Step 4: Create an NC Measurement Routine File

  1. Using PC-DMIS NC, create a measurement routine to measure the desired features on the part and generate output.

  2. You can use the server computer if you are not running the NC Gateway server application on it. Otherwise, you need another computer that runs PC-DMIS NC.

  3. Select the machine to use from the Settings toolbar drop down.

  4. Create an unmarked alignment at the beginning of the measurement routine. You might define the work offset using features on the CAD model. However, this can be done in a variety of ways.

  5. Change the mode to DCC mode.

  6. Use a probe that has the same nominal ball diameter as the probe in the NC machine if you are using controller resident probe calibration. If you are using PC-DMIS probe calibration, select the probe and tip you have calibrated.

  7. Generate the CNC measurement routine from your measurement routine by selecting the Operation | CNC Programming | Create CNC Measurement Routine menu item. PC-DMIS NC generates a file with a .cnc extension. This command also displays the probe's path. Unmarked commands are ignored.

  8. Modify the Macro Number box, if needed. This is the measurement routine number that is used to identify this measurement sequence within the CNC system. This is true for all Fanuc style controls that identify measurement routines by a number like O1234. For other controls, the output file name identifies the measurement routine.

  9. If desired, modify where you want to send the CNC measurement routine by clicking the Browse button and navigating to a different directory; otherwise, accept the default pathway.

  10. Click OK. PC-DMIS NC generates the CNC measurement routine and the probe path is displayed in the Graphic Display window. If you encounter errors, consult the log file inside any text editor application, such as Notepad. The log file is located in the "\Documents and Settings\<LoginName>\Local Settings\Temp" directory with an .log extension.

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