March 2013 - The new Renishaw XR20-W calibration system measures the angular position of rotary axes to within +/-1 arc second, wirelessly, for testing the accuracy of lathes, multi-axis machine tools, mill-turn machines, trunnion tables and spindles. The XR20-W works in conjunction with XL-80 or ML10 laser interferometers, as the system combines the readings of the rotary calibrator and laser to determine positioning errors in axes under test.

Application flexibility is extended by the addition of new off-axis rotary software that allows the XR20-W to be used even when it cannot be positioned directly on the rotary axis under test. The software calculates true position and records axis performance and errors when compared to the intended target. The test takes about ten minutes and results are sent to a PC via Bluetooth connection. Users say they can now test more and different machine tools than previously possible, giving a better return on investment and offering a more attractive service to their customers.

"The new Renishaw XR20-W rotary axis calibrator has transformed the way we calibrate rotary axes on machine tools," said Tony Morley, president Morley Machine Tool Alignment, a service and maintenance provider in Milton, Wash. "Before XR20-W, our technicians relied on the old Renishaw RX10 and our in-house designed 'Morleyometer' for applications where the calibrator could not be mounted on the center of rotation. While these devices got the job done, they were heavy, cumbersome and slow. Set-up could be challenging, and the associated cables and fixturing meant that great care had to be taken to ensure the test proceeded smoothly. Set-up is now quick and easy and the new RotaryXL software is a pleasure to use.

"The XR20-W can even be used in 'off center' applications such as trunnions and head type 5-axis machines," added Morley. "The new methodology allows mechanical set-ups to be done quickly with just a simple generic mounting fixture, allowing a fully automatic test routine to proceed without delay. This tool has enabled us to offer our customers (typically high end aerospace component manufacturers) an exceptionally high standard of service and helped our company grow from just four employees a few years ago to the 20 strong team we have today."

The XR20-W's lightweight, just over two pounds, and wireless operation allow fast setup and eliminate safety hazards created by cables. It attaches to a rotary axis via a flexible mounting ring assembly, and is centered within +/-1 mm (0.04") using a visual aid. Flexible mounting options include an adapter plate for rotary tables with unsuitable center recesses and a chuck adapter for lathes. The various mounting options ensure faster set-up and minimize alignment errors that can lead to measurement errors.

"We have reduced our test setup time by 40% and test run time by 20%," said Luke Wang, assistant general manager of Quality Control Department for Hurco, Taiwan. "And, the Bluetooth wireless technology allows safer testing, making supervision a non issue. As a result we do not disrupt shop floor activity, a great boost to our operations and quality procedures."