Renishaw NC4+ Blue User manual

NC4+ Blue non-contact tool setting
system
Installation guide
H-6435-8501-01-B

Renishaw part no: H-6435-8501-01-B
First issued: 06.2020
© 2020 Renishaw plc. All rights reserved.
This document may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part, or transferred to any other media
or language, by any means, without the prior written permission of Renishaw.
The publication of material within this document does not imply freedom from the patent rights of
Renishaw plc.

i
Contents
Safety ........................................................................1.1
Safety ....................................................................1.1
Warnings ..................................................................1.2
Laser safety and warning labels ................................................1.3
Location of the laser aperture ..................................................1.3
NC4+ Blue basics ............................................................2.1
Guidelines for best practice....................................................2.1
Access panel identification markings ............................................2.2
Probe status LED function.....................................................2.2
Transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) dimensions .....................................2.4
Mounting adjuster plate dimensions .............................................2.5
Cable with connector dimensions ...............................................2.5
NC4 set-up tool dimensions ...................................................2.6
Introduction .............................................................2.6
Dimensions .............................................................2.6
Battery specification.......................................................2.7
NC4+ Blue specification ......................................................2.8
NC4+ Blue system vs. minimum tool diameter .....................................2.8
System installation ...........................................................3.1
Installing the NC4+ Blue system ................................................3.1
Introduction .............................................................3.1
Best practices............................................................3.2
How to install and configure the NC4+ Blue system ..............................3.2
Installing the air assembly kit ................................................3.3
Installing an NC4+ Blue system ..............................................3.4
Installing the interface .....................................................3.7
NC4+ Blue system wiring details .............................................3.8
Supplying electrical power to the NCi-6 interface unit .............................3.8
Power loss and restoration..................................................3.8
Setting the NC4+ Blue system air pressure .....................................3.9
Setting the air blast pressure ...............................................3.10

NC4+ Blue non-contact tool setting system installation guide
ii
Contents
Software routines ........................................................3.10
Aligning an NC4+ Blue system..............................................3.11
Alignment tolerances .....................................................3.12
Maintenance....................................................................4.1
Introduction ................................................................4.1
Removing and refitting the filter elements .........................................4.2
Removal and replacement of membrane dryer module ..............................4.2
Dew point indications ......................................................4.2
Cleaning the optics ..........................................................4.4
Cleaning the NC4+ Blue....................................................4.4
To clean the optics ........................................................4.5
Replacing the air blast nozzle ...............................................4.7
Set up and re-alignment of an NC4+ Blue unit...................................4.8
Using a voltmeter .........................................................4.9
Using the set-up tool .....................................................4.10
Replacing the set-up tool battery ............................................4.10
Fault-finding....................................................................5.1
Parts list .......................................................................6.1
Software and user information .................................................6.7
Machine tool apps ...........................................................6.7
General information .............................................................7.1
Disclaimer .................................................................7.1
Trade marks................................................................7.1
Warranty ..................................................................7.1
China RoHS ...............................................................7.1
Changes to equipment .......................................................7.1
Microchip software licensing agreement ..........................................7.2
CNC machines .............................................................7.2
Care of system components ...................................................7.2
Patents ...................................................................7.2
EU declaration of conformity ...................................................7.3
WEEE directive .............................................................7.3
REACH regulation ...........................................................7.3
FCC information to user (USA only) .............................................7.4

1.1
Safety
Safety
Information to the user
In all applications involving the use of machine tools or CMMs, eye protection is recommended.
Information to the machine supplier/ installer
It is the machine supplier’s responsibility to ensure that the user is made aware of any hazards
involved in operation, including those mentioned in Renishaw product literature, and to ensure that
adequate guards and safety interlocks are provided.
Under certain circumstances, the probe signal may falsely indicate beam not blocked. Do not rely on
probe signals to halt the movement of the machine.
Information to the equipment installer
All Renishaw equipment is designed to comply with the relevant EU and FCC regulatory requirements.
It is the responsibility of the equipment installer to ensure that the following guidelines are adhered to,
in order for the product to function in accordance with these regulations:
• any interface MUST be installed in a position away from any potential sources of electrical noise
(for example, power transformers, servo drives);
• all 0V/ground connections should be connected to the machine “star point” (the “star point” is a
single point return for all equipment ground and screen cables).This is very important and failure to
adhere to this can cause a potential difference between grounds;
• all screens must be connected as outlined in the user instructions;
• cables must not be routed alongside high current sources (for example, motor power supply
cables), or be near high-speed data lines;
• cable lengths should always be kept to a minimum.
Equipment operation
If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the
equipment may be impaired.

