QC20-W ballbar system

The QC20-W system draws on Renishaw's many years of experience with ballbar testing and offers significant performance and operational benefits:

• Bluetooth wireless technology ensures no wire handling issues, closed door operation and reduced possibility for system damage.
• New hardware and software which allows a 'partial arc' (220°) test. This gives you greater test flexibility including
• • improved Z axis testing (no custom fixturing required)
  • tests where axis travel is limited (typically Z axis on machining centres and X axis on lathes)
  • ability to test 3 planes from a single set up, using 'partial arc' tests for 2 of the tests and present a 'volumetric analysis' 
• Faster data reading for enhanced analysis on small test circle and high feed rates.
• Enhanced software includes many new features for extended testing and greater ease of use. 

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Testing capability

Using the standard QC20-W kit

The standard QC20-W ballbar kit includes a 100 mm long ballbar assembly and 50, 150 and 300 mm long extension bars. By assembling the ballbar with different combinations of extension bars it is possible to carry out ballbar tests with 100, 150, 250, 300, 400, 450, 550 or 600 mm radii.

Redesigned ball mounts (including new centre pivot and tool cup extension) allow the QC20-W to carry out additional  220° 'partial arc' tests in planes through the centre pivot axis. This means that you can now carry out ballbar tests in three orthogonal planes without the need to reposition the centre pivot, so speeding up testing (if carrying out 'partial arc' tests with a radius greater than 150 mm custom fixturing is required).

The results can also be used in the new 'volumetric analysis' report function (see software section) with the assurance that all data has been gathered around the same point.

See a complete QC20-W ballbar test animation here; including the new partial arc feature: 

Using optional accessories

The QC20-W ballbar system can be enhanced by using a range of accessories. 

• With additional extensions it is possible to perform tests up to 1350 mm radius.
• The small circle kit allows 50 mm radius tests to be carried out. 
• Testing can also be carried out on two axis machines using the VTL adaptor and on many lathes using the lathe accessory kit

With all these options, plus the flexibility to use various feedrates, the QC20-W allows very flexible testing.

Kit contents

The standard QC20-W kit comes in its own robust carry case which includes the QC20-W wireless ballbar, battery, spindle and table mounts (pivots), 50 mm, 150 mm and 300 mm ballbar extensions (to allow various test diameters), tools and Ballbar 20 software and manual (supplied on CD).

Also included is a calibrator for enhanced test analysis. (It enables absolute readings for scale errors and a handy means of checking that the ballbar is reading nominally correctly).

Fully traceable calibration certificates, for the ballbar and calibrator and validation labels to display test results on machines are also included in the kit.

All kit items can be ordered separately as spare parts.

QC20-W specification

QC10 to QC20-W upgrade packages

To maintain your existing test capability you need only replace your ballbar/interface with the QC20-W. An attractively priced basic upgrade kit is available on an "exchange" basis for your current QC10. This includes packaging for secure installation in your QC10 system case (post 2001 metal framed cases only)

Further upgrade options are available to extend the basic kit's capability to include "partial" arc (3 plane testing) and small circle (50 mm radius) testing as well as the new system carry case

Useful links

QC20-W support and FAQ - provides additional support and applications information on a dedicated support website.

System software for QC20-W

Upgrades and promotions

XL-80 laser measurement system

Ballbar application case studies

Calibration equipment registration form