RENISHAW : announces more new products for EMO Hannover 2011

Renishaw, the global engineering technologies company, is announcing more new products that will be demonstrated at the EMO Hannover exhibition taking place in Germany, from 19th - 24th September. These include touch probes and software systems that will aid process control on CNC machine tools and a new surface finish measurement probe for co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs).

These new metrology products will be demonstrated alongside other significant products already announced, including a radical new alternative to traditional dedicated gauging, a new range of additive manufacturing technologies and a 5-axis probe for CMMs.

New system allows multiple tool setting and inspection probes on CNC machine tools

At EMO Hannover, Renishaw is introducing significant new additions to its range of radio transmission probe systems, including an interface that allows multiple probe installations on the same machine tool, and a new compact tool setting probe with radio signal transmission which is ideal for larger machines.

The new RMI-Q radio transmission interface allows up to four separate tool setting or spindle-probes with radio transmission to be operated on the same CNC machine, making it an excellent choice for fitment onto CNC machining centres, or machines with rotary tables or twin pallets. Renishaw's new RTS contact tool setting probe with radio transmission is a robust, compact and cable-free product which does not restrict table movement. It offers users fast and accurate tool measurement, including tool length and diameter of milling cutters, twist drills and end mills, plus broken tool detection.

New version of PC based probing software for machining centres

Visitors to EMO 2011 will see that Productivity+™ is a unique software solution for the integration of measurement and process control functionality into CNC machining programs. Providing significant advantages over traditional methods, Productivity+ eliminates the requirement for the manual addition of probing cycles into G-code, instead using ‘point and click' feature selection from imported solid models within an interface immediately familiar to existing CAM users.

Already the most powerful tool available for using on-machine measurement to control manufacturing processes, Productivity+ version 1.90, available in autumn 2011, builds further on existing functionality and flexibility and includes more features for Constructed Statements, enhanced multi-axis capability, improved reporting capability, and more Custom Macro functionality.

New sensor allows fully automated surface finish measurement on CMMs

Renishaw has added a new probe option for its revolutionary REVO® five-axis measurement system, which for the first time, allows surface finish inspection to be fully integrated within CMM measurement routines. With a measurement capability of 6.3 to 0.05 Ra, the SFP1 surface finish probe provides a unique ‘single platform' that will eliminate the need for hand-held sensors, or the necessity to move parts to costly dedicated surface finish measuring machines, reducing labour costs and inspection lead times. Visitors to EMO Hannover will see that CMM users will now be able to automatically switch between part scanning and surface finish measurement, with analysis all contained in a single measurement report.

RENISHAW : New sensor allows fully automated surface finish measurement on co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs)

High quality surface finish data

As a fully integrated option for the REVO 5-axis measurement system, users of the SFP1 surface finish probe will benefit from a range of powerful features that will boost inspection speed and flexibility.

The probe incorporates a C axis, which combined with the infinite positioning capability of the REVO measuring head and a choice of styli, allows the probe tip to be automatically orientated to any angle to suit the part, ensuring that the highest quality surface data is acquired. The SFP1 is supplied with two dedicated styli, the SFS-1 straight stylus and SFS-2 cranked stylus, which are selected under full measurement program control using the REVO system's modular rack system (MRS). This enables flexible access to component features combined with the consistency of a fully-automated CNC methodology.

A skidded probe type with a 2 ?m (0.000079 in) tip radius diamond stylus, the SFP1 surface finish probe outputs Ra, RMS and raw data formats to the metrology application client software via Renishaw's UCCServer software using the I++ DME protocol. The raw data can subsequently be presented to specialist surface analysis software packages for further detailed reporting.

Automated surface finish probe calibrationCalibration of the sensor is also automated and carried out within a CMM software programme. A new surface finish calibration artefact (SFA) is mounted on the MRS rack and is measured using the SFP1 probe. Software then adjusts parameters within the probe in accordance with the artefact's calibrated value.

www.mbccmm,com

Laser Design now Reseller of World-Class Renishaw Products

Laser Design Inc., the leading supplier of 3D laser scanners for 25 years announced that it is now reselling Renishaw metrology probes and machine tooling, plus professional “Repair by Exchange,” and also used equipment. Renishaw products lead the industrial metrology market in accuracy and selection.