NC4+ Blue non-contact tool setting system installation guide
1.2
Safety
Warnings
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified within this
publication may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Switch off the power supply before carrying out maintenance on the NC4 system.
When using the NC4 system, basic safety precautions must always be followed to reduce the risk of
fire, electric shock and personal injury, including the following:
• Read all instructions before operating this product.
• The device must only be installed and used by competent, trained personnel.
• Use eye protection to protect against mechanical hazards, coolant and swarf.
• Avoid inhalation of coolant vapour from the machine tool.
• Do not block the air exiting from the transmitter, receiver or air blast apertures.
• The sound power emitted by the air blast equipment can range from 70.3 dB at 0.3 MPa (43.51 psi)
to 78.2dB at 0.6 MPa (87.02psi). It is the responsibility of the integrator to ensure a suitable noise
assessment is performed when the equipment is put into use.
• Prevent direct exposure of the eyes to the laser beam.
• Ensure that the beam is not reflected into the eyes via any reflective surface.
CAUTION – Laser safety
The laser used in the Renishaw NC4+ Blue non-contact tool setting system emits visible blue light at a
wavelength of 405 nm and has a power output of less than 1 mW.
The NC4 is classified as a Class 2 laser product as defined by BS EN 60825-1:2014
(IEC60825-1:2014).
The product complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 except for deviations pursuant to Laser
Notice No. 50 dated June 24, 2007.
BS EN 60825-1:2014 (IEC60825-1:2014) directs to attach a laser warning label and explanatory label.
A warning label and explanatory label are permanently fixed to each side of the transmitter (Tx)
housing (see “Laser safety and warning labels” on page1.3 for details). An adhesive warning label is
provided for attachment outside the machine.

1.3
Safety
激光辐射
请勿直视激光光束
Laser safety and warning labels
Label B
Label A
Laser ‘On’ and probe status LED (see “Probe status LED
function” on page 2.2 for further information).
NOTE: Labels A and B are tted to
the transmitter unit only.
An adhesive warning label is
provided for attachment outside the
machine.
*Except for deviations pursuant to
Laser Notice No. 50 dated June 24 2007
Label A Label B
*
Location of the laser aperture
Access panel identification markings, denoting system range
(see “Access panel identification markings” on page 2.2 for
further information).
Laser aperture
Caution symbol (for more information, see
“CAUTION symbol” below)
CAUTION – Laser safety
The access panel is to be removed for service
purposes only using the special tool supplied.
Before removing the panel, switch off electrical
power to the transmitter unit to avoid exposure to
the laser beam.
CAUTION symbol
The caution symbol on the access panel denotes
the following:
CAUTION – Class 3R Laser radiation
when open. Avoid direct eye exposure.
This text is not included on the access panel due
to the limited space available.
!!

NC4+ Blue non-contact tool setting system installation guide
1.4
Safety
This page intentionally is left blank.

