TOOL-BLOCK-1D for 1 axis measurement

The standard TOOL-BLOCK, made by Mahon & Fils SA, is a single axis tool presetter. It can be fitted with a TBM accessory for use with a PAV digital read-out, converting the TOOL-BLOCK into a simple one axis presetter used beside the machine or in a preset area.

After measuring, the length can be introduced into the tool offset memory of the CNC, without having to measure it on the machine.

after a tool breakage it is also possible to adjust the new tool to the same length, avoiding changes of tool offsets on the CNC.

Built into the digital read-out is an RS-232C interface for printing labels or keeping records.

The TBM attachment can be retrofitted to existing TOOL-BLOCK and the digital read-out simply removed when not in use. The digital read-out is clamped into a sleeve within the TBM, which can swivel to allow measurement for varying tool diameters. The reset function on the digital display allows a simple reference zero off the top of the tool pot. The preset function allows to memorize taper difference between presetter and machine.

For measuring the flatness of face milling cutters after changing inserts or for checking finishing inserts a very rigid 5 axis Tekusa swinging arm can be mounted into the TBM attachment, fitted with a fine control for all types of standard comparators, with a capacity of up to 400mm diameter.

The TOOL-BLOCK-2D is derived from the patented tool dismounting device TOOL-BLOCK. It allows quick and easy diameter and length setting of boring bars, milling cutters, drills etc. as well as lathe tooling.

Most of the tools used on machining centres do not require a setting accuracy of more than 0.05mm. Yet they require presetting off the machine for efficiency and programming needs.

With a repeatability accuracy of + 0.01mm the TOOL-BLOCK-2D has been developed for this market. For occasional high accuracy tools a comparator with fine adjustment is mounted as standard on the digital read-out on the diameter axis.

A hardened and ground base sleeve accepts interchangeable sleeves of very high accuracy. Utilizing the same PAV digital read-out as the TOOL-BLOCK-1D the RS-232C interface allows connection to a label printer or micro computer.

The presetting of metal cutting tools for machining centres with numerical controls, even for conventional horizontal boring machines, is nowadays to be considered as an absolute necessity.

The actual investment for modern machine tools entails very high hourly operating costs, prohibiting unnecessary down time for tool setting on the machine.

We have found that quality tool presetters for presetting tools off the machine, which are currently available on the market, are very expensive and are out of reach for most small to medium size companies, even though an absolute need exists.

For this reason Mahon & Fils SA designed a new low cost presetting unit, of which each part has been undergoing a thorough check on quality, assembly and economic aspects. Now even small companies can afford to work with a most up-to-date presetter, in which all equipment for today's measuring requirements was built in and to which all complementary outstanding tool management software can be added on request.