Machine Tool Probe Technology at Your Fingertips

The use of mobile technology with smartphones and tablets and their associated apps has become firmly established as part of everyday life. Recognizing how they can also assist in a multitude of working environments, Renishaw Inc. (West Dundee, IL) has developed a range of smartphone apps for users of their machine tool probing hardware. Their GoProbe app is an enabling technology embedded in their latest macro-based software packages. Together with associated training materials and user reference tools, this technology is designed to make their machine tool probes and tool setters easy to use. Key to the simplicity of GoProbe is its programming format, which consists solely of a single-line command that eliminates the need for extensive knowledge of machine codes and programming techniques.

The GoProbe app allows users to create the single-line command with just a few quick taps. They simply need to select the required cycle from the displayed menu and populate a series of data entry fields. The command is generated by the app and displayed on screen ready for input to the CNC machine tool control. Where required, further assistance is available in the form of animations, help images and associated text.

Supporting spindle probes and tool setters (including the latest NC4+), the app allows even new and inexperienced operators to quickly become proficient in programming basic probing and tool setting cycles.

A single installation of the app supports code generation for a range of machine tool configurations and control types, and can easily be switched into any of the supported languages.

Renishaw machine tool probes are supplied with several customizable settings allowing them to be configured for a specific application. This customization technique is known as Trigger Logic™. Their Trigger Logic app provides users with a simplified method of customizing their probe settings that is faster and easier than following traditional printed instructions. A series of integrated illustrations and videos clearly explain the configuration process when additional information is required. Suitable for use with both optical and radio probes (including tool setters), this app can also be used to acquire and partner with radio probes in conjunction with the combined radio interface and receiver units available from Renishaw. These mobile apps are available globally, offer support in over 15 languages and are available free of charge (for iOS and Android™) on the App Store® and on Google Play.

Renishaw Inc., 1001 Wesemann Drive, West Dundee, IL 60118, 847-286-9953, [email protected], www.renishaw.com.