Probe Changing

[PixleyRichards]

Unlike most of you, I'm fortunate enough to get to change my probes manually. But sadly, this creates deviation in the measurements. I know that I could just recalibrate each probe before measuring the part, but there must be an easier way. Any thoughts on how to decrease the amount of deviation?

[Underspec]

Once you move the probe in some way, it needs to be recalibrated. Now it would depend on what tolerances you are using. I wouldn't worry about it if your tolerances were +/-.01".

Tell your boss to get modules for all the probes you use or get a changer rack.

[Matthew D. Hoedeman]

If you screw/un-screw ANYTHING, you need to re-calibrate.

[#2#]

If you have to change probes manually (unscrew and re-install) in the middle of a program I would put a comment in stating which probe is needed. Then after that you can put in a command to calibrate the probe. If you keep your cal. sphere in one place it will go to it and calibrate automatically before progressing in the program.

Let us know if you need help programming this.

[John Kingston]

If you screw/un-screw ANYTHING, you need to re-calibrate.

AMEN!
What probe system do you have? The TP20's are great. If you get multiple modules you can just change quickly without reclaibrating. Or, try to program using a limited number of tips.

[tking]

I wonder if he is perhaps using an older probe head such as a PH9A, this type used a PAA adapter that the touch probe and tip stayed screwed into. I have this type right now and have no problem switching between different probe/tip configurations on the fly. I am not however, working in the micron world in terms of part tolerances.

TK

[PixleyRichards]

Its not hard to change, thats not the problem. I'm just wondering if there was an easier way than recalibrating every time. If not, I think I can figure out the calibration code.

[#2#]

The key to the calibration code is "parameter sets" that way you only have to calibrate the tip angles used in that particular program.

[Don Meredith]

If you screw/un-screw ANYTHING, you need to re-calibrate.

If you are changing tips using the PAA1 connection, all should be good. Calibrate all probes proir to running your program and change probes as needed during execution.

[PixleyRichards]

All right, thanks for the adivce. I'll let you know how it all works out when I get a chance to test it.