correct for environmental conditions.
The XM-60 multi-axis calibrator provides a highly accurate laser system that incorporates unique technology with a patented optical roll measurement and fibre optic launch system. The compact launch unit is remote from the laser unit, reducing heat effects at the point of measurement. It can be mounted directly to the machine on its side, upside down and even on its back, which is particularly beneficial in areas with difficult machine access.
To support the release of the XM-60 multi-axis calibrator, a new version of Renishaw‘s CARTO software suite will be released to guide users through the workflow of the measurement process. CARTO 2.0 includes Capture and Explore applications which already provide data capture and analysis for the XL-80 laser interferometer system. The CARTO user interface can easily be configured to suit user preferences, with the ability to change themes and customise displays. It is tablet friendly and has expandable menu sections for ease of use on compact screens. Test methods are automatically saved, so for repeat testing users can simply recall an earlier test.
Capture 2.0 features an all new part program generator, supporting Fanuc 30, Heidenhain 530, Mazak Matrix and Siemens 840D controllers, with more to follow in later releases. It has advanced features to automatically set the dwell time in the program, based on the averaging period selected by the user, and ‘matched time’ mode to assist time based capture when using the XL-80 system. In XM-60 mode Capture 2.0 uses the calibrator’s straightness measurement functionality to improve its ease of use.
