Renishaw Inc. has developed a broken-tool detection system that the company says is based on affordable laser technology. Renishaw's TRS1 tool-recognition system uses proprietary toolrecognition technology to distinguish intact from broken tools, and is designed for use in high-speed machining conditions.
The company says laser precision makes its system effective for tools as small as 0.019in. in diameter. Renishaw says the time in which broken tools can be detected is less than one second. The company says its system is designed to be versatile and to fit a wide range of CNC machines from large machining centers to small drilling machines. The machines are compact, with heads that are 1.5 in. wide by 2.87 in. deep by 3.27 in. high. The heads are designed to be mounted on any rigid machine surface to monitor tools in operating ranges of 12 in. to 79 in.
www.renishaw.com