Offering the Renishaw multi-axis motorized and manual heads and touch-trigger measurement probe systems for CMMs adds another dimension to Laser Design’s extensive product line. The world-class systems provide fast, accurate data acquisition for all your touch-measurement needs. Along with the systems, thousands of standard and custom Renishaw precision-engineered styli systems from a broad range of manufacturers are also available. Sensitivity modules allow custom probe settings.

To give you the best results with your system, styli specifically designed for high-precision Zeiss machines are easy to set up and change out. There are more than 300 styli and adaptors for the Zeiss range of probe heads. Robust design and construction characterize the styli specifically designed for the FaroArm portable CMMs. The special construction techniques ensure that the joint between the body and stem is extremely rigid and virtually indestructible.

Renishaw inspection probe systems can improve the efficiency of your machine tools by providing solutions for tool setting, broken tool detection, component set-up, and other essential inspection processes, while helping to reduce set-up times by up to 90%. Verify finished component dimensions and set up your auto updates to streamline the process. Specialized machine tool diagnostic software saves time and reduces scrap, which makes your operation more profitable and competitive.

Laser Design also offers “Repair by Exchange” (RBE) when a component needs professional repair or replacement. Or purchase high-quality certified used equipment through our used equipment sales program. If you need any kind of Renishaw product, we can provide it for you with our guaranteed excellent customer service and satisfaction.

About Laser Design Inc. / GKS Global Services

Laser Design Inc. and GKS Global Services have been leading suppliers of ultra-precise, 3D laser scanning systems, along with CT scanning, dimensional inspection, 3D laser scanning, and long-range scanning services for over 29 years. Our engineers can assist with product development and design, rapid prototyping, and complete contract manufacturing services. GKS also offers rental equipment and expertise to customers with the occasional 3D scanning project.

For further information, contact Laser Design at 952-884-9648

Wenzel/Xspect Solutions Undertakes New Aftermarket Program To Retrofit Cmms With The New 5-Axis Renishaw Ph20 Touch-Trigger System

Xspect Solutions has installed more Renishaw REVO® systems than any other CMM specialist. Their unique approach to technology and experience with the UCC controller has put them in an ideal position to also be the leading provider in the USA for the new Renishaw PH20 system on new or used CMMs.

Wenzel/Xspect Solutions has the largest used (Xsperienced) CMM machine shop in North America for rebuilding and remanufacturing all makes of CMMs. Bryn Edwards, VP Aftermarket for Wenzel/Xspect Solutions says, “The introduction of the new Renishaw PH20 5-axis touch-trigger system is providing us with new market opportunities for our aftermarket business because the PH20 has the effect of prolonging the life of many older CMMs by improving their throughput by two to three times.”

Edwards explains, “ Xspect Solutions’ broad experience with the Renishaw REVO system ideally positions us to apply the benefits of the PH20 to all sizes of CMMs giving the user more throughput because of increased capability and flexibility. The PH20 has a compact design and provides faster calibration, improved metrology and infinite positioning. The unique PH20 head allows measurement points to be taken using only the head and not the CMM structure. The 5-axis controlled motion between features eliminates indexing time thus improving the throughput and allowing larger parts to be measured on the same CMM by minimizing the space required around the part for head rotation. Because the PH20 automatically aligns itself with the part coordinate system, stylus collisions are avoided. The ultimate accuracy of measurement is improved with the PH20 because it uses feature orientation-based calibration and head touches.”

