You need the bit setter for it to be able to do that. Part of the configuration is establishing the “correct” length of the probe, so the controller knows how long it is vs your cutting tools which are measured by the bit setter.
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I did glue the piece on the wasteboard, but it had some cracks and decided to take off.
I was not in the room luckily. Took me a while to find the piece.
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Now that looks pretty ugly! If that was an upcut bit it looks like a case of bit slip. You are lucky not to have witnessed it though!
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Adam,
Trying to visualize the process of using the 3D probe, starting at homing the machine with whatever bit is in it from last job, do you then MDI a tool change to tool “0” then probe your work piece then load program and let it request the next tool?
any clarification is appreciated, the 3D probe looks cool and a good price in my opinion, I like gadgets anyway.
Pat
That’s pretty much it. I have probe set up as tool 1. When I want to set the work coordinates for a piece, I go to MDI and do t1m6. Then I load the probe. The machine knows this is the probe so it won’t attempt to re-measure it against the tool setter. Then I zero X, Y, and Z with the probe. Then I manually change to the first tool of the program I’m about to run via MDI again. Maybe it’s t5m6. I then load the tool and the machine will touch it off on the tool setter to measure it and set the Z offset correctly. At that point, I’ll typically jog close to the surface I zeroed off of to visually confirm that what the machine thinks is my zero also looks like zero to me. Then I’ll start the program.
I don’t have to manually change to the first tool of the program and confirm it looks right, but I do that out of caution. If I didn’t, the machine would just execute a tool change at the start of the program. and I wouldn’t have the opportunity to visually check that things look correct.
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Thanks for the quick response and clarifications, do you plug it into the probe port in the back of the Masso, did you use the 2 wire probe and if so what connector did you use?
Thanks again.
Pat
There may be two wire probes out there that could use the port on the back of the Masso. I wouldn’t recommend them though. My recommendation is the 3-wire DIG3D.LP.M from topcom.cz. I’d get the PNP/NC one because it’s quite simple to wire and gives you some additional protection against issues. I’ve started rolling out a video series with things like this. I hope to be adding one on this probe within the next week.
Here’s my channel if you’re interested: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKNUVWMGDQROsSu5ydXwvaw
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OK, thanks for that and I just subscribed.
Thanks, Pat
Adam,
Looking forward to you making a video on setting up the above mentioned probe, I ordered one and have had read through the Masso docs but the part about the Z axis calibration is confusing to me.
Thanks for your help.
Pat
My calibration mechanism is, IMO, better than Masso’s as well. I use my XYZ touch block rather than a piece of paper, which I’m sure is more precise. I have one more video to edit, then I’m shooting that one.
I am interested in seeing this one as well.
How do you see the repeatability of inserting the probe all the way to the collect nut being real accurate?
Pat
I’m not sure I’m getting what you’re asking, or if it was in reference to something in this thread. So, please tell me if I miss your question.
When I put my probe in the collet, I let it’s magnetic connector position it on the collet nut. I then only finger tighten it, so that I’m not changing how far up or down the collet nut goes. I think I get consistent results with this approach, but I should test and confirm it. In a few weeks, I’ll have the ATC running and the probe won’t be moving relative to the collet at all.
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Sorry for the confusion but yes you answered my question regarding the accuracy for the probe in the Z axis, as I am not planning on a ATC, I will do some testing as well when I get my probe, looks like being consistent with the installation of the probe will be important
No problem at all. The video on setup will be available on the 13th. The process I go through is very good and more complete than the documentation.