Applications
for inspection probes on machining centers and milling machines.
Renishaw probes can
be used for the following applications:
Component
setting
The probe identifies the position of the workpiece, automatically
updating work offsets, enabling parts to be made right first time.
This can also be
used for:
 |
part identification for FMS
installations.
|
component location and also misload
detection to avoid scrap.
|
excess material identification to
bring the cutter to the component quickly and safely. |
| |
First-off
inspection
Inspection of the first component in a batch on the machine tool to:
|
reduce the time the machine is idle
awaiting feedback from an off-line inspection device,
|
correct any errors automatically. |
|
In-process
inspection
Measure components following rough machining to:
|
ensure critical final cuts are
correct,
|
highlight errors before they become
faults. |
|
The frequency of
inspection will depend on the value of the component and confidence in
the machine's performance. Inspection of key features on high value
components is usually essential for unmanned machining operations.
Post process
inspection
Inspection of the part once the machining is completed. This can be used
to:
|
provide information to certify that
the component is within its specification.
|
record part dimensions for
statistical process control. |
|
PROBE
SELECTION
On machining
centres probes require a remote transmission system. Some of the most
common inspection probe applications on machining centres:
-
A small, vertical machining centre
fitted with a MP12 compact inspection probe using optical
transmission. In this installation the probe is coupled with an OMI
with integral interface.
-
A horizontal machining centre
fitted with a MP10 probe featuring 360° optical transmission. The
MP10 is also suitable for larger vertical machines. An OMM with
separate MI12 interface is used in this installation.
-
The MP16 probe has been designed for
use on very large machines where the probe and the controller
can be separated by large distances. Radio transmission is
particularly useful when the spindle orientation can be changed.
Renishaw's high-power optical transmission, featured on the MP10E
and the MP700E probes, offers similar performance.
Where high
precision is required, Renishaw's MP700 is recommended. Using
optical transmission, the MP700 is ideal for inspection of contoured
components and components with deep through holes.
On milling machines, simple hard-wired probes (e.g. MP15) and
"job contact" probes are available.