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New 5-axis head for touch-trigger inspection on CMMs gives up to three-fold increase in throughput

Renishaw is introducing another innovative measurement product that is expected to transform inspection performance on a wide range of co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs). Utilising technology developed for the multi-award winning REVO® measurement system, the new PH20 probe head offers unique ‘head touches’ for rapid touch-trigger measurement, and fast infinite 5-axis positioning to guarantee optimal feature access. Its compact design makes it suitable for new CMM purchases and as a retrofit to the vast majority of existing CMM touch-trigger installations.

Proven probe performance

The new PH20 probe head also benefits CMM users with adaptive positioning to accommodate part misalignment, fast calibration routines, and an integral TP20 probe mount that optimises the working volume of the CMM, bringing 5-axis capability to smaller machines for the first time.

By incorporating the industry standard TP20 touch-trigger probe, users of the PH20 probe head will immediately have access to a range of proven probe modules, providing a wide selection of trigger forces, directional sensing options and extensions to meet application requirements. The detachable modules provide crash protection and can be automatically changed using the MCR20 change rack. Companies with existing TP20 systems will be able to upgrade to PH20 and utilise their existing modules*.

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Renscan5™ retrofit upgrade at GE Oil and Gas

“Huge reductions in inspection time and the ability to measure form – REVO® has opened a new frontier”

GE Oil and Gas Florence has transformed the performance of a DEA Global CMM with a retrofit system direct from Renishaw, allowing far higher data collection rates and thus form analysis, never before practically possible on the DEA CMM

Every year, GE Oil and Gas invites customers to an open house at its factory in Florence, Italy. This year 800 customers saw the results of a GE Oil and Gas New Technology Introduction project - a DEA Global coordinate measuring machine (CMM), retrofitted with a Renishaw REVO® system and measuring impeller parts at a dramatic speed.

As Claudio Bartali (Manufacturing Technology Project Leader) explains “The demonstration was spectacular – inspection time on a typical impeller reduced by 4 times. However, that is not the main reason we started the project and employed Renishaw to retrofit the CMM with REVO. The exciting part will start soon when we use the massive amount of accurate REVO-measured data to compare the form of inspected surfaces with the 3D CAD models.”

The retrofit, performed directly by Renishaw with its own experienced engineers, replaced the previous head, touch trigger probe, DEA controller and PC-DMIS® software with the Renishaw Renscan5™ system - REVO 5-axis scanning head, UCC2 controller and MODUS™ software.

Saverio Chiari (Manufacturing Technology Leader) is delighted with how smoothly it went, “The Renishaw service is very good – they are very focused on customer support and have been very supportive in the changeover to REVO.”

With a requirement for 100% inspection, there is a high demand on the CMMs and programming systems, which need to adapt constantly. At the GE plant in Florence, the DEA Global is used to perform dimensional inspections on components varying in size and geometry up to 1000 mm diameter.

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Revolutionary five-axis measurement system for CMMs wins another international award

Renishaw’s REVO® five-axis measuring system for co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs) has been honoured with another top international award, winning the Platinum Award for the Most Innovative Product at the ENGIMACH 2010 exhibition held in Gujurat, India. The trade fair is one of India’s leading events for engineering and machine tool technologies, and the award for REVO® was achieved against strong competition, with entry open to any of the 1,000 exhibitors participating at the event.

Commenting on this new award, Renishaw’s company spokesman, Chris Pockett, said, “This is the third international award for the REVO® system and is another outstanding achievement, especially as it has been recognised as the most innovative product across all categories of engineering technologies exhibited at ENGIMACH.”

Fully Automated Surface Finish Inspection with New Probe Option from Renishaw

Renishaw has added a new probe option for its revolutionary REVO five-axis measurement system, which for the first time, allows surface finish inspection to be fully integrated within CMM measurement routines.

REVO® surface finish probe

With a measurement capability of 6.3 to 0.05 Ra, the SFP1 surface finish probe provides a unique 'single platform' that will eliminate the need for hand-held sensors, or the necessity to move parts to costly dedicated surface finish measuring machines, reducing labour costs and inspection lead times. CMM users will now be able to automatically switch between part scanning and surface finish measurement, with analysis all contained in a single measurement report.

