Jump to content

Changing Probes (Drives Off)


---
 Share

Recommended Posts

Hello,
We have been getting errors all of the sudden when changing probes and the (drives off error) pops up. The air pressure is fine and nothing else has changed. Does anyone have any input on what could be causing this?

Thank You
Jim
Link to comment
Share on other sites

What type of CMM and probe system are you using?
In either system, you want to make sure the top of the probe plate is very clean.
If the probe plates and also the section in the bottom of the probe head (the area that picks the probe up) are clean, then you may need to reposition the holder bay location. It doesn't happen often but, I've had to reset the position on CMM's before because either the probe rack got bumped or loosened and moved.

Different types of Ziess CMM systems do it a bit different but, basically you go to the automatic stylus system change menu, select the changer drop down menu and select "define holder location". Then, if the length of the master probe is known (it should be on a system already set up) you will be asked to place the master probe in the middle of the little ID sphere indention and then select ok and it will probe down and self center in the spot to set the location of the bay. If this on a XXT head type of CMM , each 3 bays are part of one and only have one position to set, if it's on an active scanning XT, XT gold, vast head, you will have to do each probe holder individually or just on the one that might be causing problems.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Also, be sure to use a lint-free towel or cleaning tip and isopropyl alcohol (don't use anything that would leave a residue behind after cleaning) when cleaning the plates and head.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Owen,
Thank you for the quick response, I will try the things that you have posted and see if that helps. We are using Accura Vast XT.

Thank You
Jim
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
It doesn't necessarily have to do with the probe change. It could be just coincidence that it happens near the probe rack. A frequent cause for the drives going off is lag (when the CMM doesn't travel as far as it should have). Lag can be caused (among others) by slipping drive motors/belts, defective air bearings (braking effect) and even misaligned scale sensors (happened to our Contura last week). It may also happen only in certain parts of the measuring volume.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I had this issue on Accura with VAST XTR a few service packs ago.

I have updated the software to a newer one and haven't seen that since.

Maybe that will help.
Wojtek
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...