(Renishaw: West Dundee, IL) -- Renishaw is launching its CARTO Ballbar Connect app for the QC20 ballbar. The use of mobile technology—smartphones and tablets—and their associated apps has become firmly established as part of everyday life. Recognizing how they can also assist in a multitude of working environments, Renishaw has developed a smartphone app for users of its QC20 ballbar.

The new app will provide a simplified user experience for machine operators to complete a valuable machine performance check with minimal training. Dave Wall, director and general manager of Renishaw’s laser calibration products division, says, “We are excited about the release of the CARTO Ballbar Connect app, which opens up the use of QC20 ballbar to a wider range of users who can now access the benefits from regular ballbar testing.”

On-machine macros

The CARTO Ballbar Connect app uses a macro-based program, offering the simplicity to customize a setting code to configure and run a ballbar test while removing the requirement to edit and transfer machine part programs. The CARTO Ballbar Connect app allows a user to easily set up and capture data from the QC20 ballbar in one test sequence. Machine results are provided as a single, quantitative, visual indication of the machine’s volumetric positioning performance using the app’s 3D Check test sequence.

Testing with the Renishaw QC20 ballbar system provides a simple, rapid check of a CNC machine tool’s positioning performance. The QC20 ballbar is widely recognized as a leading preventive maintenance tool for new and installed machines around the world.

CARTO Ballbar Connect is available for iOS and Fanuc controls. For more information on the Renishaw CARTO Ballbar Connect app, visit www.renishaw.com/carto-ballbar-connect.