Using Different Probe Options

This topic assumes that the probe is loaded and your active tip is calibrated.

Using a Probe Online

To measure a point in Online mode with a touch trigger probe:

  1. Lower the probe to the surface where the point is to be taken.

  2. Trigger the probe by touching it to the surface.

  3. Press the End key to complete the measurement process.

PC-DMIS is designed to determine the feature type. The probe radius determines the probe compensation. The machine direction determines the compensation direction.

In measuring a circle, the probe is inside the circle moving outward. To measure a stud, the probe starts outside the circle and moves inward towards the part.

The approach direction must be normal (perpendicular) to the surface when you measure points. While this is not necessary when you measure other features, it improves the accuracy in determining the feature type.

To use a fixed probe to measure a point, you must specify the feature type that is to be measured and the probe compensation direction. For details, see "Using Hard Probes" in the PC-DMIS Portable documentation.

Using a Probe Offline

When you use PC-DMIS in Offline mode, you can access all of the probe options. However, you cannot take actual measurements. You can either type the probe data or use the default settings.

A qualification tool cannot actually be measured to calibrate a probe. You must type the probe's nominal values.

To take a hit in Offline mode:

  1. Make sure that PC-DMIS is in Program mode. To do this, select the Program Mode button () on the Graphic Modes toolbar. (For details, see "Graphic Modes Toolbar" in the "Using Toolbars" chapter of the PC-DMIS Core documentation.)

  2. Move the pointer on the screen to where you want to take the hit.

  3. Click the right mouse button to move the probe's tip to the area of the part where the hit is to be taken. The probe is drawn on the screen, and the probe depth is set.

  4. Click the left mouse button to register a hit on the part. If you have Wireframe mode selected, hits are taken on the nearest wire. If you are in Surface mode, the hit is taken on the selected surface.

  5. Press the End key to complete the measurement process.