Renishaw Plc

John Charles Ould

Kevin Tett

Tim Prestidge

Paul William Moore

Michael John Wooldridge

David R McMurtry

David Kenneth Thomas

Alexander Tennant Sutherland

Derek Marshall

Andrew J Harding

Jamie John Buckingham

Matthew James Powley

Thomas Phillip Handford

Alexander Edward Kane

Sam Hawke Whale

Iain Ainsworth

Matthew Anthony Revell

Rose Crossland

Andrew James Harding

Samuel Hawke Whale

Kevin James Tett

Method for measuring an object using a scanning probe carried by a machine tool having a probe holder for the scanning probe and a carrier for the object. The method includes (i) using the machine tool to move the probe holder relative to the carrier along a pre-programmed scan path, (ii) measuring acceleration whilst the pre-programmed scan path is traversed, (iii) collecting probe data whilst the pre-programmed scan path is traversed, and (iv) using the acceleration measured to identify at least one acceleration zone of the pre-programmed scan path and thereby determine one or more positions along the scan path at which the probe data of step (iii) were collected.

Measurement method and apparatus

A method is described for analysing probe data collected by a scanning probe carried by a machine tool. The probe data is collected as the machine tool moves or scans the scanning probe along a scan path relative to a workpiece. The method includes a step of identifying a property of the scan path used by the machine tool from a characteristic of the collected probe data. In this manner, the scan path can be identified from the probe data alone without having to receive any position data from the machine tool.

A method of scanning an object using an analogue probe mounted on a machine tool, so as to collect scanned measurement data along a nominal measurement line on the surface of the object, the analogue probe having a preferred measurement range. The method includes controlling the analogue probe and/or object to perform a scanning operation in accordance with a course of relative motion, the course of relative motion being configured such that, based on assumed properties of the surface of the object, the analogue probe will be caused to obtain data within its preferred measuring range, as well as cause the analogue probe to go outside its preferred measuring range, along the nominal measurement line on the surface of the object.

Method of measurement on a machine tool

A method and apparatus for measuring a part with a contact probe mounted on a coordinate positioning machine. The method includes measuring a plurality of points on the part when both the part and contact probe are moving continuously between different positions within the coordinate positioning machine. The probe moves, relative to the part, along a scan path such that substantially coincident points that are closely located together along a curve or surface being measured are measured at relatively far apart positions in the machine and at relatively far apart positions along the scan path.

Method and apparatus for measuring a part

A method of inspecting an artifact on a machine tool includes: scanning a probe mounted on the machine tool along the surface of the artifact to be inspected. The method involves supplying a flow of fluid at least at the point of interaction between the probe and the artifact during the scanning.

A method of scanning an object using an analog probe mounted on a machine tool, so as to collect scanned measurement data along a nominal measurement line on the surface of the object, the analog probe having a preferred measurement range. The method includes controlling the analog probe and/or object to perform a scanning operation in accordance with a course of relative motion, the course of relative motion being configured such that, based on assumed properties of the surface of the object, the analog probe will be caused to obtain data within its preferred measuring range, as well as cause the analog probe to go outside its preferred measuring range, along the nominal measurement line on the surface of the object.

Method of measurement on a machine tool and corresponding machine tool apparatus

A method of finding a feature of an object using an analog probe mounted on a machine tool. The method includes the analog probe and/or object following a course of motion which causes the analog probe's surface sensing region to traverse across the feature to be found a plurality of times while approaching the feature over successive traverses so as to ultimately arrive in a position sensing relationship with the feature so as to collect scanned measurement data about the feature along at least part of a traverse.

Method of finding a feature using a machine tool

A method of finding a feature of an object using an analogue probe mounted on a machine tool. The method includes the analogue probe and/or object following a course of motion which causes the analogue probe's surface sensing region to traverse across the feature to be found a plurality of times whilst approaching the feature over successive traverses so as to ultimately arrive in a position sensing relationship with the feature so as to collect scanned measurement data about the feature along at least part of a traverse.

A method of building up a measurement data set for a surface of an object using an analog measurement probe mounted on a machine tool apparatus which obtains scanned measurement data of the surface over a plurality of offset traverses. Subsequent traverses are offset from previous traverses such that over a series of traverses the analog probe's surface detecting region progresses i) laterally across the object, and/or ii) away from or towards the object. The course of relative motion for at least one subsequent traverse is generated and/or updated based on data obtained during at least one previous traverse.

Method of analogue measurement scanning on a machine tool

A method for producing a measurement probeinspection path on a machine tool is disclosed which includes the step of running a program e.g. a modified CAM editor programwhich allows the selection of geometric features of a workpieceto be inspected. Once selected the program will generate a measurement probe path which is included in software for loading into the numeric controller (NC) of the machine tool. The software can have cutting commands together with inspection path instructions either readable by the NC or written as unreadable instructions for use with a p.c.connected to the NC controller and preferably operating at the same time as the NC.

Method for producing a measurement probe path on a numerically controlled machine tool

A machine tool program editor is used to insert auxiliary operations e.g. measurement, process control and program logic into a CNC work producing program. The editor has representations of the operations which can be placed in the correct position in the program. User input in the form of parameters is prompted when a representation is selected. The program is post processed and run on a machine tool whereat the operations are performed.

Generation of a CNC machine tool control program

A workpiece inspection system is disclosed for determining measurements of a workpiece on a machine tool. The system utilizes a measurement device which outputs data relating to the workpiece (e.g. in place of a conventional cutter). The problem of obtaining real time data relating to the position of the machine tool is overcome by recording a machine tool position data set and a measurement device data set at selected instants which are defined by a synchronization signal. The data sets are combined later in the correct relative position because the synchronization signal was used. The synchronization signal can issue from the machine tool controller, an interface, measurement device or another part of the system.

Machine tool workpiece inspection system

A method is described for measuring a workpiece on a machine tool using an analogue probe having a deflectable stylus. The method comprises the step of taking a workpiece having a nominal surface profile, the workpiece being located within the working area of the machine tool. The machine tool is used to move the analogue probe along a predetermined (known) measurement path relative to the workpiece whilst deflection of the stylus is measured. The analogue probe is moved relative to the workpiece at a speed greater than five millimeters per second and the predetermined measurement path is selected to provide intermittent contact between the stylus and the workpiece.

Method for measuring a workpiece using a machine tool

A method is described for calibrating apparatus including a measurement probe mounted on a machine, such as a machine tool. The machine is arranged to capture machine position data indicative of the position of the measurement probe and the measurement probe is arranged to capture probe data indicative of the position of a surface relative to the measurement probe. The measurement probe may be an analogue or scanning probe having a deflectable stylus. The first step of the method involves moving the measurement probe at a known speed relative to an artefact whilst capturing probe data and machine position data. In particular, the measurement probe is moved along a path that enables probe data to be captured that is indicative of the position of two or more points on the surface of the artefact relative to the measurement probe. A second step of the method comprises analyzing the machine position data and the probe data and determining from that data the relative delay in capturing probe data and machine position data (i.e. the so-called system delay).

Calibration method and apparatus

A machine tool control process employs an N.C. and separate software e.g. operating either in a separate processor or within the N.C. Sub-programs generated by the software may be introduced into the N.C. during pauses in the N.C. e.g. for measurement type inspection or re-configuring the paths of cutting tools. The generation of the sub-programs may be carried out while the N.C. is operating.

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Backwell, United Kingdom

John Charles Ould