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.
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.
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.
