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Probing

Introduction

GO2cam provides probing cycles to automatically measure and locate the position of a workpiece or verify part dimensions on the CNC machine itself.

The main purposes of probing are:

  1. Workpiece Setup:

    • Automatically find and set zero points (e.g., X, Y, Z origins).

    • Align the part correctly by detecting edges, corners, holes, or centers.

  2. In-Process Inspection:

    • Measure features during machining to ensure they meet tolerances.

    • Adjust tool offsets automatically if dimensions start drifting.

  3. Tool Setting and Detection:

    • Some probes can detect the length and diameter of tools, helping to automatically update tool offsets.

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Some benefits of probing are listed below

  • Increases accuracy and repeatability.

  • Reduces setup time.

  • Automates quality control.

  • Minimizes human error.

Probing Cycles

The various types of probing functionalities provided in the software are:

1

Tool Probe (Tool Setting - Tool Break)

Objectives:

  • Measure for tool dimensions and adapt the tool offset accordingly

  • Check for tool wear allowing to possibly change to sister tool

  • Check for presence of tool / breakage of tool

There is no operation or cycle to define the tool probe in GO2cam because this operation is part of the tool change on the machine.

This is managed in the Post Processor where the NC code to generate the probe action is called in the tool change procedure and the machine manages the operation.

Simulation of the tool probe can be programmed in MTE via the Post Processor.

2

Stock positioning on the machine

  • Probing of Stock to fix the alignment

  • Allows to correct the orientation of the part on the machine.

  • Dedicated GO2cam Operation available: Alignment of Part

3

Stock probing to define origins

  • Probing of Stock for the Work Coordinate Systems(WCS) origins

  • Dedicated GO2cam Operation available: Origins on Stock

4

In-process Probing during machining

  • Probing of the machined stock between machining operations.

  • Ensures the right amount of rest material to be removed and also tool wear and offsets required.

  • No dedicated operation in GO2cam. Managed manually and in the post-processor.

5

Finish part Measuring / Quality Control

  • Probing of Part to control and measure final dimensions.

    • This information can then be used for reporting the actual dimensional results of the finished part in the machine.

  • Dedicated GO2cam Operation available: Control of the Part

As listed on the above table, 3 types of Probing cycles are proposed in GO2cam:

The Probing cycles are available in Milling and Turning.

Example for Milling

Example for Turning

▶️ Watch a video introducing the probing cycles in GO2cam with an example of Origins on Stock.

HELP - Probing - Introduction-20250508-104723.png

We can also select wireframe geometry to force special points to the probing. Then, the point is automatically projected on the solid according to the nearest normal direction.

If we modify the coordinates of a point that has been probed (SHIFT+ left-click), we automatically project these new coordinates on the solid.

The interest to use Wireframe is the ability to use the silhouette positioned at Y=0 for Turning.

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