2.1
NC4+ Blue basics
Introduction
This guide describes how to install, configure, maintain and service the Renishaw NC4+ Blue
non-contact tool setting system.
The NC4+ Blue is a laser-based non-contact tool setting system that provides high-speed/high-
precision measurement of cutting tools on a machining centre under normal operating conditions.
As a tool moves through the laser beam, the system detects when the beam is broken. Output signals
sent to the controller allow the presence of a tool and the position of the tip to be established. This can
be used to determine the dimensions of tools (tool measurement) or condition of tools (broken tool
detection).
Guidelines for best practice
• The NC4+ Blue is a precision device and must be handled with care.
• Ensure that all mountings are secure.
• Keep electrical contacts clean.
• Mount the system in a position that limits the risk of it being subjected to impact when operating the
machine.
• Mount the system in a position where it will not be affected by a build-up of swarf. Do not allow
excessive waste material to build up on or around the NC4+ Blue.
• Cables, piping and conduit should be suitably secured to avoid damage and loads being transferred
to the NC4+ Blue.
• Optimum performance is achieved by continuously supplying air and power to the NC4+ Blue.
• The NC4+ Blue is protected by a continuous stream of clean air. Approximately once a month,
inspect the optics for contamination. The service interval may be extended or reduced depending
on experience.
• The air supply to the NC4+ Blue protection system must conform to BS ISO 8573-1: 2010 air
quality of class 1.4.2 and be moisture-free.

NC4+ Blue non-contact tool setting system installation guide
2.2
NC4+ Blue basics
Access panel identification markings
The access panel of each NC4+ Blue transmitter and receiver unit is engraved with identifying
markings. The access panel information for each size of NC4+ Blue is shown in the table below.
Probe status LED function
The probe status LEDs on the transmitter and receiver units indicate to the user the status of the
probe. The LEDs mimic each other.
Colours shown by the LEDs vary depending upon the mode of operation of the interface unit. The
colours and associated states are described in the tables on page 2.3.
NCi-6 NC set-up switch SW1-2 set to ‘On’
The probe status LEDs will rapidly flash code which is used by the NC4 set-up tool.
The colours of the LEDs will vary between red, violet and blue.
NCi-6 NC set-up switch SW1-2 set to ‘Off’
For more information, see the tables on page 2.3.
Probe status LED (on
transmitter and receiver units)
Access panel identification
markings, denoting system
range
Fixed systems
Type Transmitter
engraving
Receiver
engraving
NC4+ Blue F115 +50+ +50+
NC4+ Blue F145 +40+ +40+

2.3
NC4+ Blue basics
The probe status LEDs can be used for diagnostic purposes, as the NC4+ Blue constantly checks
itself for signal and indicates the state of the system by the colours of the LEDs.
If the laser beam is clear and the LEDs are either violet or flashing blue/violet, this indicates that
servicing is required. The system will continue to function as normal. For more information on possible
action required, see “Fault-finding” on page 5.1.
LED
colour
Signal
voltage
Tool set mode 1 Tool set mode 2
Description
Blue/
violet
> 6.0 V Flashing at 1 Hz.
The system operating voltage is too
high.
The system will continue to function,
but for optimum performance repeat
the set-up and alignment procedures.
The probe is untriggered.
Flashing at 1 Hz.
The system operating voltage is too
high.
The system will continue to function,
but for optimum performance repeat
the set-up and alignment procedures.
The probe is triggered.
Blue 6.0 V to
4.0 V
The beam is clear.
The probe is untriggered.
The beam is clear.
The probe is triggered.
Violet 4.0 V to
2.5 V
The beam is partially blocked.
The probe is untriggered.
The beam is partially blocked.
The probe is triggered.
Red 2.5 V to
0.0 V
The beam is blocked.
The probe is triggered.
The beam is blocked.
The probe is untriggered.
No
light
0.0 V No power to the unit.
LED colour High speed broken tool
detection mode
Latch mode
Blue/violet Not applicable. Flashing at 1 Hz.
The output is not latched.
The system operating voltage is too high.
The system will continue to function,
but for optimum performance repeat the
set-up and alignment procedures.
Blue Not applicable. The beam is clear.
The output is not latched.
Violet The output is not latched.
The beam is blocked.
Red The output is latched.
The tool is broken.
The output is latched.
No light No power to the unit.

