Renishaw Probing and Macro Programming Tool Setting Tool

Renishaw Probing and Macro Programming

Tool Setting • Tool probe allows us to check for tool dimensions, wear, and breakage • Gauge line method is used with tool probe

Tool Setting Methods • Air gap method • All tools are measured by touching off on top or part, fixture, etc. • Requires operator to manually set tools

Tool Setting Methods • Air gap method • Pros • No presetter needed • Fast with just a few tools • Cons • Each tool must be touched off manually • Cumbersome with large amounts of tools

Tool Setting Methods • Gauge Line Method • Based off of gauge line to the tip of the tool • Gauge line= Theoretical line of tool where holder taper and spindle meet

Tool Setting Methods • Gauge Line Method • Pros • Tools can be preset • Process can be automated • Cons • More tooling may be required • Requires a presetter

Types of Tool Setters • Contact • Uses kinematic arm to sense tool contact • Non Contact • Uses laser to detect tool

Transmission Systems • Hard Wired • Optical • Radio

Review • Tool Probes • Used to detect tool dimensions, wear and breakage • Two types of tool probes • Contact (Kinematic Arm) • Non Contact (Laser) • 3 types of transmission • Hard Wired • Optical • Radio

Renishaw Probing and Macro Programming

What are work probes? • Probes are used in machine tools to set work offsets and measure components for pre and post process inspection • Probes are a combination of a stylus and ruby tip to contact components to take measurements

Uses of Work Probes • Pre Process Inspection • Probes are used to set work offsets • Probes can also be used to verify forgings, fixtures and previous operations

Uses of Work Probes • In process inspection • Probes are used to verify machined features before component is removed from the machine tool • “Measure cuts” can be performed with the use of probes and tool wear offsets updated

Uses of Work Probes • Post Process Inspection • Probes are used to validate complete operations • In some cases, machine tool probes can replace CMM’s • Probes can be used to aid in “lights out” machining

Types of Probes • Kinematic Touch Trigger Probe • Strain Gauge Probe

Types of Probes • Kinematic Touch Trigger Probe • Multi-directional switch • Strain Gauge Probe • Senses contact force and not pressure • Low contact=longer arms • Spring loaded switch breaks electrical current when stylus touches part • Short stylus due to contact pressure • Used to measure 3 -d surfaces and in multi-axis inspection • Higher repeatability

Error Reduction • Reduce set-up/offset errors • Detect tool wear • Reduce operator inspection • Reduce Scrap • Reduces set up time

Transmission Systems • Hard Wired • Optical • Radio

Transmission Systems

Transmission Systems • Hard Wired • Probe is hard wired for power and data transmission • Probe must be manually inserted in machine

Transmission Systems • Optical • Uses infrared technology to communicate • Probe can be stored in machine carousel and is operated by batteries • Can be used autonomously

Transmission Systems • Radio • Uses radio transmission • Suited for large machines • Can be used autonomously

Review • Probes • Used for work offsets, measure cuts and post process inspections • Two types of probes • Kinematic • Strain Gauge • Probes are programmed using a GUI or macro calls • 3 types of transmission • Hard Wired • Optical • Radio