To specify a probe and set probing parameters

Use Probe and Parameters item to specify the probe and probing parameters for measuring sequence items. When a Probe and Parameters item is at the Definition level of the inspection sequence, the changes apply to all following items and groups until they are changed by another Probe and Parameters item. When an item is added to a group, the changes affect only the following items in that group.

Note: Probe and Parameters items are available only when creating inspections for use on CNC or OMV machines.

To add a Probe and Parameters item to the inspection sequence:

  1. Click Home tab > Probe Path panel > Probe & Parameters. The Probe and Parameters dialog is displayed.
  2. Enter a Name for the item.
  3. To base the settings on those of another Probe and Parameters item, select that item in the Reference item list; if you do not want to base this item's settings on another item, select <No reference item>.

    The Probe and Parameters items that inherit values from the selected Probe and Parameters item are listed in the Referenced by section of the Info tab.

  4. To specify a probe tool for this item:
    1. Select the Set up probe tool check box and select an entry in the Probe list.
    2. If the probe has multiple tips, select the tip you want to use in the Sensor list.
  5. If you are using a probe head that supports head-touch measurement, such as a REVO or PH20, select the Measure head touch check box, and choose an option from the list to specify how the head is positioned to take points. Select:
    • No head touch to disable head touch measurement.
    • Approach point related to use a three-axis move to position the probe head at the approach point, and then to pivot and rotate the head to take the point.
    • Target point related to use a five-axis move to position the probe head at the approach point, and then to pivot and rotate the head to take the point.
  6. In the Distances, Speeds, and Accelerations tabs, select the check boxes of the parameters you want to set with this item, and enter the Value and Unit for each entry.

    Parameters shown in grey are defined in the selected reference item; parameters shown as Undefined are not changed by this item.

  7. Click OK to close the dialog and add the item to the inspection sequence. PowerInspect generates a setting change for each defined parameter, and includes the changes in the probe path of the next measurable item in the inspection sequence. To view the effects of the item, right-click its entry in the inspection sequence, and select Play Item from the context menu.
Note: A default Probe and Parameters item is added to the inspection sequence when you create a document. To use the item's settings for default Probe and Parameters items in new documents, select the Save as machine defaults check box. Selecting this check box also saves the current machine and probe head settings.
Parent topic: About Probe & Parameters items