NC4+ Blue non-contact tool setting system installation guide
2.4
NC4+ Blue basics
Transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) dimensions
Ø30.0
(Ø1.18)
30.0
(1.18)
8.0
(0.31)
Ø30.0
(Ø1.18)
Dimensions in mm (in)
B
C
H
GD
E
F
AA
13.5 (0.53)
Beam height
Model
Dimensions
A B C D E F G H
F115C 55.0
(2.17)
155.0
(6.10)
97.3
(3.83)
31.0
(1.22)
61.0
(2.40)
77.0
(3.03)
18.1
(0.71)
13.8
(0.54)
F115C
(raised)
55.0
(2.17)
155.0
(6.10)
97.3
(3.83)
50.0
(1.97)
80.0
(3.15)
96.0
(3.78)
35.1
(1.38)
12.3
(0.48)
F145C 85.0
(3.35)
185.0
(7.28)
112.3
(4.42)
31.0
(1.22)
61.0
(2.40)
77.0
(3.03)
21.3
(0.84)
25.3
(1.00)
F145C
(raised)
85.0
(3.35)
185.0
(7.28)
112.3
(4.42)
50.0
(1.97)
80.0
(3.15)
96.0
(3.78)
37.1
(1.46)
24.7
(0.97)
Dimensions in mm (in)

2.5
NC4+ Blue basics
Mounting adjuster plate dimensions
Dimensions given in mm (in)
18.0
(0.71)
25.0 (0.98)
5.0
(0.20)
27.5 (1.08)
41.5 (1.63)
55.0 (2.17)
30.0 (1.18)
15.0
(0.59)
Mounting/adjuster plate
Hole for M4 screw (× 3)
AA
View on A
Cable with connector dimensions
Dimensions given in mm (in)
Straight connector
90° connector
30.0
(1.18)
94.0
(3.70)
26.0
(1.02)
120.0 (4.72)
90.0 (3.54)
64.0
(2.52)
26.0
(1.02)
51.4
(2.02)
30.0
(1.18)
10.3
(0.41)
Hole for M10 (3/8) or M12 (½) bolt

NC4+ Blue non-contact tool setting system installation guide
2.6
NC4+ Blue basics
NC4 set-up tool dimensions
Introduction
The NC4 set-up tool is a battery-operated device that is used to provide a visual indication of the
signal strength at the NC4+ Blue receiver unit. The signal strength is shown on a numerical display.
The higher the number, the greater the signal received at the receiver unit.
The set-up tool is placed over the receiver unit and is rotated so that the display can be easily viewed.
Placing the tool over an NC4+ Blue unit activates the numerical display. Removing the tool causes the
display to power off (for more information, see “Using the set-up tool” on page 4.10).
NOTE: The numerical display provides only an indication of the signal strength. If a true reading of
signal strength is required, a voltmeter must be connected to the appropriate connector pins on the
interface unit.
Dimensions
Dimensions given in mm (in)
21.3 (0.84)
21.3 (0.84)
11.0
(0.43)
R = 18.75
(R = 0.74)
37.5 (1.48)
Numerical display

2.7
NC4+ Blue basics
Battery specification
The set-up tool requires one ½ AA size battery, rated at 3.6 V. It is important to ensure that the battery
is supplied in standard form. Batteries that are described as tagged have additional connection tag
features fitted to the terminal and are not suitable.
Typically, this specification can be provided by a cell containing Lithium-thionyl chloride (3.6 V). This
is recommended for maximum battery life. A Lithium-thionyl chloride (3.6 V) battery will last the
equivalent of 700 hours’ continuous operation.
Battery manufacturer Part number
Saft LS 14250
Tadiran SL-750
Xeno XL-050F

