Probe Pilot 3 - Probe Calibration Module
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Why do I have to calibrate my probe?
Any measuring instrument must always be referenced to a known standard. For example, a simple micrometer must be referenced to a length standard. A 0-1" micrometer is usually checked on a "Standard Length, 1" Master". This ensures that the micrometer is reading correctly. If it doesn't read correctly, the micrometer is manually adjusted until it does read correctly.
A measuring probe is just another type of measuring instrument, whether it is mounted on a CMM or in this case, a Machine Tool. It must also be referenced to a known standard. This is usually a certified Ring Gauge or Sphere. There are 2 features on a measuring probe that need to be certified or "Calibrated". These are the probe ball diameter on the stylus and the location of the stylus in reference to the centerline of the machine tool spindle. The value and location of these features do not have to be manually adjusted because the probe software on the machine automatically accounts for it. However, the software does need to know what that information is.
In many shops, the steps involved in the calibration of machine tool probes are somewhat of a grey area. Much of the time, this phase of probing is left to the machine operator with somewhat mixed results, which can lead to potential problems with probe measurement accuracy.
It is precisely because of these potential problems that the developers at Advanced Probe Technologies decided to include a Calibration module in the ProbePilot3 software. With this capability, the NC Programmer can quickly produce a Probe Calibration program that takes all the guesswork out of the probe calibration process. The NC Programmer select's either a precision bore (such as a Ring Gauge) or a precision sphere, and selects a couple of parameters and the Calibration program is ready to be loaded on the machine control. Also included with ProbePilot3 is an automated calibration sequence that utilizes a spindle orientation option (if the machine is equipped with this option) to produce a truly push button / hands off calibration program. There is no need for the operator to painstakingly indicate the location of the Ring Gauge or Sphere and waste valuable shop time getting it "within a couple of tenths".