Renishaw NCi-6 User manual

#renishaw
NCi-6 non-contact tool setting interface
www.renishaw.com/nci-6
Installation guide

Compliance information for this product is available by scanning the QR code or visiting
www.renishaw.com/mtpdoc

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Contents
Before you begin ...................................................................1-1
Warranty ...........................................................................1-1
CNC machines ......................................................................1-1
Care of the interface ..................................................................1-1
Patents ............................................................................1-1
Intended use........................................................................1-1
Safety .............................................................................1-2
Information to the machine supplier/ installer..........................................1-2
Information to the equipment installer ...............................................1-2
Equipment operation ............................................................1-2
WARNINGS ...................................................................1-2
Specication ........................................................................1-3
NCi-6 basics .......................................................................2-1
Introduction.........................................................................2-1
Power supply .......................................................................2-1
Input / output over-current protection ....................................................2-1
NCi-6 interface unit (top face)...........................................................2-2
NCi-6 interface unit (bottom face)........................................................2-2
NCi-6 top label ......................................................................2-3
NCi-6 bottom label ...................................................................2-3
Connectors CN1 and CN2 .............................................................2-4
Interface LEDs ......................................................................2-5
Interface LED states.............................................................2-5
Status LED ....................................................................2-5
Pulse width LED................................................................2-5
Auxiliary relay status LED ........................................................2-5
Mode LEDs: (Tool set 1, Tool break, Latch and Tool set 2)................................2-5
Interface LEDs – status LED ......................................................2-6
Switches ...........................................................................2-7
Switch locations ................................................................2-7
IMPORTANT: Setting a switch.....................................................2-8
Switch bank SW1 ...............................................................2-8
Switch bank SW2 ...............................................................2-8
Switch bank SW3 ...............................................................2-9
SSR2 output selections ...............................................................2-9
SSR2 type 1 and SSR2 type 2.....................................................2-9

ii NCi-6 non-contact tool setting interface
System installation..................................................................3-1
Operating modes ....................................................................3-1
Tool set mode 1 ................................................................3-1
Tool set mode 2 ................................................................3-1
High-speed tool breakage detection.................................................3-1
Latch mode....................................................................3-1
Mode selection ................................................................3-1
Pulse width setting ..............................................................3-2
Tool set mode 1 (without drip rejection) ..............................................3-2
Tool set mode 1 (with drip rejection).................................................3-3
Tool set mode 2 ................................................................3-3
Dimensions and mounting arrangements..................................................3-4
Wiring .............................................................................3-5
Connecting to the NC unit ........................................................3-5
Connecting to the CNC ..........................................................3-6
Controlling the laser of an NC unit ..................................................3-7
Sharing the skip with an auxiliary probe..............................................3-8
Controlling the air supply to an NC unit ..............................................3-9
Maintenance .......................................................................4-1
NCi-6 maintenance...................................................................4-1
Parts list ..........................................................................5-1

1-1
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Before you begin
Warranty
Unless you and Renishaw have agreed and signed a separate written agreement, the equipment and/or
software are sold subject to the Renishaw Standard Terms and Conditions supplied with such equipment
and/or software, or available on request from your local Renishaw ofce.
Renishaw warrants its equipment and software for a limited period (as set out in the Standard Terms
and Conditions), provided that they are installed and used exactly as dened in associated Renishaw
documentation. You should consult these Standard Terms and Conditions to nd out the full details of your
warranty.
Equipment and/or software purchased by you from a third-party supplier is subject to separate terms and
conditions supplied with such equipment and/or software. You should contact your third-party supplier for
details.
CNC machines
CNC machine tools must always be operated by fully trained personnel in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Care of the interface
Keep system components clean.
Patents
Features of the NCi-6 non-contact interface and related products are subject to the following patents and
patent applications:
CN 100394139
EP 1502699
EP 2152469
JP 4520240
US 7312433
US 9040899
Intended use
The NCi-6 non-contact tool setting interface is used in conjunction with NC4, NC4+ or NC4+ Blue non
contact tool setters. The NCi-6 unit converts signals from the non-contact tool setter into voltage-free,
solid-state relay (SSR) outputs for transmission to the CNC machine control.

