To export probe paths

The Probe Path Export dialog enables you to export the inspection sequence to a file so that it can be run on an OMV machine tool.

To export probe path information from PowerInspect:

1. If you want to export only selected probe paths, set a range in the inspection sequence.
2. Click File tab > Export > Probe Path. The Probe Path Export dialog is displayed.
3. Complete the Probe Path Export dialog. Note that the settings displayed depend on the Format option you select.
   • Format — Select the file format for the export. In most cases, the NC program + CLDATA file option, which creates an NC Program file and a CLDATA (.cxm) file, is used. The NC Program file is run on the machine tool to measure items. The CLDATA file contains details of the probe to be used for measurement and details of the probe moves required. The CLDATA file is used by the post processor to create the NC Program file. This file can also be used when importing measured data back into PowerInspect, so it is important not to delete or move this file.
   • Post processor option file — Specifies the name of the NC Program (.pmoptz) file to be run on the machine tool. Click Browse to select a different option file.
   • NC program file — Specifies the folder and filename for the NC Program file. To change the folder, filename, and NC program file extension, click the Browse button. If you selected NC program + CLDATA in the Format list, a CLDATA file is created using the same filename (but with a .cxm file extension) and stored in the same folder.
   • CLDATA file — This is displayed when you select CLDATA in the Format list. Enter the name of the CLDATA file in which you want to store the exported data, or click Browse to select a file.
   • XML file — This is displayed when you select Native XMLin the Format list. Enter the name of the XML file in which you want to store the exported data, or click Browse to select a file.
   • Output probe point — Select an option to specify whether you want to export the probe path information relative to the probe tip or the probe centre.
   • Part name — Enter the name of the part to which the probe paths relate.
   • Tool number — Enter the tool number to be used when running the probe paths. This sets the tool number and the tool offset number.
   • Gauge length — If you are using a measuring device that has rotary axes with no RTCP support, use this box to specify the distance from the probe tip to the gauge face of the spindle.
   • Output coordinates — Specify the coordinate system in which you want to export the probe paths. Select:

     <last calculated> to use the last measured alignment in the inspection sequence. If no alignment is measured, or <no measure> is selected in the Measure tab > Current panel, the PCS (CAD Datum) is exported.

     Initial alignment to use the alignment applied to thePCS (CAD Datum) to define the relationships between the PCS (CAD Datum) and the Machine Datum.

     Measured alignment to use the specified alignment. For example, if the inspection sequence contains an RPS alignment, which has been improved using a Best Fit, both of these are available for selection.

     Datum to use a measured datum item.

   • Ignore active alignment — When you have already measured the alignment for the inspection sequence, PowerInspect uses the results to create a transform that repositions the probe path. If you are using a three-axis machine, select this check box to prevent the transform from being applied to the output coordinates.
   • WPCS — Enter the name of the workpiece coordinate system (WPCS) you want the measuring device to use for the inspection.
   Note: On some measuring devices, the WPCS is referred to as the datum or origin.
   • Open file with your favourite program — Select this option to view the exported file.

     If you selected the NC program + CLDATA file option, the NC Program file is opened.

     For other format options, a CLDATA (.cxm) file or an XML (.xml) file is opened. When you specify a preferred application for viewing NC Program files, the file is displayed using this application. When you choose no application or Select the program manually, the Open With dialog is displayed, and you must select an application manually.

   • Open the containing folder — Select this option to display the contents of the folder in which the export file is created.
4. Click OK to export the probe path.
5. If a message is displayed informing you that a nominal transformation has been applied to the inspection sequence, check the part is correctly aligned for use with the transformation, then click:
   • Continue to export the probe path with the transformation.
   • Abort to cancel the export and modify the initial alignment or undo the transformation.

When the export is complete, transfer the NC Program file to the machine-tool controller and run it on the machine tool.