Utilizing Various Calibration Sphere Configurations

Utilizing Various Calibration Sphere Configurations

CMM-Manager provides a comprehensive set of tools for calibrating various probe and sphere combinations.  This includes a single stylus, multi-styli such as an offset "dog leg" or full star probe, and the ability to define and utilize both single and multiple sphere configurations.

Single tip and single sphere

The single tip (per tool) and single sphere configuration is the most common.  Although multiple tools may be used, they are all single tip tools in which the stylus is along the probe assembly axis.


The green zone indicates the usable area for various probe angles.  As the A angle increases toward 90 degrees, there will come a point where the usable area decreases somewhat since the probe will collide with the sphere shank.  CMM-Manager will automatically adjust for this to make optimum use of the available surface.

Offset tip and single sphere

Another common configuration is a single tip, but the tip is not along the tool axis.



As can be seen here, certain probe angles are not a problem.  The same rules apply as to the single tip along the tool axis.  However, if we rotate (in this example) to B-90 which leaves the tip pointing upward, we begin to have problems accessing the sphere with sufficient usable surface.




This problem can be resolved by using a calibration sphere "tree", or multiple spheres with different orientations.

Sphere trees

There are many configurations of sphere trees.  Individually mounted spheres in different orientations can also be used, but that configuration typically takes up more space.  Two common examples are shown here.  As shown here, virtually any angle can be calibrated - including those where the probe assembly is facing the operator in this view or away from the operator.



Star Probes

Star probes add an additional challenge due to possible collisions with other tips than the one being calibrated.  Careful selection of the proper sphere will assure a successful calibration.
Alert
CMM-Manager attempts to create the most appropriate path for the tip being calibrated.  There is no full collision detection of all tips with all spheres.  The operator should watch closely the first time calibrating star probes.

Other considerations

The sphere size and sphere shaft length must be properly chosen for any particular star or offset stylus configuration.  Very small pre-built stars will require a much smaller calibration sphere.  A star with a long "0" tip (along the tool axis) may require an extension to the sphere shaft to avoid tip 0 from colliding while calibrating other tips.  The end user must make sure the appropriate equipment is available.









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