Machine Tool Probing Software Reduces Measurement Times

Renishaw’s probing software package is designed to automatically optimize on-machine measurement cycles to minimize cycle time and maximize productivity. The Inspection Plus with SupaTouch software features an easy-to-use optimization process that is designed to automatically determine and select the machine tool’s highest feed rates while maintaining measurement accuracy.

The probing software uses in-cycle decision making to implement either a one- or two-touch probing strategy for each measurement routine and is said to eliminate the need for manual optimization of on-machine positioning feed rates, measurement feed rates and strategies. Compared with traditional software cycles, the software is said to provide a cycle time reduction ranging to 60 percent on CNC machine tools.

The software detects any measurements taken during machine acceleration or deceleration phases and compensates for errors by taking corrective action and re-measuring. It also introduces a calibration process that improves measurement repeatability in all directions and improves the accuracy of probe positioning during multi-axis vector moves.