UM - NC Gage - V03.30 REV01.00 EN

Validity
This user manual is valid for software version V3.3.
Technical Changes
The information in this user manual may be changed at any time by the manufacturer without notice. The user is
responsible for keeping this information up-to-date on a regular basis.
Manual Version V03.30-REV01.00

Release Date 2017-11-01
m&h NC Gage V3.3 Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 General .............................................................................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Preface..................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Safety Instructions ................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 5
2 Confirming Connection and Exiting Program ............................................................................................... 6
3 Main Screen Structure and Buttons ............................................................................................................... 7
4 General Setup ................................................................................................................................................... 9
5 Measurement .................................................................................................................................................. 11
5.1 Selecting/defining a Probe ..................................................................................................................... 11

5.1.1 General Information for Selecting/Defining a Probe ................................................................ 11
5.1.2 Buttons used for Selecting/Defining a Probe ........................................................................... 11
5.1.3 Procedure for Selecting a Probe.............................................................................................. 12
5.1.4 Procedure for Defining a Probe ............................................................................................... 12
5.2 Calibrating a Probe ................................................................................................................................ 13
5.2.1 General Information for Calibrating a Probe ............................................................................ 13
5.2.2 Buttons used for Calibrating a Probe ....................................................................................... 13
5.2.3 Procedure for Calibrating a Probe ........................................................................................... 14
5.3 Setting a Work Offset............................................................................................................................. 18
5.3.1 General Information for Setting a Work Offset ........................................................................ 18
5.3.2 Buttons used for Setting a Work Offset ................................................................................... 18
5.3.3 Procedure for Setting a Work Offset ........................................................................................ 19
5.4 Option: Setting a Work Offset on Mill-Turn Machines ........................................................................... 21
5.4.1 General Information for Setting the Work Offset for Keyway, Key, and Flat ........................... 21
5.4.2 Buttons used for Setting the Work Offset for Keyway, Key, and Flat ...................................... 21
5.4.3 Procedure for Setting a Work Offset on Mill-Turn Machines ................................................... 22
5.5 Selecting a Work Offset ......................................................................................................................... 24
5.5.1 Buttons used for Selecting a Work Offset ................................................................................ 24
5.5.2 Procedure for Selecting a Work Offset .................................................................................... 25
5.6 Setting Safe Position for Rotary Axis Movement (5-Axis Machines) ..................................................... 27
5.6.1 General Information for Setting Safe Position for Rotary Axis Movement............................... 27
5.6.2 Buttons used for Setting Safe Position for Rotary Axis Movement ......................................... 27
5.6.3 Procedure for Setting Safe Position for Rotary Axis Movement .............................................. 28
5.7 Setting a Clearance Plane ..................................................................................................................... 30
5.7.1 General Information for Setting a Clearance Plane ................................................................. 30
5.7.2 Buttons used for Setting a Clearance Plane ............................................................................ 30
5.7.3 Procedure for Setting a Clearance Plane ................................................................................ 30
5.8 Calibrating a Rotary Head Axis ............................................................................................................. 32
5.8.1 General Information for Calibrating a Rotary Head Axis ......................................................... 32
5.8.2 Buttons used for Calibrating a Rotary Head Axis .................................................................... 32
3
Table of Contents m&h NC Gage V3.3
5.8.3 Procedure for Calibrating a Rotary Head Axis ......................................................................... 33

5.9 Calibrating a Rotary Table Axis ............................................................................................................. 36
5.9.1 General Information for Calibrating a Rotary Table Axis ......................................................... 36
5.9.2 Buttons used for Calibrating a Rotary Table Axis .................................................................... 36
5.9.3 Procedure for Calibrating a Rotary Table Axis ........................................................................ 37
6 Teaching and Measuring ............................................................................................................................... 39
6.1 General Information for Teaching/Measuring different Features ........................................................... 39

6.1.1 Definition of Teaching and Measuring Features ...................................................................... 39
6.1.2 Constructed Features and Evaluations .................................................................................... 40
6.1.3 Feature Screen ........................................................................................................................ 40
6.2 Teaching/Measuring a Bore................................................................................................................... 42
6.2.1 Buttons used for Teaching/Measuring a Bore ......................................................................... 42
6.2.2 Procedure for Teaching/Measuring a Bore .............................................................................. 42
6.3 Teaching/Measuring a Point .................................................................................................................. 44
6.3.1 Buttons used for Teaching/Measuring a Point ......................................................................... 44
6.3.2 Procedure for Teaching/Measuring a Point ............................................................................. 45
6.4 Teaching/Measuring a Web ................................................................................................................... 46
6.4.1 Buttons used for Teaching/Measuring a Web.......................................................................... 46
6.4.2 Procedure for Teaching/Measuring a Web .............................................................................. 47
6.5 Option: Teaching/Measuring on Mill-Turn Machines ............................................................................. 48
6.5.1 Buttons used for Teaching/Measuring Shaft, Keyway, Key, and Flat ..................................... 48
6.5.2 Feature Screen for Measuring Shaft (Keyway, Key, and Flat) ................................................ 49
6.5.3 Procedure for Teaching/Measuring a Shaft ............................................................................. 50
6.5.4 Procedure for Teaching/Measuring a Keyway ......................................................................... 51
6.5.5 Procedure for Teaching/Measuring a Key ............................................................................... 52
6.5.6 Procedure for Teaching/Measuring a Flat ............................................................................... 53
7 Working with a Measurement Program ........................................................................................................ 54
7.1 File Management ................................................................................................................................... 54

