Laser toolsetters provide a fast, auto-mated means to verify tool dimensions, especially critical in checking for wear during the long machining runs in moldmaking.

A cost-effective solution to high-speed, high-precision tool setting and broken tool detection, laser toolsetters rapidly measure tool length and diameter on-the-fly, while the tool is indexing through the laser beam and rotating at normal speeds.

Laser checking at working spindle speeds identifies errors caused by clamping inconsistencies and radial run-out of the spindle, tool and toolholders—not feasible with static toolsetting systems. Some NC toolsetters can perform broken tool detection at maximum traverse to further minimize out-of-cut time.
As the tool moves through the laser beam, system electronics detect when the beam is broke and issues an output signal to the controller.

NC systems can accurately measure tools as small as 0.2 mm diameter anywhere in the beam. The system triggers when the laser beam is broken beyond a 50-percent threshold by the tool being checked. The non-contact toolsetting system uses a visible-red diode, laser proven reliable in machining conditions.

Advanced electronics and simplified design makes non-contact toolsetting an affordable alternative to contact systems. No moving parts make NC systems virtually maintenance free.

The design avoids the brackets and actuators with contact-based systems.
Housed in a rugged stainless steel unit, some NC laser toolsetters feature a protection system, which uses a continuous stream of compressed air to keep out contaminants and provide uninterrupted protection from chips, graphite and coolant ingress, even during measuring routines.

Some NC systems enable installation on nearly every size and configuration of machine tool without impinging on the work envelope.