NC4+ Blue non-contact tool setting system installation guide
2.8
NC4+ Blue basics
NC4+ Blue specification
Principal application High-precision, high-speed non-contact tool setting and tool breakage
detection on all sizes of vertical and horizontal machining centres,
multi-tasking machines and gantry machining centres.
Pneumatic supply Connector system Ø4.0 mm (0.16 in) air pipe, 0.6 MPa (87.02 psi)
maximum. Air supply to the NC4 must conform to BS ISO 8573-1:
2010 Class 1.4.2.
Air blast pneumatic supply Ø6.0 mm (0.24 in) air pipe, 0.6 MPa maximum. Air supply to the air
blast must conform to BS ISO 8573-1: 2010 Class 2.9.4.
Life Tested to > 1 million on/off cycles
Cable 6-core plus screen cable. Each core 18/0.1 insulated.
Ø6.0 mm (0.24 in) × 12.5 m (41.01 ft).
Receiver/interface NCi-6
Repeatability ±1.0 μm (39.37 μin) 2s
Current consumption
(including interface unit)
120 mA @ 12 Vdc, 70 mA @ 24 Vdc
Environment IP rating IPX6 and IPX8, BS EN 60529:1992+A2:2013
(IEC 60529:1989+A1:1999+A2:2013)
Storage temperature –25 °C to +70 °C (–13 °F to +158 °F)
Operating temperature +5 °C to +55 °C (+41 °F to +131 °F)
NC4+ Blue system vs. minimum tool diameter
NOTE: The minimum tool diameter values listed in this table are typical values. They are provided for
guidance purposes only.
NC4+ Blue
system
Separation Minimum tool
diameter
F115 55.0 (2.17) 0.03 (0.001)
F145 85.0 (3.35) 0.05 (0.002)
Dimensions given in mm (in)

3.1
System installation
Installing the NC4+ Blue system
Introduction
The air supply to the NC4+ Blue must conform to BSISO 8573-1: 2010 air quality of class 1.4.2 and
be moisture-free. If the air quality cannot be guaranteed, an air filter unit is available from Renishaw
(for more information, see “Parts list – NC4 accessories” on page 6.4).
The NC4+ Blue requires a continuous regulated air supply up to 0.6 MPa (87.02 psi) maximum.
Failure of the air supply allows a PassiveSeal™ inside each NC4+ Blue unit to protect the unit from the
ingress of contaminants. This causes the unit to enter a trigger state. The laser beam will not be seen
exiting the transmitter unit, and the status LEDs on the transmitter and receiver units will display red
(when tool set mode 1 is selected).
The cause of the air failure should be determined and rectified.
The air blast requires an air supply, 0.6 MPa (87.02psi) maximum. The air supply to the air blast
system must conform to BSISO 8573-1: 2010 air quality of class 2.9.4. A solenoid valve is required to
control the air blast (for more information, see “Parts list – NC4 accessories” on page 6.4).
Air preparation
Air preparation
CNC machine
control
Solenoid valve
NC4+ Blue system
NCi-6 interface
See NOTE
Ø4.0 mm air pipe
Ø6.0 mm
air pipe
Ø6.0 mm (0.24 in) cable
(one or two dependent on
system configuration)
NOTE: Solenoid valve can be controlled by an M-code connected using the auxiliary relay on
NCi-6, CN2 pins 3, 4, 5 and 6, or connected directly to the solenoid valve.

NC4+ Blue non-contact tool setting system installation guide
3.2
System installation
Best practices
• Where possible, tap into the air supply that exits the machine air supply filter/regulator unit. Do not
connect the NC4+ Blue to an oiled air supply.
• Use blanking caps, supplied with the air assembly kit, when feeding air pipe through the conduit/
machine.
• Before connecting the air pipes to the inlet of the NC4+ Blue unit or air blast, briefly switch on the
air supply to clear out any debris from the pipe. When no more debris is emitted, switch off the air
supply and connect to the NC4+ Blue.
• When installing the air pipe supply to the NC4+ Blue, keep runs as short as possible to minimise
pressure drop.
• If the temperature of the air supply is greater than 5 °C (41 °F) above ambient and is humid, an air
dryer will be required.
NC4+ Blue kits are supplied with a filter regulator including dryer (Renishaw part number
A-6435-4000).
Minimum bend radius
How to install and configure the NC4+ Blue system
Install and configure the NC4+ Blue system in the sequence described below:
1. Install the air assembly kit (for more information, see “Installing the air assembly kit” on page
3.3). Do not switch on the air supply or set the air pressure at this stage.
2. Install the NC4+ Blue system (for more information, see “Installing an NC4+ Blue system” on page
3.4).
3. Install the interface unit (for more information, see “Installing the interface unit” on page 3.7).
4. Switch on electrical power to the interface unit (for more information, see “Applying electrical
power to the NCi-6 interface unit” on page 3.8).
5. Switch on the air supply to the NC4+ Blue system and set the air pressure (for more information,
see “Setting the NC4+ Blue system air pressure” on page 3.9).
6. Align and set up the NC4+ Blue system (for more information, see “Aligning an NC4+ Blue
system” on page 3.11).
7. Finally, calibrate the system as described in the appropriate non-contact tool setting software
programming guide.
8. If problems occur or for more information, see “Fault-finding” on page 5.1.
Component Outer diameter Minimum static bend radius
GP 9 conduit 14 (0.55) 40.0 (1.57)
Air pipe 4 (0.16) 25 (0.98)
6 (0.24) 30 (1.18)
NC4 cable 6 (0.24) 10 (0.39)
Dimensions given in mm (in)

