I have a question about programing. On our CMM we have an aluminum hold down plate. and we have the quick change probes. We only have 1 CMM and I split my time between the 2 multi axis lasers and the machine shop. I am always switching programs back and forth between programs to keep each machine running. When I switch the programs my probe is already calibrated but every time I switch I have to manually align the parts because I move my zero. Is there a way to set up two programs and just switch programs without having to re manual align each time. The reason I am asking is on both machines they are runs of 100 or more pcs and we have to inspect at least half of each job and its time consuming to keep re aligning. Thanks for the help.
I have a question about programming. On our CMM we have an aluminum hold down plate, and we have the quick change probes.
We only have 1 CMM and I split my time between the 2 multi axis lasers and the machine shop.
I am always switching programs back and forth between programs to keep each machine running.
When I switch the programs my probe is already calibrated but every time I switch I have to manually align the parts because I move my zero.
Is there a way to set up two programs and just switch programs without having to re manual align each time.
The reason I am asking is on both machines they are runs of 100 or more pcs and we have to inspect at least half of each job and its time consuming to keep re aligning. Thanks for the help.
What you need is a dedicated fixtures for each job, then a way to mount the fixtures to the granite CMM plate the same way each time.
Many people build a large square L bracket out of flat steel, bolt it to the threaded holes in the granite, and always slide the fixtures into the corner of the L.
Some purchase fancy stuff such as spring-loaded ball detent systems so the CMM operator can click a fixture in place securely and quickly.
Once each fixture is built (and has a big ID tag on it!), then you only have to run the manual alignment on each fixture once.
Whether you simply un-mark the manual alignment in the program and save it that way, or employ separate fixture alignment programs and external alignment files is your choice.
When you go ask for $$$ to buy more plates, present it as the ROI - return on investment - to save the time of manual alignments.
If you are placing next part onto CMM with a fixture or some sort of relocation device you should be able to rerun without a manual alignment.
A lot of that is dependent on feature you measure and how close you can replicate placement of next part.
Sometimes you may have to change pre-hit retracts motions on initial moves and you may want to add a first align followed by a second measurement of datum features with another alignment to bring it in.
I have had geometry where I will use a non-datum feature, I am a big fan of an ID then using "Find Center" in circle auto feature to start a program with depends on what you have to start the program with.
absolutely...if you have to run 50 to 100 parts in a row you would not want to and if fixture or stops or what you use can insure this then that is part of the efficiency the CMM offers.
Run the first part and take your manual hits, unmark the manual points, run the remaining parts. Hopefully your fixture allows simple alignment of the parts so their location is similar.
Learn how to start your programs with a readpoint instead of a manual alignment.
You can then replace your existing manual alignment starts with readpoint starts.
There are several threads.
You might consider having an Applications Engineer or independent contractor spend some time (1/2 a day to 1 day should be plenty) at your facility teaching you how.
Or it might be worth your while to hire a 3rd party to convert your programs to readpoint starts.
With a readpoint start you only have to orient the part the same way relative to the machine axis, position the probe with the jog box and press the "done" button. The program is all DCC from that point on. Nearly as quick as an external alignment and more versatile as you do not have to be in the exact same spot on the table each time, just the same orientation to machine axis and enough room around the part to run without collisions or reaching the end of travel in any axis.
All our fixtures fit a "receiver" plate with dowels to locate the fixtures in the same location each time. That together with external alignments achieve exactly what you want. No readpoint, no manual alignments, just set the fixture in place and straight to DCC part inspection. This also makes it possible to have ONE part program on our server that runs without issues on all our CMMs, TOO SWEET!
Spend the time to set this up and you won't do it any other way.
Learn how to start your programs with a readpoint instead of a manual alignment.
You can then replace your existing manual alignment starts with readpoint starts.
There are several threads.
You might consider having an Applications Engineer or independent contractor spend some time (1/2 a day to 1 day should be plenty) at your facility teaching you how.
Or it might be worth your while to hire a 3rd party to convert your programs to readpoint starts.
With a readpoint start you only have to orient the part the same way relative to the machine axis, position the probe with the jog box and press the "done" button. The program is all DCC from that point on. Nearly as quick as an external alignment and more versatile as you do have to be in the exact same spot on the table each time, just the same orientation to machine axis.
HTH
This is the only way that I do it except I think Wes made a type when he stated you do have to be in the exact same spot. It should have read you don't have to be in the exact same spot. I'm sure that is what he meant.
I would have totally agreed with the readpoint. Only problem is that 1 CMM, and he has to share it. Making a new program, then yes Readpoint. But to get by with a program already written, get yourself a glue gun.
This is the only way that I do it except I think Wes made a type when he stated you do have to be in the exact same spot. It should have read you don't have to be in the exact same spot. I'm sure that is what he meant.
Thanks Jim,
Yes that was a tpyo or an autowrong 'correction', not sure which. I corrected that and just added the caveat that you also have to ensure there is adequate room around the part too.
I would have totally agreed with the readpoint. Only problem is that 1 CMM, and he has to share it. Making a new program, then yes Readpoint. But to get by with a program already written, get yourself a glue gun.
It is pretty quick and easy to modify old programs to replace manual alignments with readpoints once you have done it a few times. The trick is after you have isolated all 6 degrees of freedom, measure the exact same features as the manual alignment you are replacing then edit the alignment and replace the manually measured features with the new DCC measured features, tell it "NO" don't change anything when the prompt pops up and you should be good to go.