High quality surface finish data

As a fully integrated option for the REVO 5-axis measurement system, users of the SFP1 surface finish probe will benefit from a range of powerful features that will boost inspection speed and flexibility.

The probe incorporates a C axis, which combined with the infinite positioning capability of the REVO measuring head and a choice of stylus holders, allows the probe tip to be automatically orientated to any angle to suit the part, ensuring that the highest quality surface data is acquired. The SFP1 is supplied with two dedicated stylus holders, the SFS-1 straight stylus and SFS-2 cranked stylus, which are selected under full measurement program control using the REVO system's modular rack system (MRS). This enables flexible access to component features combined with the consistency of a fully-automated CNC methodology.

Automated surface finish probe calibration

Calibration of the sensor is also automated and carried out within a CMM software programme. A new surface finish calibration artefact (SFA) is mounted on the MRS rack and is measured using the SFP1 probe. Software then adjusts parameters within the probe in accordance with the artefact's calibrated value.

A skidded probe type with a 2 µm (0.000079 in) tip radius diamond stylus, the SFP1 surface finish probe outputs Ra, RMS and raw data formats to the metrology application client software via Renishaw's UCCServer software using the I++ DME protocol. The raw data can subsequently be presented to specialist surface analysis software packages for further detailed reporting.

Renishaw's New OMV Software

Optional multi-axis module includes new auto-orient function to eliminate manual probe orientation

Renishaw is introducing a new version of its OMV Pro software that includes more advanced co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM) style capabilities with an extended range of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) functionality, plus the ability to work with multiple alignments in a single program, an advantage in working with multi-axis machine tools.

Now supporting Microsoft Windows Vista, the new OMV Pro 2.02 allows users of machine tool touch probes to quickly verify the accuracy of freeform and prismatic parts without removing the part from the machine.

The software includes simulation capability, an intuitive graphical interface and crystal-clear reporting format that make it accessible to shop-floor staff. By enabling users to see exactly what was cut, OMV Pro allows corrections to be made before the part leaves the machine.

Enhanced Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)

New features in OMV Pro 2.02 enhance the software’s geometric measurement capabilities, which already include a "constructed features" function that allows users to construct entities from other previously measured features, making it faster to measure components with a large number of prismatic features or perform complex prismatic measurements.

The new version of OMV Pro has been improved with GD&T functionality for perpendicularity, parallelism, angularity, linear dimension, surface profile, line profile and concentricity.

OMV Pro's GD&T measurement wizard helps users create standardized report elements based on internationally recognized symbols, allowing operators to compare part measurement results on the machine with those on the manufacturing drawing.

Upgrades For Multi-Axis Machining

Measured alignment, used by OMV Pro to guarantee accurate measurement results, has been upgraded to use two or more alignments in a program, a significant benefit to users working with multi-axis machines or with large or flexible components.

The optional multi-axis module of OMV Pro also now includes an ‘Auto Orient’ function that allows the touch probe to be automatically oriented into a suitable measuring position, without requiring the user to manually input the required angle. The multi-axis module performs full machine simulation of touch-probe routines, an advantage when developing programs for complex geometries, common in multi-axis machining environments. The software quickly simulates and detects collisions involving the part, machine, or probe, before running the program, avoiding costly breakages and machine downtime.

Configurable Measurement Reports

Graphical and numerical reports are configurable, allowing feature parameters to be toleranced and displayed. Graphical reports can display values using color-coded surface "confetti" points, call-out labels or in-place values. Labels can now be positioned manually and their orientation is user-configurable, while a "Screen shot" function has been improved to allow the size of the resulting image to be configured.

For more information visit www.renishaw.com

'Worst year in company's history' says Renishaw chairman

Thursday 30th July 2009

The chairman of Gloucestershire’s largest private company has announced a £38 million fall in profits, in what he describes as the most difficult year in the firm’s history.

In the last year profit generated by Renishaw plc has fallen from £43 million last year to £4.7 million.

