New Tool Measurement System from ANCA Works Inside Grinder

0
2751

Users can rapidly measure the shape, profile, and outer diameter of a cutting tool while it is clamped in the grinding machine, and then compare measurements to ideal tool geometry with ANCA’s new iView system. The benefit is that discrepancies can then be addressed immediately without the need to remove the tool and measure off-machine. Measured data can be fed back into the grinding cycle for automatic compensation.

A cost-effective solution for high-precision tool measurements, ANCA’s iView includes software which works seamlessly with its machine operating software and a camera which mounts easily inside the ANCA tool and cutter grinder in less than one minute. It may be stored outside the machine when not in use. A single iView system can serve up to four grinding machines. iView has a standard magnification of 300:1, other magnifications can be provided, and the accuracy of the system is 2 microns.

iView software generates the ideal shape for standard tool geometries and protracts it over the actual tool image. iView can import DXF overlay files for complex profiles. A high-visibility image of the ground tool as taken by the iView camera is compared to the ideal (as designed) overlay shape. Tolerance bandwidth can be specified and graphically displayed over the tool image. Automatic generation of tangent to the profile simplifies measurement process.

Semiautomatic measurement mode means the tool overlay is automatically positioned over the corresponding point on the ground tool. Operator acknowledges the measured point and the machine advances to the next predetermined point. A0.005mm grid or auto shadowgraph can be superimposed over the tool for instant measurement. Images can be stored in easy to use graphical file formats so these can be shared e.g. via email. Measurement protocol can also be automatically generated and printed. iView can measure three-point angle, three-point radius measurement, and two-point distance measurement.

Two different magnifications of the iView system are available: the viewable area of a tool for 300:1 is 0.8mm x 0.6mm (.031"x.023") with accuracy of the measurement of 2 micron (better than 0.1 µ inch). The viewable area of a tool for 100:1 is 2.4mm x 1.8mm (.094"x.070") with accuracy of the measurement of 6 micron (0.2 µ inch).

Founded in 1974 to design and manufacture high technology CNCs for the machine tool industries, ANCA is today a leading designer and manufacturer of complete, precision CNC tool and cutter grinding machines in a global niche market. ANCA employs more than 300 with offices in major cities in Europe, North America, and Asia and dealerships in over 25 countries.

For more information contact Russell Riddiford at (248) 926-4466, or send e-mail to russellr@anca.com.au. The Web site is [www.anca.com.au]. For more information call (800) 225-0852.