probing option

[Vern Smith]

The Haas service guys are here installing my TM-1P. They are also trying to convince me that I should have purchased the probing option. Comments/opinions? It's a five grand investment.

Vern

[cncdigger]

Part probing or tool offset probing.

I have part probing and tool offset probing on a VF-2. Ordered VM-6 with the same options. They save a lot of time.

The tool offset probe might take up some of your table working space. It can be removed dut I say you would have to recalibrate it after replacing it. I never removed mine yet.

If you can spare the money, go with part probing. Saves a lot of setup time.

Al

[jackson]

I used a tool prob. on a mazak years ago didnt care for the machine but the prob was great stik all your tools in and push a buttom and the machine does the rest i would say if you will be doing a lot of set ups with lots of tools get one

[WITOMCIO]

The best investment you can ever make.The same set-up for other machine will run you over $10k.No more punching in numbers, everything is automatic.
Pretty good quick probe rogramming too.
Actually firs time I used it it was scary.I would not trust it.
3 years later I cannot think about CNC mill without probe and tool setter.
With some skill and expierience you can use it as CMM.
Especially for short runs , prototype work it is a time saver.
Believe or not , but that was what sold Haas machine to me.
I would never even consider buying another CNC without it.
$5k is cheap, however try to talk your salesman to give you a discount on macros(you need them to run the probe , I think it is another $2k).
Plus you dont pay for instalation on tthe new machine . Later it is gonna cost you , if you decide to add it on.
If you get macros and probe for under $6k , it is a steal.
Good luck on your new machine.

[Chuck Reamer]

I used a VF-5-50 and a TM-2 with a tool and spindle probe, and they it is worth its weight in gold. Well worth the 5 large when first getting the machine. The probing cycles are so easy that you could train your cat to do them, and you can even run a probe cycle right in the program to set your WPC for each piece.

I have been looking into some other machines and the probe systems are between 10 and 13 grand, at little bit steep.

[axis]

haas is selling a cheaper probe and tool setter for just there tm mills
is only 3000usd a little bit cheaper its on the web page for tm only
i looked at getting it for my vf2ss but it wont work they say
its a marposs not a renshaw if that makes a difference to you

[gar]

070224-0943 EST USA

Vern:

What is your real need for this option?

Is it to set tool length? Measure tool diameter? Locate part? Or last to measure a part?

Are you a production, prototype, or hobby shop?

Excluding part measurement the low cost but very effective method is a 1" gage block, an edge finder, and micrometer.

What precision in these various measurements is required?

.

[BAD DOG]

have probing and auto tool set on vf3

BEST MONEY I NEVER MADE. IF YOU HAVE A JOB SHOP IT IS A MUST

TECHNOLOGY IS THE KEY TO BEING PROFITABLE

IMAGINE SETTING 20 TOOLS AND FINDING THE TOOL DIAM. IN A COUPLE MINUTES.

FINDING PART ZEROS IN SECONDS, BORES ETC,,,,, NO MORE INDICATORS AND EDJE FINDERS.

TIME IS MONEY

BAD DOG

[Vern Smith]

I'm a job shop. Mostly small runs ( 100 to 200 small parts at a time) with frequent setups. I do not currently need aerospace accuracy. As I understand the probe Haas sells will do all the neat set up tricks out of the box. If you want to use it for checking parts for sizing and accuracy you need to purchase a $5,000.00 software package as well. I'm sure I can do without the economies it offers in set up but I find the size and accuracy checking attractive as a future purchase.

Vern

[TKBuisan]

I am in the process of ordering a Haas VF2-SS and am wondering about the probing option. From the feedback, it seem that if one is doing small jobs (<500) or *one-offs*, the probe will be of value. The option may pay for itself's in less than 250 set ups.
I think I read a post here that says that the tech. is a great enabler...
TKBuisan