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.
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.
I use a readpoint alignment, given a circle or corner point. This acts as my initial XYZ <IJK> alignment...I then follow that with a small plane to level and a line to rotate...this is my manual alignment. Keep in mind that the readpoint alignment...and the entire program for that fact is in DCC mode....not manual....once you place your probe in the center of the circle ( with equator of probe flush with plane) this acts as your manual alignment...the readpoint, small plane, and small rotation acts as your "refining alignment ".
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.
I use a readpoint alignment, given a circle or corner point. This acts as my initial XYZ <IJK> alignment...I then follow that with a small plane to level and a line to rotate...this is my manual alignment. Keep in mind that the readpoint alignment...and the entire program for that fact is in DCC mode....not manual....once you place your probe in the center of the circle ( with equator of probe flush with plane) this acts as your manual alignment...the readpoint, small plane, and small rotation acts as your "refining alignment ".
