Published 11/25/2021

Renishaw Updates Blue Laser Measuring Technology

Renishaw's NC4+ Blue system features improved optics that are said to deliver significant improvements in tool measurement accuracy, ensuring components can be machined more accurately and efficiently.

Edited by: Chris Pasion

Managing Editor, Modern Machine Shop | Production Machining

Photo Credit: Renishaw

Renishaw’s updated NC4+ Blue, the latest evolution of the non-contact tool setter, features a compact design and is now available in four sizes, with operating gaps ranging from 55 mm to 240 mm. Measurement repeatability has reportedly been improved to ±0.5μ on smaller separations.

Featuring improved optics, Renishaw's NC4+ Blue system is said to deliver significant improvements in tool measurement accuracy, ensuring components can be machined more accurately and efficiently.

Renishaw says that blue laser technology has a shorter wavelength compared to red laser sources found in conventional non-contact tool setters, which results in optimized laser beam geometry. This reportedly enables the measurement of very small tools while minimizing tool-to-tool measurement errors.

NC4+ Blue systems use Renishaw's non-contact tool setting software package. Auto-optimization technology within the software automatically adjusts the movement of the tool in and out of the beam to minimize any wasted movement and cycle time.

The NC4+ Blue uses MicroHole and PassiveSeal optical protection technologies, which is said to enable fast and reliable tool measurement, even in wet conditions. MicroHole technology protects the optics from contamination during measurement by delivering a continuous stream of compressed air through a very small and precise laser-drilled hole in the transmitter and receiver heads. The PassiveSeal system provides an additional layer of protection, automatically shielding the optics from contamination in the event of air supply failure. It uses a pneumatic installation that Renishaw claims minimizes any need for maintenance.

In addition, the interior of a machining center is a hostile environment with coolant drips, swarf chips and dust commonplace. Coolant mist can saturate the air and quickly coat any exposed optical surfaces.

NC4+ Blue support is now embedded into Renishaw's range of graphical user interfaces, including on-machine and mobile apps such as Renishaw Set and Inspect and GoProbe.