Probe Pilot 3 - Feature Measure Module
 |  |  |
How do I measure features in ProbePilot3?
The Measure module is the main module in ProbePilot3. It is used to select different types of geometric features such as points, bores, bosses, slots, and many other features. The Measure module is based on Renishaw's Inspection Plus software ® / macros. It supports all the feature types of Inspection Plus software ®, including all the optional features such as regular tolerancing, true position tolerancing, variable search distance, and other options.
Feature selection in ProbePilot3 includes all the multi-select functionality that is available in Mastercam ®, such as multi-select feature by feature, window selection, and mass selection by Color, Level, or Group. Tool tip help is provided for each measure function by just placing the mouse pointer on any measure button. Probe cycle options are easily selected from drop down lists and menu selection.
Program structure and arrangement can be easily modified by inserting and deleting measure operations, comments, and post processor words in an operation 'tree'. Windows type drag and drop functionality is also provided for easily rearranging the order of measure operations via the operation 'tree'. Any changes to the 'tree' are instantly reflected in the NC File so that the programmer can see the results of any changes that were made. This is real time functionality in that the user doesn't have to wait until the program is 'posted' to see what it looks like. The NC program is always available. Probe Pilot 3 comes with a complete probe simulation for probe tool path verification. Custom macros can be created and implemented effortlessly, including the ability to create a variable input form on the fly.
Great care was taken by the developers at Advanced Probe Technologies to make this module intuitive and easy to learn for even the beginning programmer or operator, yet powerful enough for an experienced programmer to create complex probe programs with a minimum of effort. With this powerful functionality, the manufacturing process can take full advantage of the accuracy, versatility, and cost savings of the measuring probe that in many cases just takes up space in a drawer because it's just too expensive and difficult to program.