7.1.1 Buttons used for File Management .......................................................................................... 54
7.1.2 Procedure for File Management .............................................................................................. 55
7.2 Executing the Program .......................................................................................................................... 56
7.2.1 Buttons used for Executing the Program ................................................................................. 56
7.2.2 Procedure for Executing the Program ..................................................................................... 56
7.3 Editing the Program/Feature.................................................................................................................. 58
7.3.1 Buttons used for Editing the Program/Feature ........................................................................ 58
7.3.2 Procedure for Editing a Program/Feature ................................................................................ 59
7.4 Creating Reports .................................................................................................................................... 61
4
m&h NC Gage V3.3 General
1 General
1.1 Preface
The safety instructions/warnings in this user manual have to be strictly observed to guarantee the safe and
reliable function of the software and to avoid personal and material damage. The meaning of the symbols related
to the safety instructions/warnings are described below:
NOTICE indicates important information that, if not observed, could lead to property
NOTICE damage / malfunctions.
INFORMATION indicates important information or helpful advices for the work with
INFORMATION the described device.
1.2 Safety Instructions
• Only trained persons may service the software and the touch probe.
• Standard settings may not be arbitrarily changed.
• Comply with the intended use of the measuring system.
• Follow the instructions for switching on and off the touch probe.
• Check the proper use of touch probe and accessories.
• Check the correct assignment of the touch probe in the tool magazine.
• Retract spindle before changing of tool and touch probe.
• Check the functionality of the touch probe (signal transmission and trigger point).
• Observe the maximum permissible spindle speed during the use of touch probe in the spindle.
• Observe the maximum permissible feedrates during the use of touch probes in the spindle.
• Check if the chosen zero point corresponds to the program.
• Try out every new cycle individually (if possible) and with the smallest feedrate.
• Retract the touch probe after a program interruption first before continuing or restarting a program.
1.3 Introduction
m&h NC Gage (referred to as "NC Gage" below) is a simple to use software which allows rapid creation of
measuring cycles on a machine tool. This manual serves as a guide to learn how to use the software, to calibrate
a probe, create new measuring cycles, generate reports and save and play back the finished measuring cycles.
This manual is not a substitute for the online help documentation. In all cases the help documentation supersedes
the information supplied in this manual.
This manual assumes that the NC Gage software is already installed and is configured to work online with the
machine tool.
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Confirming Connection and Exiting Program m&h NC Gage V3.3
2 Confirming Connection and Exiting Program
INFORMATION
The NC Gage "Main screen" contains status information, active program and top level menu buttons. The
menu buttons are activated based on the actual status of NC Gage and the active program. If none of the
buttons are active (except for the exit button) and the connection icon is red, NC Gage cannot connect to the
machine control.
1. If NC Gage does not connect to the machine control, configure the connection first. The procedure for
configuration is described in the installation and setup manual.
not connected connected
Fig. 1 "Main screen" connection status
2. If NC Gage displays an error message, run the "NC Gage Configuration Tool". For a description of how to
use the "NC Gage Configuration Tool", refer to the installation and setup manual.
3. To exit the program, press and confirm by pressing .
6
m&h NC Gage V3.3 Main Screen Structure and Buttons
3 Main Screen Structure and Buttons
Current program area:
This area shows the NC Gage measuring program that is currently loaded. Using a mouse or a touch screen it is
possible to scroll up and down in the program and to open and close the items to examine them. It is not possible
to edit, execute or save the program directly from the "Main screen". It is only displayed for information.
Information area:
Here it is possible to see the current machine coordinates, which probe is currently selected, if the probe has
been calibrated and how, and if a general clearance plane has been set up. Warnings and status messages are
also displayed here.
Menu button area:
The menu buttons are used to navigate through the software and choose which task will be performed. NC Gage
activates and deactivates menu buttons based on the status of the software. For instance, if the probe has not
been calibrated, then only the calibration menu button will be active. Two special buttons, <Forward> and
<Back>, allow paging through additional commands which are available for the current menu.
Current Information
program area
area
Menu
button
area
Fig. 2 "Main screen" structure and buttons
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Main Screen Structure and Buttons m&h NC Gage V3.3
Back Probe Work offset Connected File Mgt. Help Forward
Setup Move Measure Execute Report Exit

program
Fig. 3 Main menu buttons
8
m&h NC Gage V3.3 General Setup
4 General Setup
The "Setup" screen in NC Gage is used to set various general data as shown in the figure and table below. With
the menu buttons at the bottom of the screen the user can access menus for further settings that can be made.
Tolerance Kinematics Setup

Setup Work Face Password Setup
Orientation for the System Setup
Machine
Counter Display Setup
Fig. 4 "Setup" screen
Screen area Description

Unit Unit of measure (mm/inch) used for all NC Gage measuring tasks.
System Language System language for all NC Gage menus and screens.
Tolerance Standard tolerance for all measuring tasks if no other tolerance is set for the
individual tasks.
Report Save Option Standard path to save all NC Gage report files.
With "Auto Save" the reports are saved automatically and the user can choose
whether to overwrite or to collect the reports with a time stamp.
Feedrate Defines the standard feedrate used within the measuring tasks of NC Gage.
Probing Distance "PreHit" defines the distance measured from the estimated measuring point at
which NC Gage reduces the feedrate to measuring feedrate.
"Search" defines the maximum distance between the "PreHit" position and the
actual measuring point. If no trigger signal can be received within this distance,
NC Gage stops the measurement.
9
General Setup m&h NC Gage V3.3
Screen area Description

Snap Decimal Accuracy Defines the decimal accuracy and the number of decimal places for all measuring
tasks.
Statistics Save Option Standard path to save all NC Gage statistics files.
With "Auto Save" the statistics files are saved automatically and the user can
choose whether to overwrite or to collect the files with a time stamp.
10
m&h NC Gage V3.3 Measurement
5 Measurement
5.1 Selecting/defining a Probe
5.1.1 General Information for Selecting/Defining a Probe
INFORMATION
A probe must be selected in order to be calibrated or used in a program in NC Gage. When starting NC Gage
for the first time, it is also necessary to define the probe being used.
Fig. 5 "Select Probe" Screen
5.1.2 Buttons used for Selecting/Defining a Probe
No Screen Picture Button Description
1 "Main screen" <Probe>
2 "Calibration" <Probe>
3 <Probe>
4 "Select Probe" <Define Probe>
5 <OK>
T1 Buttons used for Selecting/Defining a Probe
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Measurement m&h NC Gage V3.3
5.1.3 Procedure for Selecting a Probe

1. Press the <Probe> button (1/T1) on the "Main screen" to open the "Calibration" screen.
2. Press the <Probe> button (2/T1) on the "Calibration" screen to open the "Select Probe" screen.
3. Select the probe to be used in the program from the list of available probes by either clicking on it with the
mouse or pressing the <Probe> button (3/T1) until it is highlighted.
4. Press the <OK> button (5/T1) to activate the probe.
5.1.4 Procedure for Defining a Probe

1. Press the <Define Probe> button (4/T1) on the "Select Probe" screen to open the "Define Probe" screen.
2. On the "Define Probe" screen enter the probe tip size and the pocket number of the probe in the tool
changer.
3. Give the probe a meaningful name and add notes describing the probe, its assembly or any other important
information as desired. This information will appear in the instructions area on the "Select Probe" screen.
INFORMATION
NC Gage allows defining any number of probes for use in measurement programs.
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5.2 Calibrating a Probe
5.2.1 General Information for Calibrating a Probe

NC Gage offers two different methods for probe calibration:
• Calibration on a Ring: Provides accurate calibration of the probe in the working plane. This method uses
36 points around the ring to calculate and compensate the probe in the work plane. It uses only one point to
determine the probe length in Z.
• Calibration on a Sphere: Provides a complete 3D calibration of the probe. This method uses 161 touches
taken across the sphere to calculate and compensate for differences in the way the probe measures in
various directions. Features that require calibration on a sphere are sphere and cone.
The important considerations for choosing between ring and sphere calibration are accuracy and time. For most
measurements made with NC Gage, ring calibration is the most efficient. However, NC Gage will prevent adding
features that require calibration on a sphere, if the probe was only calibrated on a ring. If a probe is used which
was calibrated on a ring, a warning will appear in the Information area stating: "Some features require sphere
calibration".
5.2.2 Buttons used for Calibrating a Probe
2 <Probe>
3 "Calibration" <Ring Calibration>
4 <Sphere Calibration>
5 <Probe>
6 <Find Ring Artifact>
7 <Execute>
"Ring Calibration"
8 <Cancel>
9 <Report>
10 <OK>
11 <Define Probe>
12 "Select Probe" <Probe>
13 <Execute Block>
T2 Buttons used for Calibrating a Probe
13
5.2.3 Procedure for Calibrating a Probe

