Probing in PowerMill is the automated inspection of manufactured parts while they are still on the machine tool.
- Letting you identify problem areas, and decide on any rework needed, earlier in the process.
- Helping to reduce the need to move parts between the machine tool and a co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM).
Preparing the inspection
Prepare the inspection by creating a probe tool and a probe path, adding the probe path to an NC program, and then simulating the NC program.
A probe tool and a probe path used for inspection are like a milling tool and a milling toolpath used for machining. The probe path specifies the points on the part to be inspected. An NC program can contain probe paths and toolpaths for an efficient machining-and-inspection process.
Inspecting the part
Perform the inspection by writing the NC program as an output file and then running the file on the machine tool.
When you write the NC program, you need to choose a machine option file that is configured for your machine tool. The post-processor reads the option file so the NC program, which contains the probing sequence, can be run on the machine tool. Option files are provided by Autodesk.
Viewing the results
When the inspection process is complete, view the inspection results by uploading the machine-generated results file to Autodesk® Drive, or by importing the file into Autodesk® PowerInspect for further analysis.
Detailed results include the positions and deviations of the probed points from their CAD nominals. Analysis of the deviations indicates if the probed points are in- or out-of-tolerance.