1-2 NCi-6 non-contact tool setting interface: Before you begin
Safety
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 a probe seated condition. 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 UK, 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, i.e.
power transformers, servo drives etc.;
• 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, i.e. motor power supply cables etc., 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 specied by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the
equipment may be impaired.
WARNINGS
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specied within this
publication may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Switch off electrical power to the NCi-6 interface before carrying out maintenance on non-contact (NC) tool
setting and tool breakage detection products.
CAUTION – LASER SAFETY
The NCi-6 interfaces with Renishaw laser-based non-contact tool setting and tool breakage detection products.
Laser safety guidelines and safety rules are described in the appropriate NC tool setting product guides.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specied by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the
equipment may be impaired.

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Specication
Absolute maximum supply
voltage
11 Vdc to 30 Vdc
Maximum rated current 0.5 A
SSR contact ratings ±50 mA pk
±30 Vdc pk
Protection provided by enclosure IP20 BS EN 60529:1992+A2:2013
Altitude Maximum 2000 m (6562 ft)
Operating temperature +5 °C to +55 °C (+41 °F to +131 °F)
Storage temperature –25 °C to +70 °C (–13 °F to +158 °F)
Relative humidity Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures up to +31 °C
(+87.8 °F) decreasing linearly to 50% relative humidity at +40 °C
(104 °F).

1-4 NCi-6 non-contact tool setting interface: Before you begin
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2-1
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NCi-6 basics
Introduction
CNC machine tools using Renishaw NC4, NC4+ or NC4+ Blue non-contact (NC) units for tool setting
or broken tool detection require an interface unit. The NCi-6 unit converts signals from the NC unit into
voltage-free, solid-state relay (SSR) outputs for transmission to the CNC machine control.
The NCi-6 interface unit should be installed in the CNC control cabinet. Where possible, site the unit away
from potential sources of interference such as transformers and motor controllers.
CAUTION: Only qualied persons should install and adjust switches on the interface. Remove the DC
power supply from the NCi-6 unit before removing the cover.
Power supply
The NCi-6 interface can draw its power from the CNC machine’s nominal 12 Vdc to 24 Vdc supply. This
must be an appropriate single fault tolerant power supply which must comply to BS EN IEC 62368-1.
The supply to the NCi-6 is protected by a 0.5 A resettable fuse. To reset the fuse, remove the power then
identify and rectify the cause of the fault.
The nominal current when connected to an NC unit is as follows:
120 mA @ 12 Vdc,
70 mA @ 24 Vdc
NOTE: To disconnect the power supply, remove the wires from the terminals.
Input / output over-current protection
Each of the SSR outputs is protected by a 50 mA resettable fuse.
The auxiliary relay output is protected by a 200 mA resettable fuse.
The NC unit is protected by a resettable current protection circuit.

2-2 NCi-6 non-contact tool setting interface: NCi-6 basics
NCi-6 interface unit (top face)
NCi-6 interface unit (bottom face)
Top face interface label
Diagnostic LEDs
Connector CN1
(10-way)
Connector CN2
(15-way)
Removable cover
Bottom face interface label

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NCi-6 top label
NCi-6 bottom label

2-4 NCi-6 non-contact tool setting interface: NCi-6 basics
Connectors CN1 and CN2
10-way connector (CN1)
Connector CN1 is used to connect the non-contact unit to the NCi-6 interface.
Terminals 1 – 2
Used to monitor the signal from the NC unit. Voltage range: 0 Vdc to 9 Vdc.
15-way connector (CN2)
Connector CN2 is used to connect the NCi-6 interface to the CNC machine tool.
Terminal 1
Used to select the pulse width in consideration with switch SW2-4.
Terminals 3 – 6
This is an auxiliary output that can be used to control external devices such as LED, a buzzer or an air
blast.
This output can also be used with a hardwired NC unit to switch the transmitter unit on/off independently of
the receiver.
Alternatively, it can act as a skip-sharing module to switch between a non-contact tool setting device and
an interface for spindle probing.
This output is fused at 200 mA.
Terminals 7 – 8
This is an SSR output that can be congured to be either normally open (N.O.) or normally closed (N.C.).
The output is fused at 50 mA.
Terminals 9 – 10
This is an SSR output that can be congured to be either normally open (N.O.) or normally closed (N.C.),
as well as providing a pulsed, level or oscillating output. The output is fused at 50 mA.
Terminals 11 – 12
This is used to select the operating mode.
Terminals 13 – 15
This is used to supply power to the interface.

