Smart apps for smartphones - Machine tool probe technology at your fingertips

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2017-08-02 17:36:00

Renishaw, a world-leading engineering technologies company, will demonstrate its developing range of smartphone apps for machine tool probes and tool setters at EMO Hannover 2017, Germany (18th–23rd September, hall 6, stand B46).

The use of mobile technology – smartphones and tablets – and their associated apps has become firmly established as part of everyday recreational life. Recognising how they can also assist in a multitude of working environments, Renishaw has developed a range of smartphone apps for users of their machine tool probing hardware.

GoProbe app

GoProbe is an enabling technology embedded within the latest Renishaw macro-based software packages. Together with associated training materials and user reference tools, this technology is designed to make using Renishaw machine tool probes and tool setters simple. Key to the simplicity of GoProbe is its programming format which consists solely of a single-line command, eliminating the need for extensive knowledge of machine codes and programming techniques.

The GoProbe app allows users to create this single-line command with just a few quick taps so that they simply need to select the required cycle from the displayed menu and populate a series of data entry fields. The command is generated by the app and displayed on screen ready for input to the CNC machine tool control. Where required, further assistance is available in the form of animations, help images and associated text.

Supporting spindle probes and tool setters – including the latest NC4+ – the app allows even new and inexperienced users to quickly become proficient in programming basic probing and tool setting cycles.

A single installation of the app supports code generation for a range of machine tool configurations and control types, and can easily be switched into any of the supported languages.

Trigger Logic™ app

Renishaw machine tool probes are supplied with several customisable settings allowing them to be configured for a specific application. This customisation technique is known as Trigger Logic™.

The Trigger Logic app provides users with a simplified method of customising their Renishaw probe settings that is faster and easier than following traditional printed instructions. A series of integrated illustrations and videos clearly explains the configuration process where more information is required.

Suitable for use with both optical and radio probes – including tool setters – the app can also be used to acquire and partner radio probes in conjunction with the combined radio interface and receiver units available from Renishaw.

Renishaw mobile apps are available globally, offer support in over 15 languages and are available free of charge (for iOS and Android™) on the App Store® and on Google Play.

Renishaw apps are available in China via Baidu and Tencent.

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