There is a thread discussing edge finder blocks on the Masso Forums. Peter (cncnutz) suggested the geometry of the Triple Edge Finder provides several advantages over offset type edge finders. The controller needs a hole centre probing function which the Masso G3 has. The advantages of this type edge finder include:
No need to enter X-Y offsets
Works on inside and outside corners
Works at any angle. This may be required, for example, if a long part and its stock material are rotated 45 degrees to fit within limits,
I have purchased one of these edge finders. It seems to work well so I thought I’d share some info on it.
I created a Fusion model for reference and possibly making a holder for it later. The model is shown below.
The key geometry of the model in the form of a Fusion sketch is shown below. Note the hole centre is coincident with the step axes that register on the stock material edges.
If the currently loaded tool (as reported by the G3) matches the tool number assigned for probing, the tool setter is not accessed during the homing cycle as indicated in the screenshot below.
Connecting the edge finder is not difficult but it requires a cable with a specific connector and terminals to mate with the “XYZ PROBE” input on the back of the OneFinity Elite touchscreen.
OneFinity makes this easy if you just purchase a Replacement Touch Probe Wire. It can be used directly with the Triple Edge Finder.
If you want to make your own cable assembly, you will need this connector shell and these female terminal pins. These are Mouser links but you can also get them from DigiKey. You will also need wire - this stuff from Amazon would be a good choice. It is fine stranded and has the maximum size (20 AWG) conductor that can be used with the terminal pins. A proper crimping tool is also required - I use one of these.
This image clarifies the pin orientation. The black (-ve) wire should be at the top next to the clip.
very cool! i like seeing new ideas. I suppose now with Macro support on the Buildbotics controller something like this might be possible to program.
I suppose a dis-advantage of this probe is that it doesn’t seem to probe the Z-height. Although based on this example video, that wouldn’t help since this appears to be a blank tool used which will presumably be swapped out for the a different length/offset tool. Of course, maybe it’s just not enabled here and could be probed on the top of the tall part of the block.
I also suppose the geometry of the probe block would require more precision in manufacturing for the hole location and alignment of the top and bottom edges, whereas the stock XYZ probe block is simple to measure and configure the actual probe dimensions in the controller to fine tune.
The top surface can be probed for Z height just as with any other edge finder.
There can be a surprising amount to unpack with regard to precision. If this were a commercial rather than a hobby product, a tool like this would be shipped with a QA report.
I have since made an adapter for this so I can find pin locations with the same Masso probing routine.