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Interface LEDs
Interface LED states
Seven LEDs are tted on the front of the NCi-6 interface. These provide the operator with a visual
indication of the system’s status.
Status LED
The Status LED indicates the status of the NC system to the operator. The colours and associated states
are described in the tables on page 2-6.
When the system is in set-up mode, the LED changes from red to amber to green as the beam voltage increases.
If the LED is green after exiting set-up mode, this indicates that set-up has been successful. If the LED is
not green, this indicates that set-up has not been successful and must be repeated.
Pulse width LED
Green: 20ms Not lit: 100ms
Auxiliary relay status LED
Green: Auxiliary relay energised Not lit: Auxiliary relay not energised
Mode LEDs: (Tool set 1, Tool break, Latch and Tool set 2)
Green: Mode selected Not lit: Mode not selected
For more information see chapter 3, “System installation”.
NOTE: If no mode LEDs are lit, this indicates that the NCi-6 interface is in set-up mode.

2-6 NCi-6 non-contact tool setting interface: NCi-6 basics
Interface LEDs – status LED
LED colour Tool set mode 1 Tool set mode 2
Green/amber 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.
Green The beam is clear.
The probe is untriggered.
The beam is clear.
The probe is triggered.
Amber The beam is partially blocked. *
The probe is untriggered.
The beam is partially blocked. *
The probe is triggered.
Red The beam is blocked.
The probe is triggered.
The beam is blocked.
The probe is untriggered.
No light No power to the unit
* If the laser beam is clear and the LED is amber, this indicates that the system will continue to function,
but for optimum performance maintenance is required.
Refer to the applicable installation and user’s guide (for NC4, Renishaw part number H-2000-5230 or
NC4+, Renishaw part number H-6270-8501 or NC4+ Blue, Renishaw part number H-6435-8501), for
details of the possible actions required.
LED colour High speed broken tool
detection mode Latch mode
Green/amber 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.
Green Not applicable. The beam is clear.
The output is not latched.
Amber The output is not latched.
The beam is blocked.
The output is not latched.
The beam is blocked. *
Red The output is latched.
The tool is broken.
The output is latched.
No light
* If the laser beam is clear and the LED is amber, this indicates that the system will continue to function,
but for optimum performance maintenance is required.
Refer to the applicable installation and user’s guide (for NC4, Renishaw part number H-2000-5230 or
SwiNC4+, Renishaw part number H-6270-8501 or NC4+ Blue, Renishaw part number H-6435-8501), for
details of the possible actions required.

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Switches
Switch locations
Switch SW1
(used during installation and normal
operation)
Cover tab – depress to remove cover
Removable cover
(used to access switches SW2 and SW3. These switches
only need to be accessed during installation)
Switch SW2
Switch SW3

2-8 NCi-6 non-contact tool setting interface: NCi-6 basics
IMPORTANT: Setting a switch
When setting a switch to either the On or Off position, apply rm pressure to make sure it is fully in position.
Switch bank SW1
Switch On Off
1 Not used On Off Not used.
2 NC set-up On Off Used when setting up an NC unit. Set this switch to On so that the
alignment voltage can be maximised. After maximising the voltage,
set the switch to Off so that the automatic gain circuitry can set the
operating voltage.
3 Drip rejection On Off When the drip rejection mode is set to On, the effects of individual
drops of coolant on measurements are ltered out.
NOTE: For safe operation, set the spindle speed and spindle
override as described below.
4 Spindle r/min 500 1000 Used with drip rejection. For safe operation, the spindle speed must
be xed at a whole multiple, e.g. 1000, 2000, or 3000; or 500, 1000,
or 1500, and the spindle override must be disabled.
Switch bank SW2
CAUTIONS:
With the SSR output switch(es) set to Off, i.e. normally open (N.O.), the respective output will remain in a
non-triggered state if the power supply is interrupted and/or a poor connection is made to the SSR.
If using SSR2 as an oscillating or pulsed output for a trigger signal to the control, the level output SSR1
must be used to guarantee a reliable probe status check.
Switch On Off
1 SSR1 N.C. N.O. Sets the SSR output to either normally closed (N.C.) or normally
open (N.O.).
2 SSR2 N.C. N.O. As above.
3 SSR2
Type1
Level Pulsed Sets the SSR2 output to level or pulsed.
Refer to page 2-9.
4 Pulse width 20 ms 100 ms Sets the pulse width to either 20 ms or 100 ms (For more
information see chapter 3, “System installation”).
M-code 3 may be used to invert the switch setting.
NOTE: For the cycle to work, the pulse width value selected must
be the same as the value that is congured in the tool setting
software.

