ANCA's Software Features Total Tool Runout Compensation

ANCA’s latest update to its ToolRoom software has an option to apply complete tool runout compensation.

On an ANCA tool and cutter grinder, runout is measured by rotating the blank around the A-axis (headstock) and using a Renishaw touch probe. The latest update in ToolRoom RN34.1 contains the total tool runout measurement and compensation operation in IGrind, an addition to the existing axial runout compensation.

The runout measurement and compensation can be performed on a blank or a pre-formed blank. A pre-formed blank is a tool that has flutes ground; for example, tools requiring re-sharpening. Endface compensation is used for axial runout by digitizing a single point close to the end of the tool.

Total runout or full compensation will measure and compensate radial and axial runout. This is mainly used while manufacturing and two points are digitized. One is near the end of the tool and the other at shank end. With the digitized results, users can convert the grinding to the centerline of the blank rather than the centerline of the A-axis.           

According to ANCA, runout in drills and reamers will result in oversized holes, which can be avoided by using the runout compensation. Manufacturing challenges due to runout is a persistent issue for many precision tool manufacturers, and ANCA says it hopes to address this problem with the new software features. The new complete tool runout measurement and compensation operation is now available as an option in the latest ToolRoom update for RN34.1 release. ANCA says customers will benefit from reduced collet and collet adaptor setup time and reduced scrap.