3.3
System installation
Installing the air assembly kit
WARNING: Before starting to install the kit, ensure that the machine is safe to work on.
1. Secure the air preparation kit, vertically upright, to a suitable surface using the mounting brackets.
This must be within 25 m (82.02 ft) of the NC4+ Blue.
2. The air preparation kit (see figure below) features an auto-drain to remove accumulated liquid
from the filter bowls. Once the liquid has reached the float within each filter bowl, the liquid will be
drained. The drain ports are threaded M5 × 0.8 to facilitate connection to a suitable waste.
3. If the incoming air supply is grossly contaminated, a suitable pre-filter may be required to
maximise the service life of the air preparation kit.
NOTE: The membrane dryer features a small vent from which humid air is purged. Air can be
heard venting from this port during operation. It is essential that this port is kept unobstructed.
4. 20 m (65.62 ft) of 6 mm (0.23 in) dia. pipe is supplied with the NC4+ Blue kit. It is recommended
that this is used as far as possible (typically to the machine bulkhead) then reduced to 4 mm pipe
closer to the NC4+ Blue system.
Pipe should be cut straight, as a tapered cut could lead to failure of the air fitting connector.
What to do next
After you have finished installing the air assembly kit, install the NC4+ Blue system (for more
information see “Installing an NC4+ Blue system” below).
Do not switch on the air supply or set the air pressure until the NC4+ Blue system and interface unit
have been installed and electrical power has been supplied.
Regulator
Pressure
gauge
Auto-drain Purge air vent
Membrane dryer

NC4+ Blue non-contact tool setting system installation guide
3.4
System installation
1. Mount the system in a position where air can exit freely from the MicroHole™ in the access
panels.
Do not mount the system in a position where excessive quantities of swarf can build up.
2. Secure the mounting/adjuster plate to the machine table using one of the options shown in the
figure below. Align the plate so it is approximately parallel to the machine axis.
3. Use a dial test indicator to determine the squareness of the adjuster pack or mounting/adjuster
plate relative to the machine axis. The top and sides of the pack/plate should be within 1.0 mm
(0.039 in) over the length of the pack/plate.
4. Lay the conduit in the machine to check the length. Cut to length if necessary.
Feed the cable through the conduit and feed the two air pipes through the spring covers.
Push the conduit onto the barbed gland and fit the securing O-clip.
Fit the cable to the NC4+ Blue system by pushing the connector into the socket. Rotate the
knurled collar until it locks into place.
Place the NC4+ Blue system on the mounting/adjuster plate and secure with the two X/Y-axis
locking screws and single Z-axis locking screw.
NC4+ Blue
system
M10 (3/8in) screw
(not supplied)
M12 (½in) screw
(not supplied)
M4 screws
(not supplied)
Z-axis adjusting
screw
Z-axis locking
screw
X/Y-axis locking
screws
Mounting/adjuster
plate
Mounting/adjuster
plate
Mounting/adjuster
plate
Installing an NC4+ Blue system
This section describes how to install NC4+ Blue systems. Refer to the figures below and on page3.6
WARNING: Before starting to install the NC4+ Blue system, ensure that the machine is safe to work
on. Switch off machine power when working in the controller cabinet.