The ZX-Speed tool setting probe is aimed at customers who wish to profit from automatic, quick, and economical tool measurement and monitoring. The tool length measurement and breakage detection processes are carried out while the tool is stationary. Only large tools such as facing mills, which must be measured off-center, as well as radii are measured under rotation with the help of cutting edges that rotate in reverse. The measurements are performed, for example, after a new tool has been loaded or for control measurements between machining steps. This is a reliable method of avoiding costly rejects due to undetected tool breakage, wear and poorly adjusted tools.
A particularly noteworthy feature of the new ZX-Speed is the modern, multi-directional measuring mechanism of the latest generation: Unlike standard probes, its rotationally symmetric design offers constant and extremely precise measuring characteristics in all measuring directions without a preferred direction. This allows the measurement of even very small tools starting from a diameter of 1mm with an ultra-precise repeatability of 0.4µm 2s. The trigger signal generation system used by the BLUM tool measuring probe is also remarkable because it is based on optoelectronics and the shading of a miniature light barrier rather than a simple micro-switch. This wear-free system guarantees consistently high measurement accuracy even after millions of switching cycles.
The new tool-setting probe is available in three versions: wired, infrared, and radio transmission. The highly economic wired version is recommended if it is possible to mount the probe at a fixed location in the machine room without causing interference. It is supplied as standard with a highly flexible connection cable and 1.5m steel spiral protective hose.
The ZX-Speed RC with BRC radio technology is used if a direct line of sight between the probe and receiver cannot be guaranteed. One advantage of the new transmission technology is that each single bit of the radio signal runs across the entire width of the frequency band, thus making transmission particularly resistant to interference. The proven BRC radio technology also allows sequential activation of up to six BLUM radio measuring systems with one receiver as well as the simultaneous use of two radio measuring systems on a single machine operating in TWIN mode.