The figure was revealed in the company’s preliminary end-of year statement, released yesterday.

In it Sir David McMurtry, chairman and chief executive of Renishaw, which has its head quarters in Wotton-under-Edge, said that revenue was down 37 per cent compared to the previous year due to a slump in the global markets.

Mr McMurtry said: "This last year has been the most difficult in the history of the company, characterised by two different half year performances.

"The first half commenced with record first quarter results and a promising outlook for the year, followed by an unprecedented downturn in the ensuing period.

"We were forced to make hard decisions in order to position the business for this market environment, pending a return of better conditions."

Renishaw made 437 staff redundant earlier this year, which was 20 per cent of its workforce, and staff in all their sites around the world agreed to a 20 per cent pay cut, which remains in force until December. Mr McMurtry said: "I would like to thank all our employees for their steadfast support during what has been the most challenging and demanding period in our history.

"They have responded magnificently to all challenges and difficulties both in the UK and overseas."

However Mr McMurtry remains confident of the company’s future and is continuing to invest in profitable markets, such as metrology and dental products.

He added: "The group, with its strong balance sheet, portfolio of existing products and new products in development remains strongly positioned to meet all present demands and to respond to any increase in activity as it develops. We continue to face our long-term future with great confidence."

Improved measurement performance with new motorised heads for co-ordinate measuring machines

Following a series of design enhancements, Renishaw’s industry-standard family of PH10 motorised indexing heads for co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs) now have a 20% improvement in repeatability and increased long-term stability. Combined with an optional extended 2-year warranty, the new PH10 heads offer CMM users a new standard of indexing head performance, providing reliable precision in even the most demanding measurement applications.

All three variants of the new PH10 heads are now supplied with a revised repeatability specification, down from 0.5µm (2σ) to just 0.4µm (2σ) (specified at a distance of 62 mm), giving users improved positioning at the stylus tip. This is especially important in long reach applications such as those using the SP25M scanning probe. This has been achieved by improving the mechanical stiffness of the head design, and through enhancements to manufacturing processes. Additionally, the use of the latest surface mount electronics technology gives further improvements to head robustness and reliability.

Renishaw’s PH10 motorised indexing heads allow flexible and repeatable probe re-orientation during CMM measurement routines. The range comprises three models, each of which can carry a range of probes and extensions, and can be orientated in 720 repeatable positions, giving access to the most difficult-to-reach workpiece features. The PH10T supports M8 threaded probes such as TP20, whilst the PH10M uses the Renishaw ‘autojoint’ system to carry complex multiwired probes such as SP600M and SP25M. For machines and applications where a direct quill mount is required, the PH10MQ offers all the functionality of the PH10M. All the range supports extension bars up to 300 mm.

The new improvements combine to provide increased long-term motorised head stability, giving CMM users the option to extend the time interval between calibrations. A further differential is also provided by an all new ‘aqua blast’ finish which gives the new PH10 heads a modern, matt black appearance, and clearly identifies the higher specification units.

Attractive upgrade options for the new higher specification PH10 motorised indexing heads are being offered to existing PH10 users, who can trade in their old head via any Renishaw service centre or authorised supplier. Additionally, users returning an existing head for repair can now take advantage of a special variant of Renishaw’s unique low cost ‘repair by exchange’ (RBE) service, where a new specification PH10 head will be supplied, ensuring minimal down time. In both circumstances it is a quick and simple operation to install the new head, with the CMM up and running after a standard head calibration routine, without the need for specialist commissioning or changes to part programs.

For CMM users who do not currently use a PH10 motorised indexing head, there are also attractive incentives to purchase a new PH10 head through approved suppliers who are participating in Renishaw’s unique ‘Changers’ promotion. A free stylus change rack can be claimed with every new head purchased, subject to each supplier’s terms and conditions. All new PH10 heads also come with a standard 12 month warranty, with an additional 24 months warranty cover available at very competitive rates, giving extra piece of mind for this important measurement equipment.

