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Upper Management is looking for answers/Justification on probe breakage

Hello ALL GURU's:
Here's a great post for a lot of input on WWGD (What would Gurus Do)?
Lets start by saying there are NOT an excessive amount of probes being broken yearly. I would estimate less that $500.00 - $700.00 yearly max, if that.
However, The uppers want justification.
Now, it has been suggested to slow the rapid in the machine settings, which would cause more cycle time on check parts that are in a Pallet setting.
There is a CRASH attachment from Renishaw. Anyone currently use these?. And do they work. Say on a .7x20mm probe or a 1mmx27mm probe?.
In our shop, we have 4 Cmm's that all have touch probes and 2 have vision as well. What would a normal (realistic) probe consumption be expected
at your place?. Mind you that the specific probes that we have in question are 1.5x30mm. 1mmx27.5 and .7x20mm. Sometimes it may just be human error (can't help that).
Maybe a slight misload, part has been machined or molded not into spec. Other times, maybe doing a manual align and you forget the rapid is on and "Snap". It happens.
I was asked to figure the FORCE in which a probe breaks. Well, honestly what other factors go into that one?. Are you rapiding, your prehit/retract too close and you touch the part and snap?.
Seeing as we are a high volume molding/machine shop with multiple parts at any given time to inspect via DCC. What is the best course of action to go ZERO probe breakage a year?.
This would not include Set ups, Prove Outs as well.
I am just looking for some insight on this issue from a lot of people who know way more than me!. Hence, picking the brains of the Guru's. ANY input would be greatly appreciated and if you want to keep it short and sweet. great. I don't want to consume too much of your time writing.
Thank You All Slight smile

Parents
  • Seems like the cost of doing business to a certain extent.

    Maybe start a log of broken probe instances so you can identify root cause or if someone needs to be more careful.



    I agree. I don't think you will ever reach zero broken probes, especially if you are using those really small tips - they just break so easy.

    I like the idea of creating a log. It is difficult to improve a process if you don't measure and monitor it. Then you can generate annual reports with pareto charts and such to show the higher ups. You can then implement solutions for the worst offenders and monitor the progress. I don't think you will ever completely eliminate the problem, but you can at least show that you are working towards solutions. If they want to play blame games, it allows you to point a finger to something that is likely out of your control.

    Unfortunately, I think has it right in saying: "Probably cost more in your time for you to look in to it that the cost of the tips."
Reply
  • Seems like the cost of doing business to a certain extent.

    Maybe start a log of broken probe instances so you can identify root cause or if someone needs to be more careful.



    I agree. I don't think you will ever reach zero broken probes, especially if you are using those really small tips - they just break so easy.

    I like the idea of creating a log. It is difficult to improve a process if you don't measure and monitor it. Then you can generate annual reports with pareto charts and such to show the higher ups. You can then implement solutions for the worst offenders and monitor the progress. I don't think you will ever completely eliminate the problem, but you can at least show that you are working towards solutions. If they want to play blame games, it allows you to point a finger to something that is likely out of your control.

    Unfortunately, I think has it right in saying: "Probably cost more in your time for you to look in to it that the cost of the tips."
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