Hey all,
I have 3 different Renishaw STD Force TP-20 modules all used on different machines that have been failing to trigger on occasion or won't re-arm.
2 of them are set up on DCC machines with 2mmX20mm styli on 20mm extensions. One is 5 or 6 years old, the other is maybe only 2 or 3.
The other is a 2mmx40mm on a 10mm adapter and is used only on an old manual machine. This module is possibly 10 years old or more - the machine dates back to the early 80's.
I know the other guys who worked here before me used to crash the CMM's a lot and really abused the **** out of our equipment. The manual machine takes some heavy abuse because it's use is completely unrestricted. (IE: people taking fast and heavy hits in every direction - like say minus Z)
I proposed replacing these modules either with new ones or on an RBE - the big boss man actually wants to go with new ones, but he won't give me the go ahead until I can provide proof of mechanical failure or give them some kind of stats on life expectancy for these modules.
Honestly, I don't really know much about the mechanics of these things, but I'd assume even with normal wear and tear, eventually they'd get a little tired. Taking into consideration the crashes, the fast and hard hits, dropping them, sticking them to the side of the machine before I worked here, etc... I'd bet they're begging to be rebuilt.
Frankly all I know is they just don't work that well all the time anymore and eventually it's going to lead to a more expensive problem.
I just don't have any hard evidence that these things can wear out... any proof or documentation from Renishaw or anyone, so for all my boss knows, I'm just not doing something right or I need to clean them better.
Anybody have any help for me on this one?
I have 3 different Renishaw STD Force TP-20 modules all used on different machines that have been failing to trigger on occasion or won't re-arm.
2 of them are set up on DCC machines with 2mmX20mm styli on 20mm extensions. One is 5 or 6 years old, the other is maybe only 2 or 3.
The other is a 2mmx40mm on a 10mm adapter and is used only on an old manual machine. This module is possibly 10 years old or more - the machine dates back to the early 80's.
I know the other guys who worked here before me used to crash the CMM's a lot and really abused the **** out of our equipment. The manual machine takes some heavy abuse because it's use is completely unrestricted. (IE: people taking fast and heavy hits in every direction - like say minus Z)
I proposed replacing these modules either with new ones or on an RBE - the big boss man actually wants to go with new ones, but he won't give me the go ahead until I can provide proof of mechanical failure or give them some kind of stats on life expectancy for these modules.
Honestly, I don't really know much about the mechanics of these things, but I'd assume even with normal wear and tear, eventually they'd get a little tired. Taking into consideration the crashes, the fast and hard hits, dropping them, sticking them to the side of the machine before I worked here, etc... I'd bet they're begging to be rebuilt.
Frankly all I know is they just don't work that well all the time anymore and eventually it's going to lead to a more expensive problem.
I just don't have any hard evidence that these things can wear out... any proof or documentation from Renishaw or anyone, so for all my boss knows, I'm just not doing something right or I need to clean them better.
Anybody have any help for me on this one?
Comment