Software Update Extends Ballbar Capabilities

The Renishaw QC20-W Ballbar. (Image courtesy of Renishaw.)

Ballbar systems play a crucial role in manufacturing by verifying the positioning performance of CNC machine tools.

Now, a software update for Renishaw’s QC20-W ballbar called Ballbar Trace promises the most accurate system yet.

The QC20-W is a wireless telescoping ballbar optimized for performance verification and diagnosis of CNC machine tools. It is capable of accurately measuring minute deviations in length. According to Renishaw, the QC20-W reduces machine down-time, scrap and inspection costs.

The update to QC20-W is free to existing users, and opens up several new features, including:

Static Monitoring
Data Capture for ISO 10791-6
Reduced Test Setup Time

The ISO 10791 standard specifies test conditions for machining centers with four or five axes. Part 6 documents kinematic verification tests using a ballbar.

The QC20-W allows testing in three orthogonal planes through a single reference point. (Image courtesy of Renishaw.)

Data collected from a set of multi-axis machine moves verifies the contouring accuracy of the three Cartesian axes as well as one or two rotary axes simultaneously.

Renishaw is also releasing a new version of XCal-View, its data analysis software, to provide enhanced data analysis.

The update of XCal-View gives users swift access to Ballbar Trace data. It also allows instant reporting to the ISO 10791-6 format. The XCal-View update will also be free of charge to all existing users. New users will be able to purchase the software at their local Renishaw office.

For more information, visit Renishaw’s website, or check out the video introduction to the QC20-W ballbar system.