1. Press the <Probe> button (1/T2) on the "Main screen" to enter the "Calibration" screen.
This will display two buttons <Ring Calibration> (3/T2) and <Sphere Calibration> (4/T2).
2. Press the <Ring Calibration> button (3/T2) to calibrate the probe using a calibration ring.
Instructional information Probe parameters Ring parameters
Probe Find Ring Artifact
Fig. 6 "Ring Calibration" Screen
INFORMATION
• The first time NC Gage is started, a probe must be defined and selected.
• If the <Probe> button (5/T2) was pressed in the "Ring Calibration" screen, the program will return to the
"Ring Calibration" screen when the probe selection is confirmed by pressing <OK>.
• If the <Probe> button (2/T2) was pressed in the "Calibration" screen, the "Ring Calibration" screen
must be opened again after the probe selection is finished and confirmed by pressing <OK>.
• The following 4 steps are not required, if a probe has already been selected.
3. Press the <Probe> button (5/T2) on the "Ring Calibration" screen to enter the "Select Probe" screen.
Two icons are displayed to define a new probe (11/T2) or select a previously defined probe (12/T2).
4. Press the <Probe> button (12/T2) on the "Select Probe" screen and choose a probe.
14
5. Confirm selection by pressing the <Execute Block> button (13/T2). The program returns to the "Ring
Calibration" screen.
INFORMATION
The "Ring calibration" screen displays information about the parameters needed to calibrate on the ring, and
instructions to guide the user through the calibration.
INFORMATION
A red star next to an input field is used throughout NC Gage to draw attention to fields which require the user to
enter or correct data. In this case these are the fields for ring diameter, ring location and possibly for the
nominal probe tip diameter as well. These input fields must be filled before the calibration can be started.
If no ring diameter is entered, NC Gage displays a warning message as follows:
6. Enter the certified diameter of the calibration ring into the field for ring diameter.
The instruction message on the screen changes to:
7. If the location of the ring is known in machine coordinates, enter the values for X and Y. The Z value is the
top face of the ring. If the values are known in a specific work offset (G54 etc.), then select the correct work
offset in the <Work Offset> list.
If the location of the ring is not known exactly in X and Y, then use the <Find Ring Artifact> button (6/T2) to
open the "Find Ring Artifact" screen.
INFORMATION
The "Find Ring Artifact" function requires that the machine supports spindle orientation to specified angles. If
the machine does not offer this function, the <Find ring> button will not be available.
8. After entering the values, jog the probe to the center of the ring (the Z-position must be just below the surface
of the ring).
9. When finished jogging the probe to the correct position, press the <Execute> button (9/T2) in NC Gage.
Once the <Execute> button has been pressed, the button will appear disabled, and an instruction will
appear:
NOTICE
Risk of collision
As soon as the monitor program is started, the machine will start moving.
• Run the monitor program with the same caution as with all other CNC programs.
INFORMATION
The monitor cycle is used to execute the commands created using NC Gage. It is necessary to have this
program loaded and ready to run. If the monitor program is not loaded, load it as with any other program on the
control.
15
INFORMATION
If for any reason the machine must be stopped while measuring, press the <Program stop> button on the
control. Then press the <Cancel> button (8/T2) in NC Gage. If for any reason the measurement does not
complete (collision for instance), the <Cancel> button (8/T2) will need to be pressed.
10. Execute the NC Gage monitor cycle on the machine control.

Once the monitor program is started, the machine will begin probing on the ring. NC Gage will take 36 points
around the ring and move up over the ring, then move in X over the edge of the ring and take one point in Z
on top of the ring. When the measurement on the machine is complete, the monitor cycle will be ended
automatically and the machine placed in feedhold. The "Ring Calibration" screen will be updated showing
the actual measured values for the probe.
11. For more information about the calibration press the <Report> button (9/T2) to display the measured offsets.
12. If the results of the calibration are satisfactory, press the <OK> button (10/T2) to store the calibration.
The "Main screen" will now show new status information, and the program will contain updated probe
information.
13. After completing calibration on the ring, there will be changes in the "System Messages" area. Using a
mouse or a touch screen, double clicking on the probe item in the program will display the calibration
information. On machines that do not have a rotary axis in the head, the menu button <Work Offset> is now
available.
Probe item
Work offset
Fig. 7 Calibration finished
16
14. For machines that have a single rotary axis in the head, the head must be calibrated before it is possible to
measure. To calibrate a rotary head axis, refer to chapter 5.8 and perform a rotary head calibration before
continuing.
17
5.3 Setting a Work Offset
5.3.1 General Information for Setting a Work Offset

NC Gage allows setting up work offsets on a machine using basic features, without having to create a program.
When the <Set Work Offset> button on the second page of the "Main screen" is pressed, NC Gage will display
several functions for setting work offsets in the button menu at the bottom of the screen. Using these it is possible
to set work offsets using the different geometries shown in the figure below and to set rotary axis offsets using a
line.
Set two axes <Set Work Offset> button Set one axis to
with outside corner on "Main screen" mid-point
Set two axes
with inside corner Set three axes with
sphere
Set two axes
with boss Set rotation angle
axes with line
Set two axes
with bore
Set one axis Set rotation angle

with point with plane
Fig. 8 Available Geometries for Setting a Work Offset
5.3.2 Buttons used for Setting a Work Offset
1 "Main screen", second page <Set Work Offset>
2 <Select Work Offset>
3 <Probe>
4 <Select Measurement Face>
5 <Read Probe Position>

"Set Axes"
6 <Return to Previous Step>
7 <Execute>
8 <OK>
9 <Cancel>
T3 Buttons used for Setting a Work Offset
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5.3.3 Procedure for Setting a Work Offset
INFORMATION
The following example describes how to define the individual axis positions for a work offset using a point.
Beyond this procedure there are several other possibilities to set the axes positions for the work offset by using
more complicated geometries. The steps for these procedures are basically the same and are not described in
detail.
1. Press the <Set Work Offset> button (1/T3) to display the available geometry options for setting the axis
positions.
2. Press the <Set One Axis With Point> button (refer to Fig. 8) to open the "Set One Axis" screen.
Parameters
area
Fig. 9 "Set One Axis" Screen
3. Position the probe above the surface to set the "Z = 0" in the work offset.
4. Press the <Read Probe Position> button (5/T3).
5. Press the <Execute> button (7/T3).
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NOTICE
Risk of collision
6. Run the monitor cycle on the machine.

NC Gage probes a point on the surface and displays the value in the "Parameters" area (refer to Fig. 9).
7. Select the word offset to be set by pressing the <Select Work Offset> button (2/T3) and confirm selection by
pressing the <OK> button (8/T3).
8. Press the <Select Measurement Face> button (4/T3) to select the next axis direction and repeat steps 3 to 7
for the other axes as necessary.
INFORMATION
If for any reason the learning process must be reprocessed (e. g. to learn other values), the <Return to
Previous Step> button (6/T3) can be used. The <Cancel> button (9/T3) is used to skip the settings.
INFORMATION
To account for a non-zero value for the offset, adjust this by changing the target value in the dialog.
INFORMATION
When using the function "Set rotation angle axes with line" (refer to Fig. 8), note that the angle NC Gage
calculates to set the zero of a rotary axis, depends on the order in which the points are taken on the part. To
understand how this works, imagine an axis connecting the measured points, and pointing in the direction
connecting them in the order they were taught-in (refer to Fig. 10).
Fig. 10 Measuring Direction for Rotation Angles
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5.4 Option: Setting a Work Offset on Mill-Turn Machines
5.4.1 General Information for Setting the Work Offset for Keyway, Key, and Flat
The "Set Work Offset" screen also supports manual setup of C-axis offsets using "Keyway", "Key", and "Flat".
The screen layout may vary depending on the feature to be measured, but the main areas and general operation
are always the same. When the <Set Work Offset> button on the second page of the "Main screen" is pressed,
the available work offset features for mill-turn machines are displayed. By pressing the <Forward> and <Back>
buttons the user can scroll through the different pages.
<Set Work Offset> button on "Main

screen"
Keyway Key
Flat
Fig. 11 Available Geometries for Setting a Work Offset on Mill-Turn Machines
5.4.2 Buttons used for Setting the Work Offset for Keyway, Key, and Flat
1 "Main screen", second page <Set Work Offset>
2 <Keyway>
3 "Set Work Offset" <Key>
4 <Flat>
"Set Rotary Axes (Angle) with

