Is there a way to incorporate into a part program to ask the operator what tool changer slot is currently loaded? PC-DMIS would then accept the slot the operator has specified. My goal is to create a part program in the event that a part program is aborted. I want the operator to be able to move the probe to a safe area for rotation to A0B0 before it approaches the tool changer. Thanks.
that's what Romer's do, each "puck" is 'read' by the mount, Pcdmis inserts that probe file into the program. swap 'pucks', new loadprobe command, automatic.
Thank you all for your help. neil.challinor's response "...Most of that information is only available at the controller level and is inaccessible to customers / automation..." basically answers my question and I now know how to proceed. The Romer/RIFD idea sounds cool. Technology already exists for the portables but would take a bit of time to implement hardware-wise into the stationaries. Have a good 2023 everyone.
I have this same problem. I've developed a "CMM Basic operations" work instruction at my site, and it details all the possible situations and how to proceed from them without causing undue issues.
All operators are trained -and held responsible- to that work instruction. They are trained with a logical: "If in doubt, open the WKI binder and step through it. If you need more help/guidance contact supervisor or metrology engineer"
Wihtin this wki i explain why the CMM pops the "what probe do i currently have loaded" prompt as pictured above, and instructs operators to move CMM UP, then tells them to cross-reference our Probe rack definitions (with pics of each probe) to affirm which probe is actually on the machine.
This has mitigated broken probes & sensors a ton. Our budget for replacement probes is like $600/yr now (for 4 machines running 24/7). it used to be like $3k.
