Articulating head vs rigid head

[[Sc...]]

How different is the programming from the XXT TL1 head to the VAST XT Gold head? The only experience I have is with the Renishaw PH9 and PH20 heads. Do you need to be aware of clearance distances like PCDmis or does the CMM know the clearance cube when it changes probe direction in a cnc run? I know, basic questions, but I could use a bit of advice.

Thanks in advance,

Scott

[[Je...]]

It has been six years since I last programmed RDS CAA, but as far as I remember, the clearance cube is taken into account while the probe direction changes

[[Wo...]]

The clearance cube is taken into account, but the rest of the machine isn't. Which is weird, the way I think, the machine should know where it's bridge is in relation to the head. Also you need to be careful with distances to the rack, for example, the machine will rotate into the rack if you're to close. Now I'm barely using RDS as it was too close to giving me a heart attack. Occasionally when I use it, I specify Rotate position, usually above the part, where the RDS rotates every time. Adds time to the plan, but I prefer the peace of mind.

[[Sc...]]

Thank you all for the feedback. Huge help. I had to clear the PH9 in GeoPak 2000 so I may be able to recall some old programming habits (shortly after dirt was discovered) :P

[[Je...]]

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,  there is no single aspect of CMM hardware more important than the sensor.  There are huge differences between an XXT articulating, passive sensor and an active (fixed) VAST sensor.

VAST outperforms in every category (measurement force, precision, navigation, rigidity, stylus length and width capabilities).

Your specific questions actually have more to do with Calypso software and its navigation functions vs. PC-DMIS.  Perhaps one of the greatest strengths of Calypso is its clearance-based navigation.  It does a lot of the planning and collision avoidance for you without needing to program manual move points.