CNC Mill - 3D touch off probe

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====== CNC Mill - 3D touch off probe ======

This page is for using the 3D touch-off probe for touching off parts.

===== Overview =====
The 3D touch-off probe is an electronic touching off probe that can touch off in all X, Y, and Z axis:

{{:equipment:cnc:mill:cnc-3dprobe-image.png?400|}}

It is best used currently using the pendant jog control and is powered via a cable attached to the main control panel.
<callout title="Warning" type="warning" icon="true">It must not be used whilst the machine door is closed as any spinning up could easily damage it.</callout>


===== Location =====
The 3d probe box and cable live inside  the CNC mill tool cabinet:

{{:equipment:cnc:mill:cnc-3dprobe-cab.png?400|}}
{{:equipment:cnc:mill:cnc-3dprobe-box.png?400|}}
{{:equipment:cnc:mill:cnc-3dprobe-device.png?400|}}

Please make sure you return the probe to its carry case and the cable back into the box to ensure we don't lose these very specific cable.

===== Setting up =====
Install the probe into a 6mm collet:

{{:equipment:cnc:mill:cnc-3dprobe-6mm.png?400|}}

and mount in the spindle to hand tight (just like when using the wiggler).

The cable plugs into the front control panel into the very clearly labelled socket:
{{:equipment:cnc:mill:cnc-3dprobe-socket-location.png?400|}}

The plug can only be inserted in one orientation:
{{:equipment:cnc:mill:cnc-3dprobe-socket.png?200|}}

{{:equipment:cnc:mill:cnc-3dprobe-cable-installed.png?200|}}

The other end of the cable plugs into the 3d probe (which should be in the spindle collet by this point:

{{:equipment:cnc:mill:cnc-3dprobe-green.png?400|}}

If everything is plugged in correctly then the probe should light up green.

<callout title="Potential machine hazard" type="danger" icon="true">DO NOT close the door with the cable and/or 3d probe installed. This is to ensure the spindle does not spin up to any speed with it installed. The use of the cable via the open door is completely intentional for this reason</callout>

===== Touching off =====
Touching off is just like using the wiggler, move the probe around using the jog controls (either pendant or control panel) until the probe touches by turning RED either side of something:

{{:equipment:cnc:mill:cnc-3dprobe-side.png?400|}}

or the top of something:

{{:equipment:cnc:mill:cnc-3dprobe-top.png?400|}}

You can use the fine control jog settings of the pendant (the right hand knob) to really creep up on touching off.

Zero/set the relevant axis as before using the control panel.

<callout title="Info" type="info" icon="true">The diameter of the probe tip is 2mm, therefore a +/-1mm offset may be required in setting a touch off value directly</callout>