Stylus Knuckles

[mdobb829]

Has anyone used a stylus knuckle with any success? What is the difference between a regular knuckle and a rotary knuckle? Is there anything that needs to be done when calibrating a probe position with a knuckle as part of the probe build-up?

[Wes Cisco]

Has anyone used a stylus knuckle with any success?

Yes.

What is the difference between a regular knuckle and a rotary knuckle?

Sort of self explanatory. A rotary knuckle makes it easier to set a compound angle and/or square up the tip (see next answer).

Is there anything that needs to be done when calibrating a probe position with a knuckle as part of the probe build-up?

It is usually important to make sure you have the knuckle set as precisely as possible. For example, if you want a simple 90 degree knuckle angle with the tip pointing in the Y+ CMM axis, you need to not only take care to have the 90 degrees be as close to 90 degrees as you can, but also that tip is as closely aligned to the Y axis as possible. This part can be difficult with a non-rotary knuckle. You may need to make a little shim so the desired angle is achieved when the knuckle is tightened to the extension or probe. Failure to do either precisely enough will usually result in the tip shanking instead of taking good hits. A 1-2-3 block or similar that is known to be square is just about all you need. Search for how to square a probe head. The methodology is the same.

Note: If you are not square both ways, the tip will likely still calibrate without problem. If you are only taking surface hits with no chance of shanking this may be adequate for your needs.

HTH

[mdobb829]

Thanks Wes, we need to check the cam bore of a 16 cylinder diesel engine block. We have limited access to the bore when going down in between the journals. That is why I thought using a knuckle would be a good solution. In our version of the software there isn't the M2_16.5 rotary knuckle available when doing a probe build up.

[Wes Cisco]

Thanks Wes, we need to check the cam bore of a 16 cylinder diesel engine block. We have limited access to the bore when going down in between the journals. That is why I thought using a knuckle would be a good solution. In our version of the software there isn't the M2_16.5 rotary knuckle available when doing a probe build up.

The exact knuckle not being available is sort of unimportant, if you have another knuckle option that is similar. As long as it is close enough to calibrate the tip you build, it will be fine. You can also search this forum for tips on how to edit/add tips/extensions/knuckes to your probe library.

[bob mappes]

go here and see my little write up on how to use a knuckle

http://www.pcdmisforum.com/showthrea...hlight=knuckle

HTH
bob