8 <Probe>
Keyway"
9 <Execute>
10 <Cancel>
11 <OK>
T4 Buttons used for Setting the Work Offset for Keyway, Key, and Flat
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5.4.3 Procedure for Setting a Work Offset on Mill-Turn Machines
INFORMATION
The following example describes how to define the individual axis positions for a work offset using a point.
Beyond this procedure there are several other possibilities to set the axes positions for the work offset by using
more complicated geometries. The steps for these procedures are basically the same and are not described in
detail.
1. Press the <Set Work Offset> button on the second page of the "Main screen" (1/T4) to open the "Set Work
Offset" screen and to display the available geometry options for setting the axis positions on mill-turn
machines.
2. Select the feature type that will be used to set the C-offset, e. g. by pressing the <Keyway> button (2/T4) to
open the "Set Rotary Axis (Angle) with Keyway" screen
3. Select the work offset number that should be updated, and then follow the teach-in instructions on the screen.
Parameters
area
Fig. 12 Setting a Work Offset on Mill-Turn Machines
4. Position the probe above the surface to set the "Z = 0" in the work offset.
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NOTICE
Risk of collision

NC Gage probes a point on the surface and displays the value in the "Parameters" area (refer to Fig. 12).
8. Select the work offset to be set by pressing the <Select Work Offset> button (7/T4) and confirm selection by
pressing the <OK> button (11/T4).
INFORMATION
INFORMATION
To account for a non-zero value for the offset, adjust this by changing the target value in the dialog.
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5.5 Selecting a Work Offset
A work offset defines the zero location of the machine axis for the current program. Typically, the part has been
machined using a specific work offset. Most of the time this work offset will be used to measure as well.
The work offset must be set before programming because the work offset defines the relative axis positions in the
work area. Once the work offset is chosen, then all of the moves and results in the measurement program will be
with reference to that work offset. If a work offset has not been set up for the part on the machine, NC Gage can
be used to do this as well (refer to chapter 5.3).
After calibration of the probe a work offset and a clearance plane must be set. Setting the work offset must be
done first, and NC Gage does not allow doing anything else at this point.
5.5.1 Buttons used for Selecting a Work Offset

"Main screen"/
"Select Work Offset"
2 <Execute>
3 "Select Work Offset" <OK>
4 <Cancel>
T5 Buttons used for Selecting a Work Offset
24
5.5.2 Procedure for Selecting a Work Offset

1. Press the <Select Work Offset> button (1/T5) to open the "Select Work Offset" screen.
Fig. 13 "Select Work Offset" Screen
2. Use the <Select Work Offset> button (1/T5) to step through the list of available work offsets. It is also
possible to use a mouse or to touch in the list on a touch screen to select a work offset.
3. Stepping through the list of work offsets displays their values on the control in the "Parameters" area of the
screen. Select the work offset required to measure the part.
4. Once a work offset has been selected, the <Execute> button is active. Press the <Execute> button (2/T5),
then the following instruction will appear:
NOTICE
Risk of collision
5. As during calibration, execute the NC Gage monitor program on the machine. This program should already
be loaded from when the probe was calibrated. If the monitor program is not loaded, load it as any other
program on the control and run the program.
25
6. Once the monitor cycle has been executed, the machine will be back in feedhold. Confirm that the work offset
is now active on the machine. Press the <OK> button (3/T5) in NC Gage to confirm the work offset, save it to
the program, and return to the "Main screen".
The "Main screen" will now be updated with the active work offset, the machine positions will be displayed in
the work offset coordinates, and the work offset will appear as an item in the program.
7. On a 3-axis machine the <Move> button (1/T7) will be enabled and the measurement preparations must be
continued with the procedure given in chapter 5.7.
On a 5-axis machine the <Move Rotary Axes> button (1/T6) will be enabled and the measurement
preparations must be continued with the procedure given in chapter 5.6.
INFORMATION
If for any reason the selected work offset should not be activated after pressing the <Execute> button (2/T5),
press the <Cancel> button (4/T5) in NC Gage.
26
5.6 Setting Safe Position for Rotary Axis Movement (5-Axis Machines)
5.6.1 General Information for Setting Safe Position for Rotary Axis Movement
INFORMATION
The procedure described in this chapter is only necessary for 5-axis machines. If NC Gage is used on a
3-axis machine, this procedure can be skipped and the user can continue measurement preparation with the
procedure in chapter 5.7.
NC Gage supports measurement on 5-axis machines as an option. This allows measuring features positioned on
various sides of the part. The 5-axis measurement option is required in order to perform 5-axis measurement.
Once NC Gage is configured for 5-axis use, the position display will show values for all 5 axes.
Fig. 14 Position Display for 5 Axes
Creating programs on a 5-axis machine is almost the same as on a 3-axis machine. The only differences are
specifying:
• the orientation of the rotary tables for the measurement,
• a safe location to go to when turning the rotary tables,
• optionally, the reporting height of measurement features.
5.6.2 Buttons used for Setting Safe Position for Rotary Axis Movement
1 "Main screen" <Move Rotary Axes>

"Move Rotary Axes"
4 <OK>
5 <Cancel>
T6 Buttons used for Setting Safe Position for Rotary Axis Movement
27
5.6.3 Procedure for Setting Safe Position for Rotary Axis Movement
INFORMATION
A "Rotary Axis Move" is used in a program to specify the following:
• The rotary table positions for the measurement.
• A clearance point to move to before the tables are positioned.
1. Press the <Move Rotary Axes> button (1/T6) to open the "Move Rotary Axes" screen.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen as shown below and jog the probe to a position where it cannot collide
with the workpiece or the machine table during any rotary axes movements.
3. Jog the rotary axes (tables) to their target angles.

