NC4

The Renishaw NC4 is a non-contact laser tool setter that offers high speed, high precision, and excellent resistance to interference, and is capable of measuring tools down to the micron level. It is used for tool length and diameter measurement, tool breakage detection, and runout analysis, making it an essential tool management device for precision machining and unmanned production lines.

Core Applications and Technical Principles 
Core Applications: Non-contact tool length/diameter measurement, tool breakage detection, radial runout analysis, thermal deformation compensation 
Detection Principle: Laser beam interruption method (Class 2 safety laser); a signal is triggered when the tool passes through the laser beam, enabling high-speed measurement 
System Configuration: Transmitter + Receiver pair + NCi-6 interface (signal processing and output) 
Signal Transmission: Wired connection (7-core shielded cable), stable and interference-free 
Protective Design: MicroHole™ + PassiveSeal™, IPX6/IPX8, integrated air-blowing, resistant to coolant and chips、

Technical Specifications (Standard Version / NC4+ Blue)

Core Features and Applications

1. Automatic Tool Length/Diameter Measurement

Non-contact measurement that does not damage the tool, suitable for brittle tools such as carbide and ceramic

Automatically updates tool offsets, increasing efficiency by more than 10 times compared to manual tool setting and eliminating human error

Capable of measuring micro-tools as small as 0.03 mm in diameter, covering all precision machining scenarios

2. Tool Breakage Detection

Rapid inspection after tool change or before machining; immediate alarm and shutdown upon tool breakage, preventing batch defects

Supports rotating tool detection (500/1000 rpm), compatible with high-speed spindles

3. Radial Runout Analysis

Measures tool radial runout to optimize machining parameters, improving surface quality and dimensional accuracy

4. Thermal Deformation Compensation

Real-time monitoring of tool thermal expansion during machining, with automatic compensation to maintain stable long-term machining accuracy

Typical Application Scenarios

Vertical/horizontal machining centers, gantry machines, multi-tasking machines, high-speed machining centers

High-precision, highly automated production lines for 3C electronics, medical devices, precision molds, aerospace, and more

Management of fragile, precision tools such as micro drills, small-diameter end mills, and deep-hole drills

Core Advantages

Non-contact and non-destructive: No contact with the tool, eliminating wear and indentations to protect precision tools

Ultra-high-speed measurement: Millisecond-level response with virtually no increase in cycle time, boosting production line efficiency

Ultimate precision: ±0.5–1.0 μm 2σ repeatability, meeting sub-micron machining requirements

Micro-Tool Inspection: Capable of measuring down to ø0.03 mm—a capability unattainable with contact-type tool setters

Superior Interference Resistance: MicroHole™ + PassiveSeal™ + integrated air-blowing ensure stable operation in harsh environments

Flexible Installation: Fixed or modular configurations available to adapt to various machine tool layouts

System Compatibility: Direct connection to machine controllers; compatible with all major CNC systems; mature and user-friendly macro programs