Renishaw launches CMM retrofit service

Renishaw announced a series of major new initiatives at Control 2009, including its first CMM retrofit service, and MODUS™ its first metrology software. There was also strong interest in a new probe that allows surface finish inspection within a standard CMM programme, plus the latest linear magnetic encoder technology and a new true absolute optical encoder for rotary and linear applications.

There was a very positive reaction to the new products and services, with many visitors especially pleased that Renishaw is now able to offer a complete CMM measurement package for the first time.

Cost-effective CMM upgrades

The Control show took place from 5th to 8th May in Stuttgart, Germany, and Renishaw's key message was aimed at manufacturers who are suffering from inspection bottlenecks that tie up staff and expensive machines whilst waiting for vital measurement results.

Vistors to the stand saw examples of cost-effective CMM retrofits carried out by Renishaw on a DEA Mistral and Tesa CMM, illustrating the huge productivity gains that can be made by upgrading existing machines. Engineers at the Renishaw stand gave advice about retrofitting a CMM and many visitors, including those with old CMMs, were surprised at the results that can be achieved with a retrofit carried out by a company with expertise in all relevant technologies.

A Renishaw CMM retrofit is available for all budgets and applications, from touch trigger probing and 3-axis scanning, through to the latest ultra-fast REVO® 5-axis measurement system. The company offers a 'one-stop shop' upgrade solution, from its new MODUS metrology software and universal CMM controller, through to sensors and machine calibration.

New surface finish probe

Also demonstrated at Control 2009 was a new probe option for Renishaw's revolutionary REVO® five-axis measurement system, which for the first time, allows surface finish inspection to be fully integrated with CMM measurement routines.

With a measurement capability of 6.3 to 0.05 Ra, the SFP1 surface finish probe provides a unique single platform capability that will eliminate the need for hand-held sensors, or the necessity to move parts to costly dedicated measuring machines, reducing labour costs and inspection lead times.

As a fully integrated option for the REVO 5-axis measurement system, users of the SFP1 surface finish probe will benefit from a range of powerful features including infinite rotational adjustment that will allow the probe to be orientated to allow the measurement of a surface at any angle.

True absolute optical encoder

There was also strong interest in Renishaw’s true absolute optical encoder system that has excellent dirt immunity, and an impressive specification that breaks new ground in position feedback. RESOLUTE™ is the world’s first absolute encoder capable of 27-bit resolution at 36,000 rpm, giving an astonishing market-leading resolution of just 1 nanometre at 100 m/s for both linear and angle encoder applications. Large set-up tolerances enable easy installation and high reliability, whilst low jitter and SDE (Sub-Divisional Error) meet the demands of high precision stages.

Also shown was TONiC™, a new super-compact optical encoder, offering speeds up to 10 m/s and resolutions down to 5 nm for both linear and rotary applications.

http://www.renishaw.com/

Five Axis CMM Inspection System Halves Measurement Times

Leader in five-axis turbomachinery production quickly adopts new five-axis Renishaw inspection system, gains faster throughput, greater CMM utilization, and programming reductions from days to hours.

Constantly changing surface geometries, pin-wheeling shapes and tight, intricate features make turbomachinery components - impellers, blades and blisks - some of industry's most complex and exacting shapes. TURBOCAM International achieved leadership in this specialized field by mastery of five-axis machining and five-axis programming software. However, efficient inspection of ever increasing numbers of complex parts was frustrated by slow, tedious, stop-and-go measurement inspection on a legacy 3+2 axis coordinate measuring machine (CMM).

Early adopter of revolutionary CMM scanning technology

Changing 3-D part geometries required many different probe orientations, plus frequent stylus and tip changes for difficult to reach features, explains Dave Romaine, Quality Assurance Manager. "We would have to stop the CMM and calibrate each re-orientation of the probe. That was compounded as we inspected multiple blades around a part."