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Switch bank SW3
Switch On Off
1 M-code 1
Active Low High Determines whether the input responds to an active – high or active – low signal.
2 M-code 2
Active Low High Determines whether the input responds to an active – high or active – low signal.
3Not used – – Not used.
4 SSR2
Type 2 Osc. As SW2-3 Sets the SSR2 output to oscillating or as per SW2-3. Refer to section “SSR2 output selections”.
NOTES:
If an M-code is not connected to terminal 11, SW3-1 must be set to Off (M-code active high).
If an M-code is not connected to terminal 12, SW3-2 must be set to Off (M-code active high).
SSR2 output selections
SSR2 type 1 and SSR2 type 2
CAUTION: If using SSR2 as an oscillating or pulsed output for a trigger signal to the control, the level
output SSR1 must be used to guarantee a reliable probe status check.
The SSR2 output can be congured for three different types, pulsed, level or oscillating.
The selection of SSR2 type is derived from the position of two switches, SW2-3 and SW3-4.
The table for this logic is as follows:
SW2-3
SSR2 Type 1
SW3-4
SSR2 Type 2 Output type
Off Off Pulsed
On Off Level
Off On Oscillating
On On Oscillating
NOTE: On certain machine controllers there is a delay between the start of a measurement move and
the machine controller becoming responsive to a change in trigger status. In this case use the oscillating
output to ensure the trigger is detected when the machine controller becomes responsive.

2-10 NCi-6 non-contact tool setting interface: NCi-6 basics
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3-1
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System installation
Operating modes
Tool set mode 1
This mode of operation allows functions such as system alignment, tool calibration, length and diameter
tool setting, and thermal compensation tracking. Measurement takes place as the tool enters the laser
beam. No M-codes are required. Typically drip rejection is activated.
Tool set mode 2
This mode of operation allows length and diameter measurement of cutting tools, measures run-out and
allows cutting edge checking. It uses “Dual Measurement” technology. Measurement takes place as the
tool exits the laser beam providing shorter cycle times and is more robust in wet conditions. M-codes are
required to activate this mode. Drip rejection is not used.
High-speed tool breakage detection
This mode of operation allows rapid detection of broken tools that are solid at the centre – for example,
drills and taps.
Latch mode
This mode of operation allows functions such as checking tools for missing inserts and prole checking.
For further information about the software for these cycles, see Probe software for machine tools,
Renishaw part number H-2000-2298 or the relevant Renishaw NCTS software manual for your machine
tool.
Mode selection
These modes can be activated using M-codes supplying a constant voltage of between 11Vdc and 30 Vdc
connected to CN2-11 and/or CN2-12 (see the table below). These selection levels can be inverted using
switches SW3-1 and SW3-2 respectively so that 0 Vdc is used to activate the mode and 11 Vdc to 30 Vdc
is used to deactivate. If the M-code voltage is oating when deactivated, a resistor is required to pull up the
voltage to the supply voltage (refer to the gure below).
Mode M-code 1 M-code 2
(CN2-11) (CN2-12)
Tool set 1 Inactive Inactive
Tool set 2 Active Active
Tool break Active Inactive
Latch Inactive Active
10
11
12
13
14
15
3 kΩ
0.5 W
3 kΩ
0.5 W
M-code 1 (tool breakage)
M-code 2 (latch mode)
Screen
0 Vdc supply
11 Vdc to 30 Vdc

3-2 NCi-6 non-contact tool setting interface: System installation
Pulse width setting
The pulse width setting has the following functions:
• Sets the SSR2 pulsed output width to either 20 ms or 100 ms. It also sets the minimum pulse width of
SSR1 to either 20 ms or 100ms.
• If the pulse width is set to 20 ms, the cycle time for the latch mode functions is reduced and the
spindle speed is ve times faster. In certain cycles ensure the maximum r/min of the tools is not
exceeded.
• Sets the minimum r/min of the tools in tool set mode 1, without drip rejection active, and in tool set
mode 2.
• Switch SW2-4 sets the pulse width to 20 ms or 100 ms. M-code 3 can be used to invert the switch
setting as shown in the table below.
Min r/min Pulse width ms Switch 2-4 M-code 3
600 100 Off Low
On High
3000 20 On Low
Off High
Tool set mode 1 (without drip rejection)
Open
Closed
Tool setting without drip rejection
Level
Pulsed
Oscillating
Open
Closed
Open
Closed
Beam clear Beam blocked Beam clear Beam clear
Blocks Clears Blocks Clears
Pulse width
20 ms
20 ms
Pulse width = 20 ms or 100 ms, set by SW2-4
Diagrams shown for normally closed, invert for normally open
> Pulse width
Pulse width Pulse width
< Pulse width
Beam blocked
Laser
status