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Introduction

The invention of the touch trigger probe in theearly 1970s revolutionised the development of the CMM (co-ordinate measuring machine) as the industry standard for 3D measurement.Although the potential for applying proberoutines on machine tools was quickly realised, it was not until the mid-1980s and development of more sophisticated machine controls, that probing became adopted by the world’s largest machine tool builders.Historically, there has been a markedreluctance by the users of machine tools to use probing, typical objections included “increased cycle times” and “machine tools are for cutting not for measuring”. Both sentiments have been largely based on misconceptions as to the real applications and benefits of probing, and also entrenched attitudes to improvements in methods of machine tool operation.Today, the acceptance of quality control in theproduction environment, and drive towards maximising machine productivity, has finally seen probing accepted as standard practice in the field of production engineering. Part set-up Probing eliminates the need for expensivefixtures and manual setting with dial indicators. Probes are spindle-mounted on machining centres and turret-mounted on lathes giving the following benefits:

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Reduced machine downtime

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Automatic fixture, part alignment and rotary axis set-up

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Elimination of manual setting errors

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Reduced scrap

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Increased productivity and batch size flexibility Part inspection Spindle and turret-mounted probes can alsobe used for in-cycle gauging and 1st-off inspection - manual gauges rely on operator skill and the removal of parts to CMMs is not always practical. Benefits include:

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In-cycle part measurement with automatic offset correction

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Increased confidence in unmanned machining

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First-off inspection with automatic offset update Tool setting Using slip gauges and entering offset datamanually takes time and is prone to operator error. Tool setting probes are easily installed on machining centres and CNC (computer numerically controlled) lathes and allow automated operation with the following benefits:

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Reduced machine downtime from awaiting 1st-off results

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Significant time savings with reduced machine downtime

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Accurate tool length and diameter measurement

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Automatic tool offset calculation and correction

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Elimination of manual setting errors

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In-cycle tool breakage detection