Using a probe as a reference tool

[RJS100]

Previously, I used a long tool for my reference too. I recently purchased the KP3 probe and understand that I can use this as my reference tool.

I understand that all other tool lengths are compared to this reference tool. Am I correct that once I set the height of the probe as the new reference tool, I do not have to re-measure the tool lengths for all my other tools?

Also, If I happen to crash the machine, I will only have to re-establish the height of the reference tool?

Thanks... Richard

[suntravel]

For your type of mill and if Z-home is precise, I set Parameter #3 = 6
This uses Z-home as Z Reference
With this setup you can change the stylus on the probe, or use different probes, and only have to measure the new Probe offset.
Since my TTO is softer than the KP3, I use a solid block with the same height as the TTO to measure the probe.

Uwe

[CNCMaryland]

For your type of mill and if Z-home is precise, I set Parameter #3 = 6
This uses Z-home as Z Reference
With this setup you can change the stylus on the probe, or use different probes, and only have to measure the new Probe offset.
Since my TTO is softer than the KP3, I use a solid block with the same height as the TTO to measure the probe.

Uwe

This is the way I do it, and feel its as simple as can be.

[RJS100]

Thanks. I see that parameter 3 is "Modal Tool and Height Offset Control". What exactly does this mean? What does setting this parameter to #6 do?

Richard

[RJS100]

Sorry, I am not following this approach of "For your type of mill and if Z-home is precise, I set Parameter #3 = 6
This uses Z-home as Z Reference". Can someone provide additional explanation to this approach?

Currently, I do not use a tool height setter for setting my tool heights. I use a long master tool that I touch off to a specific spot, then measure the length of the other tools relative to the master tool. To establish heights, I typically bring the tool to a height slightly lower than a gauge pin, then raise the tool. When the pin rolls under the tool, I set this as the tool height.

I guess I could substitute the gauge pin for a 123 block and set the probe length by indicating off the top of the 123 block, then measure the tool heights using the 123 block as well.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Richard

[ruirosa]

Hello
I am almost done with my Mikron CNC Mill retrofit .
Watching the diferent videos from Centroid on Tool seting with a bed mill and with a kne.
e mill using a probe.
I can not reach to a conclusion wich metoh I should use.
On my machine the table moves +-X and +-Z, the head (Tool) only moves +-Y.
Do not know how I should call it a knee or a bed mill or something else.
I would need some help to know the best method;
Since I have acurate Z homing with sensors, the Z-home (parameter 3=2) method using tool check would be the best method
or use the reference tool method would be better?
I have a TT2 tool touch seting probe.
Please let me know your oppinion
Rui

[tblough]

You seem to have your axis mislabeled. The Z axis should be along the spindle centerline of the machine. This will cause issues with the built-in probe routines, and g-code canned cycles if not corrected.

[Black Forest]

You seem to have your axis mislabeled. The Z axis should be along the spindle centerline of the machine. This will cause issues with the built-in probe routines, and g-code canned cycles if not corrected.

I think he has his axis correctly labeled. His table moves left and right (X axis) His Z axis is the knee moving up and down. His Y axis is his spindle on a ram moving forward and back or towards the operator or away from the operator. I know of several German mills that do it this way.

[suntravel]

Here is an example with video of an old Mikron mill with the spindle moving in Y

https://www.surplex.com/en/m/mikron-ume ... 61727.html

Uwe

[tblough]

It may have been done that way in the past, but it is not correct according to ISO standards.
https://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic. ... Iso#p28335

You are free to name it anyway you want,, but you will have problems with CAM software that adheres to standards.