4. Press the <Read Probe Position> button (2/T6) to teach in the current probe position as safe position for
rotary axes movement. The measured values for the "Safe Point" and the "Rotation" are now automatically
entered on the "Move Rotary Axes" screen and can be modified manually as required (e. g. to round the
values).
5. From the "Primary Direction" area on the "Move Rotary Axes" screen, choose the axis that will be used as
the reference axis for angles in the new orientation.
Fig. 15 "Move Rotary Axes" screen with learned position values
28
6. Press the <OK> button (4/T6) to safe the position to the program and return to the "Main screen".
The <Move> button (1/T7) is now active on the "Main screen".
INFORMATION
INFORMATION
After adding a "Move Rotary Tables" command to the program, a new clearance plane is required before
measuring.
29
5.7 Setting a Clearance Plane
5.7.1 General Information for Setting a Clearance Plane

A clearance plane is an imaginary plane at a safe height above the surface of the part. NC Gage will use this to
move the probe safely between measured features. Before and after each feature, the probe will travel in Z to this
height in order to prevent collisions.
5.7.2 Buttons used for Setting a Clearance Plane
1 "Main screen" <Move>
2 <Clearance Plane>
4 "Clearance Plane" <Return to Previous Step>
5 <OK>
6 <Cancel>
T7 Buttons used for Setting a Clearance Plane
5.7.3 Procedure for Setting a Clearance Plane

1. Press the <Move> button (1/T7) on the "Main screen" to enable the <Clearance Plane> button (2/T7).
2. Press the <Clearance Plane> button (2/T7) to display the "Clearance Plane" screen.
Fig. 16 "Clearance Plane" Screen
30
3. Follow the instructions on the screen as shown below and jog the probe to a height above the part where it is
safe to travel to all of the features to be measured:
4. Press the <Read Probe Position> button (3/T7) to teach in the current probe Z-position as safe height for
workpiece measurement. The measured Z-value is now automatically displayed on the "Clearance Plane"
screen in the field labelled "Plane Height of Probe Tip".
INFORMATION
It is also possible to type in the value for the clearance plane manually into the input field labelled "Plane
Height of Probe Tip" or to correct the value after reading, e. g. to round it or to set it to a more precise value.
In many cases, the nominal values for a feature may be known in advance and it is quicker to type them in than
to teach them in by jogging the machine. In this case the checkbox "Learn Using Values on Screen" must be
marked.
Fig. 17 "Clearance Plane" Screen with learned Z-Position Value
5. Press the <OK> button (5/T7) to safe the position to the program and return to the "Main screen". The
<Measure> button is now active on the "Main screen".
INFORMATION
31
5.8 Calibrating a Rotary Head Axis
5.8.1 General Information for Calibrating a Rotary Head Axis

When using NC Gage on a machine that has a single axis rotating head, it is necessary to calibrate the rotating
head in several positions. If the head has not been calibrated, it will not be possible to measure features.
5.8.2 Buttons used for Calibrating a Rotary Head Axis
2 "Calibration" <Wrist Head Calibration>
3 <Set Wrist Calibration Angles>
4 <Set Safe Move Height>

"Wrist Head Calibration"
5 <Execute>
6 <Report>
7 <Clear Select>
8 <Generate Position List>

"Set Wrist Calibration Angles"
9 <Add Single Angle to Position List>
10 <OK>
T8 Buttons used for Calibrating a Rotary Head Axis
32
5.8.3 Procedure for Calibrating a Rotary Head Axis

2. Press the <Wrist Head Calibration> button (2/T8) on the "Calibration" screen to open the "Wrist Head
3. Set the axis ID in the "Head Calibration" area (refer to Fig. 18) to the correct axis for the machine.
4. In the "Sphere Tool Definition" area, enter the sphere position in X, Y and Z and the sphere diameter.
5. Specify the sphere's stem using the "I", "J" and "K" values. If the stem is pointing along the machine’s
Z-axis, use:
• I=0
• J=0
• K=1
6. Set the value "C", which defines the location of the rotary table to "C = 0".
INFORMATION
When choosing the angular positions to be calibrated, a minimum of 3 positions is required, and they should
form as wide an arc as possible. Any number of additional positions can be calibrated. For the best accuracy,
calibrate positions that will be used for measurements. (However, it is not strictly necessary to calibrate all
positions needed in a program. NC Gage will interpolate the calibration value for a non-calibrated angle by
using the values for the nearest calibrated angles).
Head
Calibration
Sphere Tool
Definition
Fig. 18 "Wrist Head Calibration" Screen
33
7. Press the <Set Wrist Calibration Angles> button (3/T8) to open the "Set Wrist Calibration Angles"
screen.
Calibration
Positions
Generate
Sequence
Fig. 19 "Set Wrist Calibration Angles" Screen
8. If necessary, delete all entries in the list of calibration positions by pressing the <Clear Select> button (7/T8).
9. In the "Generate Sequence" area enter the following values to calibrate 5 equally spaced positions from
0 to -90.
• Start Angle = 0
• End Angle = -90
• Number of positions = 5
10. Press the <Generate Position List> button (8/T8).
The list of positions will appear in the "Calibration Positions" area.
11. Press the <OK> button (10/T8) to accept the list and return to the "Wrist Head Calibration" screen.
12. Jog the probe to a position at which it is safe to rotate the head.
13. Press the <Set Safe Move Height> button (4/T8).
The value will appear in the field "Safe Rotation Height (at Pivot)".
14. To start the calibration of the rotary head, press the <Execute> button (5/T8).
NOTICE
Risk of collision
15. Execute the NC Gage monitor program on the machine.
34
16. When the calibration is complete, press the <Report> button (6/T8) to view the results in NC Gage.
INFORMATION
The "Calibration Report" includes information about the rotary axis center, the performance of the rotary axis
and information about the probe calibration.
Fig. 20 Calibration Report
35
5.9 Calibrating a Rotary Table Axis
5.9.1 General Information for Calibrating a Rotary Table Axis

When using NC Gage on a machine that has one or more rotating tables, it is necessary to calibrate the rotary
tables in several positions. If the rotary tables have not been calibrated, it will not be possible to measure features.
5.9.2 Buttons used for Calibrating a Rotary Table Axis
2 "Calibration" <Rotary Tables Calibration>
3 <Set Safe Move Height>
4 "Rotary Tables Calibration" <Execute>
5 <Report>
T9 Buttons used for Calibrating a Rotary Table Axis
36
5.9.3 Procedure for Calibrating a Rotary Table Axis

2. Press the <Rotary Table Calibration> button (2/T9) on the "Calibration" screen to open the "Rotary Table
3. Set the axis ID in the "Table Calibration" area (refer to Fig. 21) to the correct axis for the machine.
4. In the "Sphere Tool Definition" area, enter the sphere position in X, Y and Z and the sphere diameter.
5. Specify the sphere's stem using the "I", "J" and "K" values. If the stem is pointing along the machine’s
Z-axis, use:
• I=0
• J=0
• K=1
6. Set the value "C", which defines the location of the rotary table to "C = 0".
INFORMATION
When choosing the angular positions to be calibrated, a minimum of 3 positions is required, and they should
form as wide an arc as possible. Any number of additional positions can be calibrated.
Table
Calibration
Sphere Tool
Definition
Fig. 21 "Rotary Table Calibration" Screen
7. Jog the probe to a position at which it is safe to rotate the table.

8. Press the <Set Safe Move Height> button (3/T9).
The value will appear in the field "Safe Rotation Height (at Pivot)".
9. To start the calibration of the rotary table, press the <Execute> button (4/T9).
37
NOTICE
Risk of collision
10. Execute the NC Gage monitor program on the machine.

