System software for QC20-W ballbar

New Features: Ballbar 20

Ballbar 20 software has been developed for use with the QC20-W wireless ballbar system but is also compatible with existing QC10 ballbars, it can even use existing Ballbar 5 test files and templates.  This means that you can use a single software programme even if you use both QC10 and QC20-W.

Key additional features over Ballbar 5 include:

Wireless connectivity

Connect, using Bluetooth wireless technology, to your QC20-W. You can quickly search for and connect to other QC20-W ballbars without the problems of configuring comms ports etc.

220° "partial arc" testing

QC20-W ballbars, when used with the revised centre pivot and tool cup extension (standard with QC20-W system kit and an optional extra with QC20-W basic upgrade kit), enables users to carry out this new test.

Volumetric diagnostics

Allows you to select 3 test files from orthogonal planes (subject to matching criteria) and display on a single page. A new analysis finds overall max & min circularity values to give 'sphericity' and also shows individual test circularity results.

[Note: volumetric analysis will only work with test data files collected using Ballbar 20 software].

Latest standards

Diagnosis now available to ISO 230-4:2005 and ASME B5.54-2008 whilst retaining option to analyse to previous issues of these standards.

Export & import machine folders and files

Allows service engineers to easily update and share data located on a central/shared directory.

“Clone” machines function

Makes it easier to create multiple similar machines by selecting an existing machine and then 'cloning' and editing.

Repeat/multiple tests (in advanced mode only)

Allows a user selected number of sequential tests to be performed, with automatic data file saving (and file reference name incrementing).

User defined data file path

Overcomes admin access issues to data stored in 'program files' folders (a solution to security features in Windows Vista software).

Existing features of Renishaw ballbar software

Comprehensive test and reporting

Ballbar 20 enables you to set up and run ballbar tests, either as a 'one off' or using a customer defined test template. Captured data can be displayed as analysis reports in a variety of international standards e.g. ISO 230-4, ANSI B5.54 etc., as well as a comprehensive Renishaw analysis format. In addition to the graphical trace display, Ballbar 20 software ranks each diagnosed error according to its impact on overall machine accuracy which is clearly stated along with a value for positional tolerance.

Machine performance history

Using a customer defined test template to allow 'like for like' you can now clearly see how many of the machine performance characteristics measured by the ballbar (e.g. ISO 230-4 circular and radial deviations, positional tolerance, squareness, backlash etc) have varied over a period of time. In short, it compiles a complete ballbar 'medical record' for the machine!

The plots make trends clearly visible, allowing maintenance requirements to be scheduled in advance, whilst plot discontinuities help fault diagnosis after a machine crash.

You can also set warning and failure tolerances on any of the machine's characteristics measured by the QC20-W ballbar. Once set, these tolerances are displayed on the history graphs and are also used to instantly check the results of every ballbar test as it is carried out.

Comprehensive electronic help files

This includes search and index facilities. 'Hotlinks' in the analysis reports take you to the relevant section of the help manual, which details causes for each type of machine error and offers advice on how best to fix them.

The QC20-W ballbar and help file often gives you all the information you need to assess the problem on the spot. This can eliminate the need to call out your maintenance staff or service the machine unnecessarily. If they do need to be called, you have all the information to pinpoint the problem and minimise downtime.

'Part program generator'  

This enables you to quickly and automatically generate ballbar test CNC part programs.  Just set up the test and then select a machine controller type (several defaults supplied with the software but these can be added to and customised).  With a single click you can then generate a programme for further editing if required and downloading for transfer to the CNC.  Generated programmes can be stored in the software for future use.

Ballbar plot simulator

Predicts the effect of maintenance and adjustment on a machine's performance.

Allows the user to see the test results recreated on screen, and then has the facility to change various machine geometry, play and dynamic parameters, to try 'what if' scenarios on the ballbar plot and on circularity and positional tolerance values. As this is done on a separate simulator there is no chance of corrupting the original test data.

Multilingual support

Ballbar 20 software includes the following supported languages: English, Czech, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean and Chinese. Please check for latest language options. Note that Ballbar 20 allows alternative language report generation, independent of the software operating language, ideal if you need to supply test reports to overseas customers.

Comprehensive file administration.

Set up folders for machine location, machine type etc. so that test data is easily located.

Selectable user modes

Ballbar 20 is simple to use, but with 3 different operation modes you can restrict the options available to suit your needs and the level of operator skills and authorisation.

Quick Check - Use for one-off testing of machines with different set-ups.

Operator - Use for regular comparative testing of a machine's condition. Pre-defined test templates speed up the machine check and ensure consistency of set-up.

Advanced - Full access to set-up, edit and organise machine data

PC minimum requirements (Ballbar 20 software)

Software upgrades

Renishaw has a policy of regularly updating its software to fix bugs, add functionality, extend language support, reflect changes in standards and respond to changes in Microsoft software.

If you are not using the latest software you could be missing out on these features. Since using Renishaw ballbar is about quick and simple diagnosis we want as many customers as possible to benefit from this revised software.

The upgrade below is available FREE OF CHARGE. Either download from this website or contact your local Renishaw office for a CD, whichever suits you best.

If you are having problems downloading Ballbar 20 V5.09.05 via the standard internet link above it is also available using Renishaw's FTP system (RFS). You will first need to download and install the required RFS desktop client from http://filetransfer.renishaw.net/latestrelease.aspx.

You will then have access to the RFS system where you can download Ballbar 20 V5.09.05 software.

Useful links

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

Why use a ballbar?

QC20-W testing

QC20-W kit

QC20-W accessories