Centroid Community CNC Support Forum

Hello,
I am working on recommissioning a Shizuoka ST-N mill with DC3IO drive/PLC unit and an MPU11/Legacy Add upgraded system. I am also still learning about how to operate the mill in general. I have made repairs and adjustments to the machine and it is nearly 100% operational now. I believe this setup had a KP3 with it originally, but has since been liberated from our shop. I am currently trying to decide which probe we should purchase. Looks like the KP1 and KP3 are very similar on paper, with the KP3 having more functionality? The KP3 does 2D/3D digitizing *better* than the KP1 or that the KP1 doesn't have that functionality at all? The price between the two should not be a concern for us, esp if I can warrant the difference. Should I get the KP3 and grow into the extra capabilities?

Digitizing and profiling a part will become important to us. We use the machine to make one-off replacement parts for animatronic robots, but not for production runs of parts.

I believe either probe will work well for your application. The KP-1 and KP-3 are pretty similar in performance. The KP-3 is tested to slightly tighter tolerances and will perform slightly better than the KP-1 when using a longer stylus than is provided.

The KP-1 is shorter which may be valuable depending on the Z axis travel.

Both are suitable for 2D and 3D digitizing.



Since you are using an MPU11/LegacyAdd, you'll need the Inverting Cable with the KP-3. Order code for that kit is P/N:14944. The equivalent KP-1 kit is P/N:15503.

I have both, but I prefer the KP-3 because it is with less deviation depending on the direction and it is all metal.

Both are good and ok for 3D probing.

Uwe