As five-axis experts, TURBOCAM staff were quick to see the potential of a revolutionary scanning system from Renishaw that makes possible automated, programmable five-axis measurement at speeds and accuracies never before possible by CMMs. The Renscan5 scanning system offered the capability for continuous five-axis interpolated motion, comparable to TURBOCAM's five-axis machine tools.

In January 2007 TURBOCAM became one of the first adopters of the new Renscan5 continuous five-axis inspection capability. Installed on a new Wenzel LH8.10.7 bridge-type CMM at the company's Dover, New Hampshire, USA plant, Renscan5 transformed part measurement and inspection from a bottleneck to an enabler.

CMM measurement times reduced by at least 50 percent

High-speed continuous probing routines are reducing programming time, set-up time and measurement time by 50 percent and more. Besides faster throughput, Renscan5 time-savings allows the taking of many more data points for greater measurement precision and frees up CMM time for qualification of turned blanks and in-process checks before final machining passes.

Those powerful advantages led TURBOCAM in early 2008 to become the first company worldwide to add a second Renscan5 CMM, a larger Wenzel LH10.12.8, this time at a new facility in nearby Barrington. In this new facility, Renscan5 is an "essential resource" says Romaine, that is being developed to support higher-throughput production generated by around-the-clock, reduced-staff manufacturing.

XSpect Solutions, now part of Wenzel, did the installation of Renscan5 on both the new CMMs.


Posted Jun 10, 2009

Renishaw at the Control 2009 Show

Renishaw will be announcing a series of major new initiatives at Control 2009 (stand 3304, hall 3), including its first CMM retrofit service, its first metrology software, a new surface finish probe and a range of new optical encoders including a fine-pitch absolute encoder with ground-breaking specifications. The show takes place from 5th to 8th May in Stuttgart, Germany, and one of Renishaw's key messages is for manufacturers throughout Europe who are suffering from unacceptable inspection bottlenecks that tie up staff and expensive machines whilst waiting for vital measurement results. Visitors will see that a cost-effective Renishaw CMM retrofit does not require a large investment in new equipment and is available for all budgets and applications, from touch trigger probing and 3-axis scanning, through to the latest ultra-fast REVO 5-axis measurement system.

Engineers at the Renishaw stand will be pleased to offer a free, no obligation consultation, about retrofitting a CMM. Even if visitors have an older CMM they may be very surprised at the results that can be achieved by a one-stop retrofit solution from a company with expertise in all relevant technologies, from Renishaw's new MODUS metrology software and UCC2 controller, through to sensors and machine calibration.
Also demonstrated will be the new REVO surface finish probe, which should be of great interest to many quality control operations, offering fully integrated surface finish measurement within a CMM program. Using passive infinite rotational adjustment the probe can be orientated to allow the measurement of a surface at any angle and is suitable for a range of applications, including plain surfaces, bores and bosses.

Control is also an opportunity to see RESOLUTE, Renishaw's true absolute, fine-pitch optical encoder system that has excellent dirt immunity, and an impressive specification that breaks new ground in position feedback. The world's first absolute encoder capable of 27-bit resolution at 36,000 rpm, this gives RESOLUTE an astonishing market-leading resolution of just 1 nanometre at 100 m/s for both linear and angle encoder applications. Large set-up tolerances enable easy installation and high reliability, whilst low jitter and SDE (Sub-Divisional Error) meet the demands of high precision stages.

Also on show at Control, TONiC is Renishaw's new super-compact non-contact optical encoder, offering speeds up to 10 m/s and resolutions down to 5 nm for both linear and rotary applications.

Renishaw invites all visitors to Control to use the Renishaw stand as a convenient base for their visit, with meeting facilities and complimentary refreshments available throughout the exhibition. This is the second year that Control will be held at the new Stuttgart Exhibition Centre, which is on the same site as Stuttgart airport and therefore just a short walk from the terminals. It is also well connected for visitors arriving by road or rail. Manufacturers from across Europe can therefore easily visit Control 2009 in a single day.