Problem

In order to run a machining process it is necessary for part tolerances to fall within the shortterm capability of the machine tool. Implementing Patterns such as AP203 (Job set-up), AP301
(Cutter parameter update) and AP302 (Dynamic re-machining) can help a machine tool adapt
to real production conditions in order to maintain process capability. However, some sources of
process variation cannot be accounted for using such methods. For example:
Where no mechanism exists to adjust an error, even when the error and its magnitude have
been correctly identified. For example, it may not be possible to correct for extreme backlash
on machine axes, or to automatically correct in instances where a piece of swarf causes
gross part mis-alignment
Where the variation in error changes at a rate faster than it is possible to correct for it, for
example extreme temperature variation

AP206

Machine capability check

Solution
Use an inspection probe to perform a machine capability test before machining. Commence
machining only if the machine is within the capability limits defined for the component.
Measuring known reference features shows the machine is capable of positioning itself
accurately and repeatably, or if there is a capability problem.

Benets
Programs can automatically alert an operator if the machine appears to be out of alignment
Machining will not begin unless confidence in machine capability has been established
Perform machine
capability checks

No, halt
machining

Is
machine within
defined capability
limits?

Yes, continue
machining

Machine capability check

For example, the following scenarios may be checked:

A fixture is automatically loaded and clamped on a machine tool. Occasionally, swarf may
become trapped between the fixture and the clamp, causing an angular error which can be
measured
It may be known that extreme temperature variation causes a particular machine tool to vary
in performance. It is possible to test for thermal effects immediately before a cutting cycle by
measuring a known artefact, golden part or machine reference feature

Case study
Renishaw uses workpiece inspection probes in its own factories to establish machine capability. The
Renishaw Advanced Milling Turning and Inspection Centre (RAMTIC) is a vertical machining centre
equipped with standard Renishaw probing technology, custom fixture, indexing trunnion and tooling
loading systems. RAMTIC machines are also loaded with an artefact: a known golden part which is
regularly calibrated and used as a reference part for machine checks.
RAMTIC systems perform machine capability checks with three tests:
Indexer repeatability test: measure artefact features with artefact on top of indexer, perform
indexer moves away from and back to measurement position, re-measure and compare artefact
features, stop machining process if the difference is out of tolerance.
Indexer alignment test: measure points on the top of the artefact spanning the X-axis with the
artefact at positions either side of the indexer top position, compare centre points at each inspection
position, calculate indexer misalignment, stop machining process if out of tolerance.
Checks for thermal distortion: measure key features on the artefact to establish reference points
for thermal tracking, stop machining process if thermal drift is out of tolerance - see AP303, Thermal
correction - machine drift and AP306, Thermal Correction - workpiece expansion for information
about correcting for thermal effects.

Example: checking the correct orientation of an automatically loaded pallet table

Only continue machining if the A and B axes are correct to within 1
Sample Productivity+ probe software program
Measure plane and establish X, Y, Z position data.

Using data from measured plane, determine if the absolute

angle error in A or B axes is greater than or equal to 1. If
yes, the program jumps to Out_of_Alignment label and a
machine alarm is raised.

If error in A and B axes is less than 1 the component is

machined before jumping to the end of the program.

The statement referenced by the ABS function within the Condition Builder of Productivity+ Active Editor Pro must be surrounded by parentheses - round brackets. Even if
the target NC platform requires square brackets, the Condition Builder must use round brackets; the post processing process will convert them as necessary for the target
machine.

Sample Inspection Plus software program

N10
T01 M06

Select the probe

G54 X0. Y0.

Start position

G43H1 Z100.

Activate offset 1 and go to 100 mm above

G65 P9810 Z10. F3000

Protected positioning move to Z10

G65 P9818 Y50. Z0.

Measuring cycle

IF[ABS[#144]GT1.]GOTO100

If the angle error is greater than 1 jump to an alarm

G65 P9810 X0. Y110. F3000

Move to next position

G65 P9810 Z-10. F3000

G65 P9843 X0. D50.

Measuring cycle

IF[ABS[#144]GT1.]GOTO100

If the angle error is greater than 1 jump to an alarm

G65 P9810 Z10. F3000

G65 P9810 X110. Y0. F3000

Move to second position

G65 P9810 Z-10. F3000

G65 P9843 Y0. D50.

Measuring cycle

IF[ABS[#144]GT1.]GOTO100

If the angle error is greater than 1 jump to an alarm

G65 P9810 Z100.

G0 G91 G28 Z0.

Return to home position

G90
GOTO110
N100
#3000=99(AXIS OUT OF ALIGN)

Alarm for the axis alignment

N110 (END)
RENISHAW ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY PROBLEMS OR DAMAGE ARISING FROM THE USE OF ANY SAMPLE CODE AND ADVISES THOROUGH
CHECKING OF OUTPUT VARIABLES FOR THE SELECTED INSPECTION PACKAGE AND THE AVAILABILITY OF SPARE AND UNUSED VARIABLES FOR
INDIVIDUAL APPLICATIONS.
SAMPLE PRODUCTIVITY+ PROGRAMS ASSUME THE USE OF ACTIVE EDITOR PRO 1.70.20
SAMPLE INSPECTION PLUS PROGRAMS ASSUME USE WITH FANUC TYPE CONTROLS

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United Kingdom

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PUBLICATION BUT MAKES NO WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE CONTENT. RENISHAW EXCLUDES LIABILITY,
HOWSOEVER ARISING, FOR ANY INACCURACIES IN THIS DOCUMENT.
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Renishaw reserves the right to change specifications without notice
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*H-5650-4010-02*
Issued 0912 Part no. H-5650-4010-02-B