(This item pertains to the Probe Utilities dialog box, accessible through Insert | Hardware Definition | Probe.)
The List of Available Tools drop-down list displays the available calibration tools. PC-DMIS uses probed hits on the calibration tool to calibrate the selected probe. PC-DMIS only uses spherical tools.
The type of tip you calibrate may affect where and how you take hits on the calibration tool. Consider what happens during calibration with these different probe tip types:
Ball Tip - PC-DMIS prompts you to enter the number of hits to be taken on the tool and then asks you to take the hits.
Disk Tip - If Mode = MANUAL, PC-DMIS prompts you to take six hits on the calibration tool. Take three hits above the equator of the sphere and three below the equator. If Mode = DCC, the location of the calibration tool must previously be known.
Taper Tip - PC-DMIS prompt you to take six hits on the sphere with the tapered part of the probe. The spherical tool is, in effect, being used as the probe to measure the taper tip as a cone. The first three hits need to form a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the cone centerline. If a small taper probe is being used, it is best to use a small spherical tool to perform this operation.
Barrel/Shank Tip - PC-DMIS prompts you to take four hits in a planar cross section of the sphere to form a circle. The hits must be made with the same part of the probe that will be used for inspection. After you take the four hits, PC-DMIS prompts you to touch the sphere once with the bottom surface of the probe.
Optical Tip - This option is only available if the optical tip is defined as a hard probe.