Page Comparison

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Table of Contents

Probe Components

The Penta Machine Pico Digital Probe contains three main components; the probe body, the Renishaw TP20 touch trigger (module), and the probe stylus.

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The TP20 touch trigger magnetically attaches to the probe body. It functions as a switch, sensing force applied to the stylus in the X, Y & Z direction, or any combination of the three. Three tapered groves located on one end of the TP20 module accurately maintain its position relative to the probe body, while two gold contacts electrically connect the switching mechanism to the probe’s electronics.

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Probe Assembly

New probes require assembly of the four main components; probe body, TP20 touch trigger (module), stylus & silicone O-ring.  Use the following steps to complete the assembly.

1. Using the S7 stylus tool provided, fully hand-tighten the stylus into the stylus mount on the end of the TP20 module. The recommended tightening torque is 0.05 Nm to 0.15 Nm (maximum permissible torque is 0.3 Nm). In general hand-tightening is enough to achieve a torque within the recommended range.

2. Install the silicone o-ring around the outer edge of the TP20 module’s mounting grooves.

3. Install TP20 touch trigger module onto the probe body making sure to position & pair electrical connections, while making sure to maintain position of the o-ring. Installed correctly, the TP20 module should sit firmly atop three ball bearings and force applied to the side of the TP20 module will displace the unit from its magnetic mount.

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Probe Alignment

Styli must be concentric with the rotation of the spindle to take accurate measurements. The stylus position can be manipulated in two directions (X & Y) by adjusting the four set screws located on the end of the probe body.

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NOTE: A dial indicator can be mounted to the machine’s spindle by threading an indicator positioner (like a Noga arm) into the threaded hole on the right side of the Y stage, near where the spindle mounts. The threads are M8 x 1.25.

Probe Calibration

The Pico Digital Probe should not need any major calibration right out of the box. However, if the stylus is changed, the probe is crashed, or anything else is done to the probe assembly that could have had an effect on its runout or length, the following steps should be taken:

1. Align the probe’s stylus using procedure stated in the “Probe Alignment” section above

2. Measure the tool length offset of the probe by typing o<measure-probe> call into the MDI command bar and pressing Enter

   1. If you are simply verifying the TLO already stored in the machine, take note of the TLO value for tool 14 before executing the above command. After the probe has been measured, compare the two values. If the values differ by more than .001”, consider reaching out to Penta Machine Co. to discuss the potential need for investigation into the cause of the variance.

Probe Battery

The Pico Digital Probe uses a rechargeable battery. Charging occurs while the probe is seated in position 14 of the Solo tool drawer and the optical lens faces towards the machine front. Placing the probe in position 14 will switch the probe on and out of its shipping mode. Once the probe is out of shipping mode, battery information is automatically transmitted to the machine and displayed in the user interface.

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The Pico Digital Probe has enough battery life to remain in sleep mode (machine powered off) for about 30 days. Beyond 30 days it will require a partial charging prior to use. The Pico Digital Probe is able to charge at approximately 10% per hour.

Probe Status

The Pico Digital Probe provides a visual report of its status in the form of green and red blinking LEDs. Red blinks indicate errors while green blinks indicate normal functions. The different blink patterns and their meanings are as follows:

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To significantly reduce the chances of a crash, critical errors will be reported in the user interface. For instance, if the machine does not receive the expected signal from the probe while executing a probing routine, the machine will stop probing and an error message will be populated in the user interface.

Probe Applications

The Pico Digital Probe takes measurements as its stylus comes in contact with surfaces in its probing path. Measurements can be taken in the X, Y, or Z axis, or any combination of the three, and at any B or C axis angle. The measurements that are taken can be used in a variety of ways depending on the CAM software used to generate the probe routines and its post processor. Below are the probing functions the Solo currently supports:

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