11. When the calibration is complete, press the <Report> button (5/T9) to view the results in NC Gage.
INFORMATION
The "Calibration Report" includes information about the rotary axis center, the performance of the rotary axis
and information about the probe calibration.
Fig. 22 Calibration Report
38
m&h NC Gage V3.3 Teaching and Measuring
6 Teaching and Measuring
6.1 General Information for Teaching/Measuring different Features
After finishing the measurement preparations, the <Measure> button becomes active on the "Main screen" and
measurements of different geometries can be carried out. When the <Measure> button is pressed, the available
measurement features are displayed. By pressing the <Forward> and <Back> buttons the user can scroll
through the different pages. The following features are available depending on the calibration type:
Feature Description Calibration type
Point
Bore
Boss
Web
Pocket
Outside Corner
Inside Corner
Plane
Line
Multilevel Bore
Multilevel Boss
Inside Cone
Outside Cone
Sphere
6.1.1 Definition of Teaching and Measuring Features

Locating, or teaching-in a feature is not the same as measuring. Locating is only used to help find the
approximate values of the feature. NC Gage does not use the same path when locating a feature as when
measuring it.
1. In order to do the actual measurement after teaching-in the feature, press the <Execute Block> button after
locating the feature.
2. Start the monitor cycle again on the control.
39
Teaching and Measuring m&h NC Gage V3.3
6.1.2 Constructed Features and Evaluations

Quite often intersection points, distances between features, and other relationships between two or more features
need to be calculated in addition to the values of the features.
On the second and third page of the "Measure" screen NC Gage provides some functions to accomplish these
tasks.
Construct Point (Intersection Point,

Construct angle between two lines
Projected Point, Midpoint)
Construct Line Construct distance between two features
Construct Circle (i. e. Bolt, Hole)
6.1.3 Feature Screen

The "Feature" screen contains all the information and all inputs necessary for measuring the different features
(bores, points, bosses …). The screen layout may vary depending on the feature to be measured, but the main
areas and general operation are always the same.
Feature
Parameters
Feature
Properties
Feature
Behavior
Fig. 23 "Feature" Screen
40
Feature Properties
Here the number of points on the measured feature can be adjusted, as well as various other settings, such as
the start and end angles of an arc segment. These settings only affect the measured feature, NOT the teach-in
process.
Feature Behavior:
These settings control the overall behavior of the measurement process. "Hit clearance plane" defines a safe
height inside a feature for the probe to travel to between each point. "Learn then Measure" automatically starts
measuring the feature after the teach-in process.
Feature Parameters:
This area shows the nominal and the measured values defining the location of the feature. When teaching-in a
feature, the nominal values are rounded off from the measured values.
41
6.2 Teaching/Measuring a Bore
6.2.1 Buttons used for Teaching/Measuring a Bore
1 "Main screen" <Measure>
2 "Measure" <Circle (Bore)>
5 <Switch Focus Between>
6 <Delete>
7 <Tolerance>
"Measure Circle (Bore)"
8 <Execute>
9 <OK>
10 <Cancel>
11 <Return>
12 <Execute Block>
T10 Buttons used for Teaching/Measuring a Bore
6.2.2 Procedure for Teaching/Measuring a Bore

1. Press the <Measure> button (1/T10) on the "Main screen" to display the <Feature> buttons used for
measurement.
2. Press the <Circle (Bore)> button (2/T10) to open the "Measure Circle (Bore)" screen.
3. Jog the probe to the approximate center of the bore to be measured.
INFORMATION
If for any reason the reading process must be reprocessed (e. g. to read another position), the <Return to

6. Jog the probe to a position suitable for automatic measurement.
42
NOTICE
Risk of collision

8. When the measurement is finished, a tolerance can be added for the measured bore by means of the
<Tolerance> button (7/T10).
9. Press the <OK> button (9/T10) to save the bore into the program or press the <Execute Block> button
(12/T10) to measure the learned bore directly.
10. Press the <Return> button (11/T10) to exit the "Measure Circle (Bore)" screen.
INFORMATION
To delete a bore that has already been learned and written into the program completely the user must select
the bore from the program area on the right side of the screen and press the <Delete> button (6/T10). The
<Switch Focus Between> button (5/T10) is used in this context to switch between the input area on the right
side of the screen and the program area on the right.
43
6.3 Teaching/Measuring a Point
Teaching-in a point to be measured is very similar to teaching-in a bore. The biggest difference is that with a bore,
NC Gage assumes the bore is in the work plane. When measuring a point, a work plane must be specified so that
NC Gage will probe the point in the right direction.
6.3.1 Buttons used for Teaching/Measuring a Point
2 "Measure" <Point>
3 <Select Measurement Face>

"Measure Point"
7 <Delete>
8 <Execute>
9 <OK>
10 <Cancel>
11 <Return>
12 <Execute Block>
T11 Buttons used for Teaching/Measuring a Point
44
6.3.2 Procedure for Teaching/Measuring a Point

measurement.
2. Press the <Point> button (2/T11) to open the "Measure Point" screen.
3. Press the <Select Measurement Face> button (3/T11) to define the face at which the point should be
measured (measuring direction).
INFORMATION
The <Select Measurement Face> button is used to define which side of the part should be touched with the
probe. Therefore, the button must be pressed until the desired face is shown on the icon. If the face required is
not shown, then NC Gage has determined it is not possible to measure this face with the current probe.
In terms of work planes, the corresponding work planes can be defined in the "Settings" area of NC Gage. If
the correct work plane is selected, but the wrong side of the cube, then the probe will move away from the
surface of the part instead of touching it.
The last option of this button, where a probe tip and a red point is shown, is used to measure points on a skew
plane using all 3 axes for positioning.
4. Jog the probe to a position which is in parallel with the point/face to probe.
INFORMATION
If for any reason the reading process must be reprocessed (e. g. to read another position), press the <Return
to Previous Step> button (5/T11). To skip the settings, press the <Cancel> button (10/T11).

NOTICE
Risk of collision

9. Press the <OK> button (9/T11) to save the point into the program or press the <Execute Block> button
(12/T11) to measure the learned point directly.
10. Press the <Return> button (11/T11) to exit the "Measure Point" screen.
INFORMATION
To delete a point that has already been learned and written into the program completely, the user must select
the point from the program area on the right side of the screen and press the <Delete> button (7/T11).
The <Switch Focus Between> button (6/T11) is used in this context to switch between the input area on the
right side of the screen and the program area on the right.
45
6.4 Teaching/Measuring a Web
When teaching-in a more complex feature like a web, the procedure is more or less the same as the other
features described before, but the teach-in process requires reading the machine’s position at a couple of
additional locations. To prevent confusion about the steps in the teach-in process NC Gage provides a picture
showing the current step in the process at all times in the upper left corner of the "Measure Feature" screen.
All points learned -> Start

Point 1/side 1 Point 2/side 1 Point 3/side 2
monitor program
Fig. 24 Steps for Measuring a Web
6.4.1 Buttons used for Teaching/Measuring a Web
2 "Measure" <Web>
6 <Delete>
7 <Tolerance>
"Measure Web"
8 <Execute>
9 <OK>
10 <Cancel>
11 <Return>
12 <Execute Block>
T12 Buttons used for Teaching/Measuring a Web
46
6.4.2 Procedure for Teaching/Measuring a Web

measurement.
2. Press the <Web> button (2/T12) to open the "Measure Web" screen.
3. Successively jog the probe to each of the 3 points described by the on-screen messages and graphic,
pressing the <Read Probe Position> button (3/T12) at each point to complete the teach-in process.
INFORMATION

