Renishaw's new RMI-Q multiple probe radio transmission system uses a single radio receiver for tool setting probe and spindle-mounted touch probe installations, offering fast integration and a cable-free machine environment. The system is easily integrated on a wide range of machining centers and CNC milling machines, offering users automated on-machine tool setting, tool breakage detection, part set-up and part verification capability. The new RMI-Q system will be demonstrated at the Renishaw booth at IMTS 2012.             

The full potential of Renishaw’s new RMI-Q radio transmission interface is realized when as many as four separate radio transmission probes are operated on the same CNC machine, making it an excellent choice for fitment onto CNC machining centers, or machines with rotary tables or twin pallets.               

A multitude of different multiple probing configurations are possible, typically comprising of the new Renishaw RTS tool setter with Renishaw RMP60 inspection probe or other compatible spindle-mounted touch probes with radio transmission such as RMP40 or RMP600, selected to suit the users specific application requirements.             

The new RMI-Q is used to activate either the spindle-mounted touch probe or table-mounted tool setting probe, and gives visual indication of the activated device. It features the tried and tested 2.4GHz (designed to be compliant with radio regulations worldwide) frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) radio transmission enabling uninterrupted operation in increasingly busy radio environments. The system is suitable for applications that have obscured line-of-sight to the probe and its transmission range of up to 15m make it particularly suitable on large machines.  The RMI-Q has all the functionality of Renishaw’s proven RMI, combined with additional features. RMI-Q allows easy acquisition using a simple macro to partner all required probes to the interface in a single operation. Additionally when RMI-Q is used in conjunction with an RTS and radio spindle probe it is possible for a simple automated calibration cycle to be run using the RTS stylus as the calibration artifact.             

Renishaw’s new RTS tool setting probe with radio transmission is a robust, compact and cable-free product which does not restrict table movement, and offers users broken tool detection combined with fast and accurate tool measurement. It’s design is particularly suitable for machines with twin pallets or rotary tables, which historically have proven challenging for installations of hard-wired tool setters.             

The RTS is a contact tool setter for tool setting and tool breakage detection. It communicates using radio transmission which makes it ideal for large machines or where line-of-sight is an issue. The RTS is designed to be compliant with radio regulations worldwide, using frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) transmission on the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The RTS can measure both tool length and diameter of milling cutters, twist drills and end mills. Powered by two standard AA batteries and benefiting from significantly extended battery life, it is compatible with Renishaw’s RMP60 and RMP600 spindle probes. The RTS can be used in conjunction with up to three other radio probes using the RMI-Q and is also compatible with the current product, the RMI.