Economic solutions for tool breakage detection and tool length measurement in CNC machining centres. Measurements of unrivalled speed and precision under the most adverse manufacturing conditions using a modern measuring mechanism based on a linear working principle and optoelectronic switch signal generation.

Z-Nano series – Reliable tool breakage detection that avoids subsequent damage

  • Highlights
  • Applications
  • Features
  • Accessories
Wear-free, optoelectronic signal generation
  • The trigger signal is generated via shading of a miniature light barrier
  • Enables much higher measuring speeds and accuracy than with conventional probes
  • Reliable tool breakage detection under the most adverse conditions
  • Wear-free with long-term stability
High-precision, modern measuring mechanism using linear working principle
  • Ball-bearing precision linear guidance
  • The functional principle prevents lateral forces acting on the tool
  • Very low measuring force
  • Measurement of sensitive and very small tools
Reliable and proven transmission technologies
  • Z-Nano: Hard-wired
  • Z-Nano IR: Infrared transmission
  • Z-Nano RC: BRC radio technology
  • DUO-Mode: Sequential use of 2 infrared measuring systems with one receiver
  • Sequential use of up to 6 radio measuring systems with one receiver
  • TWIN mode: Simultaneous use of 2 radio measuring systems on one machine
  • Very long battery life
BLUM tool measuring probes

Tool measuring probes by BLUM can be used for the most varied measurement and monitoring tasks in CNC machining centres.

Tool Breakage Detection

Breakage detection of centric tools such as drills, mills, engraving tools, taps and reamers.

Tool Length Measurement

Automatic setting and wear monitoring of tools by quick and precise length measurement.

Wear compensation

Compensation of tool wear using measurements between the machining steps. The wear value is stored as an additive correction value in the tool offset memory.

Temperature compensation

Compensation of the temperature-dependent thermal behaviour of machining centres.

Coolant load

Reliable and fast measurements in coolant thanks to modern measuring mechanism and robust design.

Mass Production

Perfectly suitable for mass production under the harshest conditions.

Tool setting probe Z-Nano
Tool setting probe Z-Nano IR
Tool setting probe Z-Nano RC
Additional product features
  • Max. probing speed: 2 m/min
  • Repeatability: 0.5 μm 2σ (standard)
  • Min. tool diameter: > 0.1 mm*
  • Protection class IP68
  • Exchangeable measuring surface
  • Extremely robust

* Depending on geometry and material of tool. Probing force must not result in damage to tool.

Additional information can be found in the relevant brochure and in the operating manual.

Receiver Systems

For wireless data transmission between BLUM measuring systems and the machine tool, compact receiver systems incorporating the latest transmission technologies are used.

BLUM measuring cycles

The measuring cycles are user-friendly subroutines of the machine control. They can be used on milling and turning machines for the following measuring tasks

  • Calibrating the probe
  • Tool length measurement
  • Tool wear monitoring
  • Tool breakage detection

The measuring cycles are available for many conventional controls. Your local BLUM-representative will gladly inform you about the range of features for your control.

Blow nozzles for tool cleaning

The optional blow nozzles by BLUM effectively clean the tool and measuring surface of any coolant and chips.

Applications

In addition to simple tool breakage detection, the tool setting probes are also used for tool setting in length.  

Tool breakage detection and length measurement in the turning centre using the Z-Nano RC tool setting probe
Fast tool breakage detection using the Z-Nano tool setting probe by BLUM

Success Stories

Kelly Collins
BLUM’s tool breakage detection stops the machine automatically when a broken tool is detected. Our scrap rate has decreased by 90% on issues caused by broken tools.
Kelly Collins
Workshop manager at the NASCAR racing team Joe Gibbs Racing in Huntersville (NC), USA