Probing and tool measurement systems for machine tools

Procal Solution offers renishaw make a comprehensive range of probing and tool measurement systems for CNC machine tools. Designed to improve machining accuracy and efficiency, our automated systems deliver significant cost savings and quality improvements.

Machine tool probing and on-machine tool measurement is an established best practice in the machining industry. Manually setting and inspecting tools and parts can be detrimental to machining performance and profitability. Our probing and tool setting systems help manufacturers to reduce scrap rates, eliminate machine down-time, and improve component quality.

Our solutions enable automated component set-up, in-cycle gauging, tool setting, and broken tool detection. When coupled with automatic offset updates, our technology enables you to machine with confidence, reduce set‑up times, and improve process control.

Work setting & inspection probe for machining center

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Work setting and inspection probe for turning center

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Auto tool setting
(Length, Diameter, Profile)

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What is machine tool probing and tool measurement?

Machine tool probing and tool measurement is the process of measuring the position, dimensions, and features of a workpiece or cutting tool on a machine tool. This ensures you meet required specifications and tolerances before and during the machining process.

Precise workpiece and tool measurement on a CNC machine helps to achieve accurate and consistent machining results, enhancing productivity, and minimising the risk of costly errors.

  • Machine tool probes for workpiece setting and inspection gather data on the shape, size, and position of a workpiece. Use to accurately measure features of machined parts and provide fast part set-up.
  • Tool setting and broken tool detection systems measure the cutting tool itself, rather than the workpiece. They establish a reference point on the cutting tool and check for any wear or breakage.
The benefits of machine tool probing and tool measurement

Workpiece and tool measurement can happen before, during, and after machining tasks. By practicing this type of measurement, eliminate costly machine downtime and component scrapping. This allows you to better invest your time and money into productive machining.

  • Increase throughput from existing assets: defer capital expenditure, reduce subcontract and overtime bills, and pursue additional business.
  • Increase automation in setting and measurement processes: reduce human intervention and redeploy staff into proactive engineering roles. Give your machine tools the intelligence they need to make decisions for themselves, enabling extended periods of ‘lights out' machining.
  • Eliminate rework and scrap: probing a workpiece at key stages of the machining process allows process parameters adjustments. This reduces part-to-part variation, thus increasing process capability and reducing non-conformance. Helping you to lower unit costs and shorten lead times.
  • Keep pace with the needs of your market: automated setting using probes will allow you to set up complex components, eliminating the need for costly precision fixtures. This means you can respond quickly to new customer requirements by rapidly introducing new processes.
Ensure right-first-time parts

An inaccurate machine cannot consistently make accurate parts. Regular machine tool maintenance and health check monitoring is essential for reliable, high-precision machining.

These types of preventative actions help to reduce sources of variation. They are the foundations of process control and ensure a consistent and efficient machining process.

Our expertise with CNC machining in industrial manufacturing

Throughout our history, we have continuously advocated engineering, change, and innovation. Established in 1973, our first product was the touch-trigger probe. This innovative product revolutionised the capabilities of co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs), enabling the accurate measurement of machined components.

In the mid-1970s, Renishaw introduced the first probe designed for metal cutting applications. This made automated probing for set-up and in-cycle inspection possible.

Today, our probe and tool measurement systems deliver significant quality and performance improvements throughout a wide range of applications and industries. Wherever you are in the world, with whatever machine, application, or problem, there is a Renishaw system that can transform your manufacturing production process.

Require a custom solution?

We have a dedicated custom products team that offers expert advice and design services for machine tool products. With unparalleled experience in custom-designs we are confident that we can meet your requirements, whatever the challenge.

Our offering includes:

  • Custom design and manufacturing solutions, ranging from specialist styli to full probing and tool measurement systems.
  • Machine surveys to find and design only the best solution for each individual requirement.
  • Easy integration of standard and custom products onto your machine.
  • Excellent costs and delivery times for custom products.
  • Supporting of both new machine designs and retrofit requirements.

Whatever your requirement, our custom products team are here to help. Get in touch today.

Leverage your machine tool data to its full potentiall

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