Machine calibration software

[Mgrenier]

Hello,

 

We are just now starting to use probe routines but for the results to be accurate and trusted, we have to make sure that our machines are in good shape.  I have been asked by my boss to look and try to find something to "calibrate" our machines.  

 

I found some laser and ballbar software from Renishaw and it looks good.  I would like to know if these software are any good?  How difficult is it to use them? Is there something else out there that I could not find?  What do you guys use and/or do?

 

We want to make sure we get the right products for our machines.

 

Regards,

[Matthew Hajicek - Singularity]

A calibration service from a calibration expert like PQI.

[Mgrenier]

Thanks Matt,

 

But we are located north of the border, in Canada.  What we want is something we can use in house with our maintenance department.

[MIL-TFP-41]

Renishaws stuff is good. Their ballbar is way easy to use. I can literally check a machine in 10 minutes. Laser, there is a bit more to it but still very user friendly.

 

I am sure there are other makes out there, tho I honestly haven't seen any other ballbar besides Renishaw.

[Machineguy]

Marting,

 You are missing the point. Have a outside service laser the machine with you maintaince looking on.

That will set your machine to the best it can do.

Now use your inside software to keep the  machine in check.

 

A ball bar wont show you everything that's going on. A laser will.

[Mgrenier]

Machineguy,

 

We already have a laser here that our maintenance crew uses to adjust the machine.  We are looking to see if there is something out there that could help us check if the machine is good in a shorter time than what the laser can.  From what I could gather over the internet, is first laser the machine, then you need to check the machine from time to time using a ballbar and/or something then check the rotary axis of our 4 and 5 axis machines.

 

Correct me if I am wrong.  I do want to come up with the best solution possible for the company.

 

Regards,

[Machineguy]

That's perfect.

[mkd]

Machineguy,

 

..., then you need to check the machine from time to time using a ballbar and/or something then check the rotary axis of our 4 and 5 axis machines.

 

Correct me if I am wrong.  I do want to come up with the best solution possible for the company.

 

Regards,

axiset from renishaw is good for 5 axis machines, but some builders have their own proprietary routine.