What do we want to the included in Probe Menu

[kiwicnc]

Any probe option should include the ability to enter and control the probe diameter and to use the buzzer as utilised in the touch screen

 

[masso-support]

and also an option to use corner touch plates like these because these can be very cost effective for routers plus the router spindles can't hold big probes.

 

[testyourdesign]

@masso-support

I love automated probing features and could go on for days.

Attached photo from Renishaw shows some of basics that we use for machining operations. The important thing to remember is that the exact geometry of the part will be unknown so the software needs to collect reference features and calculate the true centers of the actual parts. The operator should be able to enter the probe diameter so that the software can calculate the offset from probe center on one sided measurements. Operator should have the ability to set an active work offset G54...G59 and the probing function should update that offset.

Attached is another other photo of a typical screenset showing the primary probing functions in a single screen.

1. Z Probing with plate thickness compensation. Operator enters a plate thickness to allow software to compensate for added plate thickness.
   
2. 3D Corner Probing for each of the Four Corners. Similar to the corner probing program I posted in the forum but expanded to include all 4 corners. Should automatically set the current work offset G54...G59 to measured corner location and compensate for probe diameter.
   
3. Edge Probing for +X -X +Y -Y directions. Probing in a single direction should compensate for the probe diameter to locate the actual coordinate of the part edge.
   
4. Outside Diameter/Rectangular Feature Probing. Operator enters an approximate diameter/ largest inscribed circle of feature then positions probe near center. Probe finds true center of cylindrical or rectangular feature. Should automatically set the current work offset G54...G59 to measured center location.
   
5. Inside Diameter/Rectangular Pocket Probing. Operator enters an approximate diameter / largest inscribed circle of feature then positions probe near center. Probe finds true center of cylindrical or rectangular feature. Should automatically set the current work offset G54...G59 to measured center location.
   

Okay I'll leave space for others to comment....

Cheers, Stephen Brown

 

[peter35]

Stephen, l think you have it pretty much covered. Lets hope we actually get feedback from Masso as to whether possible or not.

I have 2 x 4 axis mill units and they are working, however do feel l was misled as to capabilities of units when l first enquired about them.

 

[masso-support]

yes, these will be added to the software and we have already managed to free up some memory to add these features. We are adding basic probing cycles first and will keep moving to more functions depending on how much memory each new feature takes.

An alpha release for the probing cycles will be ready in about two weeks.

 

[testyourdesign]

That's really great News @masso-support. Probing is a huge time saver with new setups. Its really cool to see a professional user like @peter35 using a masso controller. The experience of professional operators and integrators will help this product grow quickly.

BTW, renishaw published a programming manual for the HAAS machining centers, and others, that provides some really good insight on this topic. I realize that Masso can't use this information directly but these programing approaches are what a typical machinist is used to seeing when operating a CNC machine. If your a CNC nerd like me, you might enjoy learning some of the probing techniques they offer on hi end machining centers.

Lets make more chips with Masso.

Cheers, Stephen Brown

 

[peter35]

We also need to look at probes themselves. On my milling machines l can use something similar to the Dewtronics or ITTP probes for steels etc but what is going to be used for non conductive materials, wood, plastic etc.

To use a touch plate like "Masso support" is using, this would need to be insulated (plastic) to work on my machine l believe. The routers would need a touch plate only l believe, is this correct?

 

[testyourdesign]

@peter35

The probes you mentioned (drewtronics and ittp) can be used on non conductive material. The electrical circuit for the probe function on those units is internal to the probe body and probe tip simply actuates an internal switch inside the body to activate the probe signal to masso. Conductive touch plates like those for a router are also useful on non-conductive materials since they provide the conductive material to close the circuit to masso probe input. I understand this post to be merely a software function related question.

Does that make sense?

Cheers, Stephen Brown

 

[masso-support]

we are adding support for both touch probes and plates types so that both can be easily used with MASSO.

 

[kiwicnc]

Great news - really looking forward to it team

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this topic - this is how features should be discussed

cheers

Ray

 

[peter35]

Stephen, yes, that makes sense. thanks.

 

[kiwicnc]

Quote from MASSO Support on June 28, 2019, 11:39 am

we are adding support for both touch probes and plates types so that both can be easily used with MASSO.

Hey Masso - can you share some screen shots of the Ctrl pop up menu layout?

 

[masso-support]

here are two screenshots showing inside and outside probing

 

[peter35]

Thanks for the screenshots, looking good.

 

[kiwicnc]

Quote from MASSO Support on July 5, 2019, 3:31 am

here are two screenshots showing inside and outside probing

Looks awesome - really excited

I think this is how features should be deployed - with open consolation and input

Good work - ready to test ?

 

[testyourdesign]

Probing screenshots are looking great @masso-support looking forward to test them out. I normally set the probe length but setting it up in the tool list . Is the probe length setting meant for a tool setter offset or is it for programming the length of the probe from the spindle face?

Cheers, Stephen Brown

 

[peter35]

Quote from KiwiCNC on July 8, 2019, 8:49 am

Quote from MASSO Support on July 5, 2019, 3:31 am

here are two screenshots showing inside and outside probing

Looks awesome - really excited

I think this is how features should be deployed - with open consolation and input

Good work - ready to test

Could not agree more, makes for a better product with the support of members, also may help sort out possible issues before they happen.

 

[kiwicnc]

Quote from MASSO Support on July 5, 2019, 3:31 am

here are two screenshots showing inside and outside probing

Hi guys any update with a version will be available for testing, it s looking really awesome

Ray

 

[masso-support]

here we go, please email on support to get the probing cycle alpha release copy

 

[kiwicnc]

Quote from MASSO Support on July 12, 2019, 10:41 am

here we go, please email on support to get the probing cycle alpha release copy

So when can we have an alpha or beta for testing please