Innovative Approach to Probing Software for on-Machine Inspection

Nowadays inspection systems enabling probing on machine tools are getting a popular option for three, four and five axis machining centres. Such systems are set of two parts - hardware (inspection probe) and software. Paper presents innovative approach to inspection software (including tool setting applications) creation depending on machine type and application. Last but not least is the issue of software influence on productivity of manufacturing process. Due to different user demands and expectations following software levels were designed and introduced by Renishaw: OEM level software and End user (EU) level software. OEM level software is aimed at machine tool manufacturers - prepared for full integration with machine tool controller. EU level software is suitable for retrofits and custom applications - designed in more flexible way, easy to adjust for complex probing tasks. Paper contains comparison of these two groups of software including examples from aerospace industry. Additionally, simple user guide for choosing probing software for certain application was proposed.