Service Home How To Procedures Ballbar Analysis - Quick Check Mode
Last updated: 10/20/2020

Ballbar Analysis - Quick Check Mode

Introduction

This procedure tells you how to do a ballbar analysis. This procedure uses the Renishaw Ballbar software versions 4 and 5. This procedure uses the Quick Check Mode.

  1. Let the ballbar calibration kit adjust to the ambient temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes.
  2. You must have the Renishaw Ballbar Software installed on your laptop computer. Run the Renishaw Ballbar software on your laptop computer. This gives you access to the Quick Check Mode in the Renishaw Ballbar software.
  1. Tool Holder
  2. Magnetic Center Cup (for the spindle)
  3. Laptop Computer
  4. Ballbar Interface
  5. Ballbar Transducer
  6. Magnetic Ball Joint (for the table)
  1. Magnetic Center Cup (for the spindle)
  2. Ballbar Interface
  3. Ballbar Transducer
  4. Ballbar Calibrator
  5. Magnetic Ball Joint (for the table)
  6. RS-232 Cable

Ballbar Analysis - Quick Check Mode

1

Press [POWER ON].

Set the main circuit breaker to the ON position.

Load the ballbar test program into the control.

2

Locate the RS-232 cable [1] for the sensor interface. Connect the cable to the computer.

 Note: If the computer does not have an RS-232 port, you must have a USB-to-RS-232 adapter.

3

Start the ballbar Quick Check program. Select Run a ballbar test.

4

Enter the measurements in inches.

  1. For Machine Type choose Z Vertical.
  2. Set Test Plane to XY.
  3. Set Feedrate to 50.0.
  4. Check the Calibrator box.
  5. Set Machine Expansion Coefficient 6.6.
  6. Set TEST RADIUS to custom 5.9055.
  7. Select the right arrow .

5

Select the green button [1] to view the simulated movement.

Select the Right Arrow [2].

6

Add pre-test comments [1].

Select the Right Arrow [2].

7

Put the ballbar transducer in position A (150 mm (6")) [1] on the ballbar calibrator.

8

Select the calibrate button [1].

When the message Calibrated [2] shows on the screen, select the Right Arrow [3].

9

Wait at this screen: Waiting to Start.

10

Insert the magnetic center cup in a tool holder.

11

Load the tool holder with the magnetic center cup into the spindle.

12

Put the magnetic ball joint onto the table. Loosen the ball joint.

13

Align the magnetic ball joint with the center of the tool holder.

14

Jog the Z Axis down to connect the center cup with the magnetic ball joint.

15

Tighten the magnetic ball joint.

16

Press [PART ZERO SET] on the keypad to set the G54 Work Offset for the X [1], Y [2], and Z [3] Axes.

Jog the Z Axis in the positive direction.

17

Jog the Z Axis up and away from the magnetic ball joint approximately 1 inch (25mm).

Press [MEM].

18

Make sure the ballbar program is loaded into memory.

Press [CYCLE START].

19

The table moves to the start position.

20

Remove a small piece of putty.

21

Clean the tip of the transducer with the putty.

22

Attach one end of the transducer to the magnetic ball-joint.

Attach the other end to the magnetic cup in the spindle.

 Note: If you have version 5 of the Renishaw Ballbar software, your transducer does not have a cord. Go to step 24. If you have version 4 of the Renishaw Ballbar software, do these steps.

23

Wind the cable counterclockwise around the base.

If you do not wind the cable, the cable can catch during the next step.

24

On the laptop computer, select the green button [1] to show Waiting for feed in [2].

Press [CYCLE START].

25

The Table turns counterclockwise and stops.

Press [CYCLE START].

26

The table turns clockwise and stops.

27

Select Save [1].

28

Type the name for the file [1], and then select Save [2].

29

Select the Results Button [1] to show the percentages screen.

30

Read the CIRCULARITY value. When the mill operates correctly, this value is less than 0.0005" (0.013 mm) in the XY plane.

XZ and YZ planes should not exceed 0.001".

See the Renishaw Ballbar Test - Plot Interpretation - Mills document.