We have our machinists run my EDM electrode inspection programs using a 3r systems fixture and on the regular PC-DMIS CAD++ software connected to the machine. The machinists always loads the trode using the same reference indicated on our CAD models and pallets. They also clean their own probe tips and trodes. 99.9% of the time they are autonomous without my help.
LOL. I think I might trust a machinist that normally deals with EDM machines or cuts electrodes to take better care of a CMM than many full time CMM operators. You certainly need a decent head on your shoulders to do that kind of work.
All of MY CMMs are run in protected mode. Machinists place parts in a fixture, scan the serial number and just review the report. They can only turn off/on the CMM, home, run calibration program and part programs. I put in some operator comments and pictures of setups as well.
No one does any manual alignments or changing styli either. Once in a while the probe might get stuck in the probe rack or part was placed incorrectly in the fixture.
If you can tame the "CNC folks on CMMs" you'll be respected in the shop. I worked for the CNC department at a company once and learned a bunch about the business end of things. If I ever start my own company I don't ever want a Quality vs Machinist as it's a bottom line killer $$$.
Our production techs run their own parts on the CMM. The programs are ran in Protected Mode, we have a lot of dedicated fixtures with detailed setup instructions. They only have to push Execute, follow the setup instructions, enter the pertinent data into a form, and click OK and the program runs. Since all the fixturing goes into the same XY coordinates on the plate, there is no need for manual alignments. The programs run a rough DCC alignment to locate the part, then another full DCC alignment to pinpoint the part better. It runs pretty smoothly. A majority of the people now understand the importance of cleaning parts and the accuracy of the data. If done right, it can be successful. Ours is pretty successful.
We have 17 CMMs and the machinists run them all. Make your programs as idiot proof as possible and then make them more idiot proof.
Our biggest issue is the operators fail to follow setup instructions. Some of them can't read, some of them can't see the pictures because they are freaking blind and some of them attempt to run a mill program when they need to run the wire program and so forth. The company won't let us take the ops out and beat some sense into them either.
