Hexagon Metrology m&h LTS35.65 In-Machine Laser Tool Setting System
| Brand | m&h |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shandong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | LTS35.65 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
| Trigger Mechanism | Focused Laser (650 nm, <1 mW, Class 2 per IEC 60825-1) |
| Bidirectional Repeatability (2σ) | ≤0.2 µm |
| Trigger Axes | ±X, ±Y, ±Z |
| Minimum Detectable Tool Diameter | Ø0.030 mm |
| Aperture Options | 23 mm / 90 mm / 160 mm / 300 mm |
| Dimensions (Min.) | 200 × 45 × 107 mm |
| Weight | 1000–1700 g |
| Operating Temperature | 5–70 °C |
| Housing Material | Anodized Aluminum |
| Ingress Protection | IP68 (per EN 60529) |
| Trigger Lifetime | >1,000,000 cycles |
| Signal Interface | Hardwired Cable Output |
| Shutter Type | Pneumatic Fast-Closing Unit |
| Cleaning Method | Supersonic Air Jet Nozzle |
Overview
The Hexagon Metrology m&h LTS35.65 is a high-precision, in-machine laser tool setting system engineered for real-time, non-contact measurement of cutting tools directly within CNC machining environments. Based on focused laser triangulation, the system detects tool geometry—including tool length, tool radius, and axial/radial position—by analyzing the displacement of a collimated 650 nm laser beam reflected from the tool surface. Its sub-micron repeatability (2σ ≤ 0.2 µm) enables reliable detection of minute deviations caused by thermal drift, mechanical wear, or chipping. Designed specifically for integration into vertical/horizontal machining centers and boring/milling machines, the LTS35.65 supports closed-loop process control by feeding validated dimensional data directly to the CNC controller for automatic offset compensation—reducing manual intervention and minimizing scrap due to undetected tool degradation.
Key Features
- Triangulation-based laser sensing with Class 2 laser safety compliance (IEC 60825-1), ensuring operational safety without requiring interlocked enclosures or operator training beyond standard machine protocols.
- Integrated supersonic air jet nozzles deliver targeted, high-velocity cleaning pulses prior to each measurement cycle—removing coolant mist, metal fines, and particulate contamination from the optical path and tool surface to maintain measurement integrity.
- Hermetically sealed pneumatic shutter unit (IP68-rated) protects the laser emitter and photodetector array from coolant ingress, dust, and vibration-induced misalignment—even under continuous heavy-duty shop-floor operation.
- Modular aperture configuration supports four standardized opening sizes (23 mm, 90 mm, 160 mm, 300 mm), allowing optimal field-of-view selection for diverse tooling—from micro-endmills (Ø0.030 mm minimum detectable diameter) to large-diameter face mills and boring bars.
- Robust anodized aluminum housing, rated to IP68 per EN 60529, withstands ambient temperatures from 5 °C to 70 °C and resists corrosion from emulsified coolants and machining fluids.
- Hardwired cable interface provides deterministic signal transmission with minimal latency—critical for synchronized triggering within CNC motion sequences and eliminating wireless interference risks in electrically noisy production environments.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LTS35.65 accommodates rotating and stationary tools across common material classes—including carbide, HSS, ceramic, and polycrystalline diamond (PCD)—without requiring reflective coatings or special tool preparation. Its bidirectional trigger capability (±X, ±Y, ±Z) enables full 3D positioning verification during both setup and in-process checks. The system complies with ISO 230-6 (Test Code for Determining the Accuracy of Positioning of Numerical Control Axes), and its measurement traceability aligns with national metrological standards through factory calibration using NIST-traceable interferometric references. As an in-machine solution, it supports adherence to ISO 9001:2015 clause 7.1.5.2 (Monitoring and measuring resources) and facilitates GLP/GMP-aligned audit trails when integrated with compatible CNC data logging systems.
Software & Data Management
While the LTS35.65 operates as a standalone hardware sensor, it interfaces seamlessly with industry-standard CNC controllers (e.g., Siemens SINUMERIK, Heidenhain TNC, Fanuc Series 30i/31i) via standard digital I/O and analog voltage outputs. Hexagon’s optional m&h ToolCheck software (sold separately) provides visualization, statistical process control (SPC) charting, and historical trend analysis—including tool wear rate estimation and predictive maintenance alerts. All measurement events—including timestamp, axis position, trigger status, and environmental temperature—are logged in CSV-compatible format for integration into MES platforms such as Siemens Opcenter, Rockwell FactoryTalk, or custom SCADA architectures. The system supports basic audit trail requirements per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed with validated software layers and user access controls.
Applications
- Automated pre-machining tool verification to prevent catastrophic collisions and ensure first-part correctness.
- Real-time wear monitoring of critical inserts in turning and milling operations—enabling dynamic tool life management and reducing unplanned downtime.
- Thermal drift compensation in high-precision aerospace component machining where ambient temperature fluctuations exceed ±5 °C over shift cycles.
- Verification of tool breakage after interrupted cuts in hardened steel or titanium alloy machining—triggering immediate CNC alarm and cycle interruption.
- Validation of tool regrinding accuracy in toolroom environments prior to redeployment into production cells.
- Support for Industry 4.0 initiatives through structured, time-stamped dimensional data feeds into digital twin models and AI-driven process optimization engines.
FAQ
What is the minimum tool diameter the LTS35.65 can reliably detect?
The system achieves stable detection down to Ø0.030 mm, verified under controlled conditions with polished tungsten carbide endmills and consistent coolant flow.
Does the LTS35.65 require periodic recalibration?
No routine recalibration is required under normal operating conditions; however, Hexagon recommends annual verification against traceable reference artifacts as part of preventive maintenance protocols.
Can the LTS35.65 be used in dry machining environments?
Yes—the pneumatic shutter and supersonic cleaning system remain fully functional without coolant; airflow parameters may be adjusted to optimize particle removal efficiency in dry-cutting applications.
Is the LTS35.65 compatible with retrofit installations on legacy CNC machines?
Yes—its hardwired interface and compact form factor (minimum 200 × 45 × 107 mm) enable integration into older machining centers equipped with standard 24 V DC I/O and programmable PLC logic.
How does the system handle highly reflective or blackened tool surfaces?
The focused 650 nm laser and optimized photodiode gain settings provide robust signal-to-noise ratios across surface finishes ranging from mirror-polished carbide to matte-black PCD coatings—no surface treatment is necessary.
