Zeiss Eclipse Retrofit

[[Ha...]]

Has anyone had any experience with retrofitting an older CMM? Currently, we have two Conturas using Calypso software that we create all of our programs offline prior to production. In addition, we have 2 older Eclipses that we basically only use to double check First Pieces or certain in-process dimensions QUICKLY (flatness, dia. size, etc.). I've looked into CMM Manager which seems like possibly the way to go. However, I definitely have some questions before we move forward. Can we utilize the programs we have already written in Calypso? Do or should we upgrade to a scanning head? Can you share programs between a touch probe and a scanning head? Best case scenario, we would like to be able to use programs we already have written in calypso but still maintain a fast user friendly way to perform spot checks on the Eclipse.

[[sh...]]

CMM Manager is cheap for a reason....As for retrofitting I cant help with your question.

[[Cl...]]

Years ago I had a Zeiss Spectrum retro fitted with a vast XXT
from a ST3 head. At my current employer, we discussed going
from a vast XT gold to a vast XXT, and were told by Zeiss
that it could be done. Not sure if that helps?

[[Ow...]]

It's a different scenario but, I'll share one story regarding CMM manager.

Before I left my last place of employment, we had an old LK CMM running CMES software that they wanted to convert to use CMM manager.
This LK CMM was used to check 1st piece inspections for 20 years. It was slow,less accurate and less informative than our newer Zeiss CMM's but, it did what was needed for a small percentage of our products that didn't require great repeatable accuracy and all the programs it used had been proven many times over.

The reason they wanted to convert it to use CMM Manager was because (1) it was cheaper than converting to Calypso and (2) the old CMES syntax type of programming language it used took a good amount of time to learn and they wanted something easier to learn and use with a cad interface.

I told them I wouldn't recommend they convert it because, every part it was used to check would have to have new programs (they wouldn't create themselves) and when all was said and done, they'd still have a 20+ year old CMM with old fragile wiring that still moved slow.

After I left, the first thing they did was upgrade it to use CMM manager. I was told it didn't go well and approximately 1 year later they got rid of the CMM and they couldn't find anybody that would buy it.

[[Ha...]]

Thank you for the feedback! We have not really considered converting to Calypso yet because we're not too impressed with the programs ability to do quick manual inspections. Calypso works perfect for our operators to run programs but not well for quick spot checks on random features. The Eclipse works well because the Operator can just click a couple buttons to Clear results and start checking a new part. The first issue I can see happening with Calypso is going to be operators creating new programs and saving as Measurement Plan 1,2,3...etc. We'll most likely have to constantly check and delete these programs because it will just make a mess in the network folders. (You can make rules and procedures for this all day, but with that many people having access to the CMM I'm not sure how to control this). Another issue, the Eclipse Machines are older how much do we want to invest? How much more expensive is it to convert to Calypso rather than CMM Manager? (these machines are on the shop floor and take more of a beating than our Conturas).

[[Me...]]

I have CMM Manager here on a manual Mitutoyo.
We do not do CAD on it. By and large it's pretty slick. But I believe you would have to reprogram everything. Ther is no translator out there that I know of.
Zeiss offered a refurbishing program which we took advantage of. Trade in an old machine and you will get a refurbished one.
New software, new comp, full warranty. Ours was an Eclipse. Traded in old.... got "new".