NOTICE
Risk of collision

7. When the measurement is finished, a tolerance can be added for the measured web by means of the
8. Press the <OK> button (9/T12) to save the web into the program or press the <Execute Block> button
(12/T12) to measure the learned web directly.
9. Press the <Return> button (11/T12) to exit the "Measure Web" screen.
INFORMATION
To delete a web that has already been learned and written into the program completely the user must select the
web from the program area on the right side of the screen and press the <Delete> button (6/T12).
The <Switch Focus Between> button (5/T12) is used in this context to switch between the input area on the
right side of the screen and the program area on the right.
47
6.5 Option: Teaching/Measuring on Mill-Turn Machines
The "Feature" screen contains all the information and all inputs necessary for measuring the different features
(keyway, key, flat, and shaft). The screen layout may vary depending on the feature to be measured, but the main
areas and general operation are always the same.
When the <Measure> button is pressed, the available measurement features for mill-turn machines are
displayed. By pressing the <Forward> and <Back> buttons the user can scroll through the different pages.
6.5.1 Buttons used for Teaching/Measuring Shaft, Keyway, Key, and Flat
2 <Shaft>
3 <Keyway>
"Measure"
4 <Key>
5 <Flat>
9 <Delete>
10 <Tolerance>
"Measure Shaft"
11 <Execute>
12 <OK>
13 <Cancel>
14 <Return>
15 <Execute Block>
T13 Buttons used for Measuring Shaft, Keyway, Key, and Flat
48
6.5.2 Feature Screen for Measuring Shaft (Keyway, Key, and Flat)
"Shaft" measurement allows measuring a shaft by moving around the outside of the shaft, or rotating the shaft
"under" the probe. If the shaft has been measured using "Shaft Rotation", then it is also possible to output the
runout of the individual points measured.
The measurement features "Keyway", "Key", and "Flat" allow determining the angle at which a feature is
located around the outside of a shaft. These features are often used for setting up the C-axis offset on a mill-turn
machine.
Feature
Parameters
Feature
Properties
Feature
Behavior
Fig. 25 Feature Screen for Measuring Shaft (Keyway, Key, and Flat)
Feature Properties
Here the number of points on the measured feature can be adjusted, as well as various other settings, such as
the start and end angles of an arc segment. These settings only affect the measured feature, NOT the teach-in
process.
Feature Behavior:
These settings control the overall behavior of the measurement process. "Hit clearance plane" defines a safe
height inside a feature for the probe to travel to between each point. "Learn then Measure" automatically starts
measuring the feature after the teach-in process.
Feature Parameters:
This area shows the nominal and the measured values defining the location of the feature. When teaching-in a
feature, the nominal values are rounded off from the measured values.
49
6.5.3 Procedure for Teaching/Measuring a Shaft

1. Press the <Measure> button on the "Main screen" (1/T13) to display the <Feature> buttons used for
measurement on mill-turn machines.
2. Press the <Shaft> button (2/T13) to open the "Measure Shaft" screen.
3. Jog the probe next to the shaft surface to be measured.
INFORMATION

NOTICE
Risk of collision

8. When the measurement is finished, a tolerance can be added for the measured shaft by means of the
9. Press the <OK> button (12/T13) to save the shaft into the program or press the <Execute Block> button
(15/T13) to measure the learned shaft directly.
10. Press the <Return> button (14/T13) to exit the "Measure Shaft" screen.
INFORMATION
To delete a shaft that has already been learned and written into the program completely the user must select
the shaft from the program area on the right side of the screen and press the <Delete> button (9/T13). The
50
6.5.4 Procedure for Teaching/Measuring a Keyway

2. Press the <Keyway> button (3/T13) to open the "Measure Keyway" screen.
3. Jog the probe at the approximate center line inside of the keyway to be measured.
INFORMATION

NOTICE
Risk of collision

8. When the measurement is finished, a tolerance can be added for the measured keyway by means of the
9. Press the <OK> button (12/T13) to save the keyway into the program or press the <Execute Block> button
(15/T13) to measure the learned keyway directly.
10. Press the <Return> button (14/T13) to exit the "Measure Keyway" screen.
INFORMATION
To delete a keyway that has already been learned and written into the program completely the user must select
the keyway from the program area on the right side of the screen and press the <Delete> button (9/T13). The
51
6.5.5 Procedure for Teaching/Measuring a Key

2. Press the <Key> button (4/T13) to open the "Measure Key" screen.
3. Rotate the key.
4. Jog the probe at inspection height next to the side of key to be measured.
INFORMATION

NOTICE
Risk of collision

9. When the measurement is finished, a tolerance can be added for the measured key by means of the
10. Press the <OK> button (12/T13) to save the key into the program or press the <Execute Block> button
(15/T13) to measure the learned key directly.
11. Press the <Return> button (14/T13) to exit the "Measure Key" screen.
INFORMATION
To delete a key that has already been learned and written into the program completely the user must select the
key from the program area on the right side of the screen and press the <Delete> button (9/T13). The <Switch
Focus Between> button (8/T13) is used in this context to switch between the input area on the right side of the
screen and the program area on the right.
52
6.5.6 Procedure for Teaching/Measuring a Flat

2. Press the <Flat> button (5/T13) to open the "Measure Flat" screen.
3. Jog the probe at the approximate center line on top of the flat to be measured.
INFORMATION

NOTICE
Risk of collision

8. When the measurement is finished, a tolerance can be added for the measured flat by means of the
9. Press the <OK> button (12/T13) to save the flat into the program or press the <Execute Block> button
(15/T13) to measure the learned flat directly.
10. Press the <Return> button (14/T13) to exit the "Measure Flat" screen.
INFORMATION
To delete a flat that has already been learned and written into the program completely the user must select the
flat from the program area on the right side of the screen and press the <Delete> button (9/T13). The <Switch
Focus Between> button (8/T13) is used in this context to switch between the input area on the right side of the
screen and the program area on the right.
53
Working with a Measurement Program m&h NC Gage V3.3
7 Working with a Measurement Program
7.1 File Management
The <File Manager> button (1/T14) on the "Main screen" is used to save, delete and load existing programs and
to create new programs as well. The "Comment" field is used to add useful comments to the programs to be
saved.
Program
Selection
Comment
Field
Fig. 26 "File Manager" Screen
7.1.1 Buttons used for File Management
1 "Main screen" <File Manager>
2 <Save Program>
3 <Load Program>
4 "File Manager" <New Program>
5 <Delete>
6 <Return>
T14 Buttons used for File Management
54
m&h NC Gage V3.3 Working with a Measurement Program
7.1.2 Procedure for File Management

1. Press the <File Manager> button (1/T14) on the "Main screen" to open the "File Manager" screen.
2. To save the current program enter a program name into the "Program Name" text field and press the
<Save Program> button (2/T14).
3. To load or delete an existing program, select a program from the "Program Selection" area and press the
<Load Program> button (3/T14) or the <Delete> button (5/T14).
4. To create a new program, press the <New Program> button (4/T14). NC Gage automatically creates a new
program named "DEFAULT.NCG".
5. To exit the "File Management" screen press the <Return> button (6/T14).
55
7.2 Executing the Program
Using the <Execute Program> button (1/T15) on the "Main screen" the "Program" screen can be opened.
From the "Program" screen it is possible to view and run a program. By moving the cursor up and down in the
program area on the left side of the screen, the user can get information about each item in the program.
7.2.1 Buttons used for Executing the Program
1 "Main screen" <Execute Program>
2 <Execute Block>
3 <Execute from Current Command to the End>
4 <Execute Program>
5 "Program" <Stop Executing>
6 <Go to Beginning>
7 <Go to End>
8 <Return>
T15 Buttons used for Executing the Program
7.2.2 Procedure for Executing the Program

