Machine tools/measurement
Mitutoyo Canada Inc. announces new advances in the AT715 series of Linear Scales with IP67 protection rating for excellent ability to withstand harsh environments. AT715 Linear Scales employ Mitutoyo’s patented ABSOLUTE technology that detect and output the absolute position, eliminating the need for origin restoration.

The addition of vertical holes in the mounting block improves the flexibility for mounting the scale and is suitable for lathes wher the X-axis mounting height is limited. The effective length of the AT715 Linear Scales has been also now been extended up to 120”/3000mm to accommodate a broad range of applications in the large machinery sector. The improved accuracy is now equivalent to that of an optical scale (up to 500mm), yet the AT715 remains a smart choice for milling machines, lathes and other measurement applications.
www.mitutoyo.ca

Machine tools/probing software
Renishaw’s Productivity+ Active Editor Pro, which brings easy programming and a powerful macro suite to machine tool probe users worldwide, has been upgraded with the release of version 1.4. The new version increases the number of users who can benefit from its simple programming style by adding support for CAD models from a large variety of CAD formats, and extending the range of postprocessors.

The new ‘constructed features’ function (for prismatic parts with multiple circles and planes), along with support for many more languages, open up new possibilities for flexible part programming and bring process control into the reach of more CNC machine tool users. The software combines an easy-to-use front end and powerful macros, allowing the machine tool to automatically updat itself based on measurements it has made.

The new CAD formats include Parasolid, STEP and IGES as standard items, with the option to add support for Pro/Engineer, Catia (v4 and 5), UG/NX .prt files, ACIS, SolidWorks and Inventor files. Loading files without intermediate conversions means a much faster workflow when developing new programs. For the first time, ‘Constructed Circle’ allows users to create PCD features using drag-and-dro functionality, and to use the real-life dimensions of that PCD to adjust the operation of the machine tool.

Postprocessor support is always developing and Active Editor Pro now provides support for a wide range of machines fitted with controllers from Fanuc, Haas, Makino, Mazak (Matrix and 640), Brother, Mitsubishi Meldas, Mori Seiki, Siemens (840D and 810D), Heidenhain (i530 and 426/430), and Hurco (Ultimax).
www.renishaw.com/mtp