1. Open the "Program" screen by pressing the <Execute Program> button (1/T15) on the "Main screen".
2. Jog the probe to a safe location before starting the program.
NOTICE
Risk of collision
3. Run the program as follows:

3.1. Press the <Execute Program> button (4/T15) to execute the program from the beginning to the end.
3.2. Press the <Execute Block> button (2/T15) to only run the block at the current cursor position.
3.3. Press the <Execute from Current Command to the End> button (3/T15) to run the program from the
current cursor position to the end.
56
4. Press the <Return> button (8/T15) to exit the "Program" screen.
INFORMATION
Using the <Go to Beginning> (6/T15) and <Go to End> (7/T15) buttons it is possible to jump to the program
start or to the program end inside the program area. The program execution can be stopped at any time by
pressing <Cycle Stop> on the machine and then pressing the <Stop Executing> button (5/T15).
57
7.3 Editing the Program/Feature
The program editor can be accessed by pressing the <Edit Program> button (1/T16) located on the second page
of the "Main screen". The "Edit Program" screen allows editing both the program and features. It is possible to
cut, copy and paste program steps (including features) as well as to edit several feature parameters.
7.3.1 Buttons used for Editing the Program/Feature
1 "Main screen", second page <Edit Program>
2 <Cursor Mode Toggle>
3 <Clear Select>
4 <Move Up>
5 <Move Down>
6 "Edit Program" <Cut>
7 <Copy>
8 <Paste>
9 <Edit>
10 <Return>
11 <Tolerance>
12 <OK>
"Measure Feature"
13 <Execute Block>
14 <Return>
15 <OK>
"Tolerance"
16 <Return>
T16 Buttons used for Editing the Program/Feature
58
7.3.2 Procedure for Editing a Program/Feature

To edit the program structure, proceed as follows:
1. Use the <Move Up> (4/T16) and <Move Down> (5/T16) buttons to move through the program and to select
one or more items for editing.
2. By using the <Cursor Mode Toggle> (2/T16) and <Clear Select> button (3/T16) the behaviour of the cursor
can be changed between single and multiple selection.
3. Use the <Cut> (6/T16) or <Copy> (7/T16) buttons to cut or copy an item from the program list.
4. Using the <Move Up> (4/T16) and <Move Down> (5/T16) buttons, move to the program item after which the
selected item should be added and press the <Paste> button (8/T16) to insert.
To add a tolerance to a feature, proceed as follows:
NOTICE
Risk of collision
If wrong values are entered, this can cause collisions due to a modified axis movement path.
• Changing the values in the input fields for the feature parameters should only be carried out under extreme
caution.
INFORMATION
The following procedure describes how to add a tolerance to a feature. In this case the feature is a bore. There
are some additional possibilities to change feature parameters manually (e. g. nominal axis positions or feature
dimensions).
1. Use the <Move Up> (4/T16) and <Move Down> (5/T16) buttons to move through the program and to select
a feature for editing, in this example the feature should be a bore.
2. Press the <Edit> button (9/T16) to open the "Measure Feature" screen.
3. Press the <Tolerance> button (11/T16) to open the "Tolerance" screen.
This screen is used to enter plus- and minus-tolerances for the positions of the feature in X, Y and Z and
Tolerances for the feature dimensions (e.g. for the diameter "D" when measuring a bore).
4. Enter the desired tolerance values, e. g. in the "Input" fields "Plus Tol." and "Minus Tol." in the row marked
"D" and confirm the inputs by pressing the <OK> button (15/T16). The program automatically returns to the
"Measure Feature" screen.
5. Press the <Execute Block> button (13/T16) to measure the feature once again with the modified
parameters.
6. Start the monitor program on the machine.
59
7. Press the <OK> button (12/T16) on the "Measure Feature" screen to accept the changes.
The program automatically returns to the "Edit Program" screen.
8. Press the <Return> button (16/T16) to proceed back to the "Main screen".
INFORMATION
It is also possible to set tolerances when a feature is measured. It is not necessary to adjust the tolerances
afterward as done in this example.
The "Tolerance" screen can be accessed at any time from the "Measure" screen.
60
7.4 Creating Reports
Once a program has been run, the <Report> button will be active on the "Main screen". Pressing the <Report>
button will open the "Report" screen where the entire report can be viewed, printed to the default printer, or
saved to an RTF (Rich Text Format) or DataPage+ file.
Report button on
"Main screen"
Save report Print report Save report Scroll to Scroll to

to RTF file to DP+ file the top the end
Fig. 27 "Report" Screen
61

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Validity

This user manual is valid for software version V3.3.

Manual Version V03.30-REV01.00

2 Confirming Connection and Exiting Program ............................................................................................... 6

3 Main Screen Structure and Buttons ............................................................................................................... 7

4 General Setup ................................................................................................................................................... 9

5.1 Selecting/defining a Probe ..................................................................................................................... 11

5.8.3 Procedure for Calibrating a Rotary Head Axis ......................................................................... 33

6 Teaching and Measuring ............................................................................................................................... 39

6.1 General Information for Teaching/Measuring different Features ........................................................... 39

7 Working with a Measurement Program ........................................................................................................ 54

7.1 File Management ................................................................................................................................... 54

1.2 Safety Instructions

2 Confirming Connection and Exiting Program

not connected connected

Fig. 1 "Main screen" connection status

3. To exit the program, press and confirm by pressing .

3 Main Screen Structure and Buttons

Current program area:

Menu button area:

Fig. 2 "Main screen" structure and buttons

Back Probe Work offset Connected File Mgt. Help Forward

Setup Move Measure Execute Report Exit

Fig. 3 Main menu buttons

Tolerance Kinematics Setup

Fig. 4 "Setup" screen

Screen area Description

Screen area Description

5.1 Selecting/defining a Probe

5.1.1 General Information for Selecting/Defining a Probe

Fig. 5 "Select Probe" Screen

5.1.2 Buttons used for Selecting/Defining a Probe

No Screen Picture Button Description

1 "Main screen" <Probe>

4 "Select Probe" <Define Probe>

T1 Buttons used for Selecting/Defining a Probe

5.1.3 Procedure for Selecting a Probe

5.1.4 Procedure for Defining a Probe

5.2 Calibrating a Probe

5.2.1 General Information for Calibrating a Probe

5.2.2 Buttons used for Calibrating a Probe

No Screen Picture Button Description

1 "Main screen" <Probe>

3 "Calibration" <Ring Calibration>

6 <Find Ring Artifact>

12 "Select Probe" <Probe>

T2 Buttons used for Calibrating a Probe

5.2.3 Procedure for Calibrating a Probe

Instructional information Probe parameters Ring parameters

Probe Find Ring Artifact

Fig. 6 "Ring Calibration" Screen

10. Execute the NC Gage monitor cycle on the machine control.

Fig. 7 Calibration finished

5.3 Setting a Work Offset

5.3.1 General Information for Setting a Work Offset

Set one axis Set rotation angle

Fig. 8 Available Geometries for Setting a Work Offset

5.3.2 Buttons used for Setting a Work Offset

No Screen Picture Button Description

1 "Main screen", second page <Set Work Offset>

2 <Select Work Offset>

4 <Select Measurement Face>

5 <Read Probe Position>