How to perform in-process probe inspection

[pMetal]

I would like to use a probe to perform in-process inspection, and to perform some action if something is wrong.

For example, mid-way through the program, I want to check that a pocket has been created (because if it hasn't then that means that the endmill broke), and that it is the correct size.  If the pocket isn't there, stop the program and output a message.

HSM's probing cycles seem to be all about setup, but not about in-process inspection.  Anybody using a probe for in-process work?  And how?

[cj.abraham · Accepted solution]

We are currently working on expanding the scope of the probing operation to be able to check feature tolerances and update tool length/diameter offsets as well. Keep an eye out for these features in future updates.

[pMetal]

That's great.  Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Hi, 

Is there any update on this? 

[pMetal]

When I last spoke with Autodesk tech support, I think they said they were working on it for a future version, but they do not have it now.  So for now, you would have to buy the software that Renishaw (or similar brands sell) which would be resident in your machine memory and would be called by a M-code inserted through a Manual-NC feature in HSM.

I sure hope that Autodesk gets this going, in part because Manual NC does not reliably insert the code where you want it!

[cj.abraham]

We're still working on it. The current iteration of the probe operation (In Fusion 360, HSMWorks, and Inventor HSM) calls the probing cycles built into the machine, but the current GUI for the probe operation officially only allows using the cycles to update workoffset, despite being capable of much more. 

Manual NC passthrough commands indeed cannot always be placed in the exact spot that they are needed, but a manual NC action can be read to modify the probing routines to correctly support all sorts of commands. The post processor would need to be modified accordingly.

[Philip_Hewitt]

See https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/FUS-CAM-Feature-In-Proc...

This is from the latest update described at https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/blog/june-24-2019-product-update-whats-new/

[kecksmachine]

Will this be added to inventor cam also?

[Philip_Hewitt]

@kecksmachine It's specific to Fusion 360 for now.  I don't know if this will change in the longer term.

[Brandon_Mooney]

Out of curiosity, has Inventor caught up to Fusion in regards to probing at all?

[bgpoythress]

I am surprised this is still not included.  I am testing out the Product Manufacturing Subscription, but it really isn't worth it if I still have to buy the Fusion manufacturing extension.

[john4TRMA]

Any update on probing for tool comp in inventor cam?

[peter.taylorSBG7G]

What's the point in having Inventor CAM fall so far behind the same functionality in Fusion? It's the middle of 2024, and the "we're working on it" post was almost 6 years ago! 
There are lots of us that are required to use Inventor by our employers and are not allowed to use Fusion. "Just switch to fusion" is not an option for many of us. 

[lenny_1962]

well at this point it sounds like you and your employer need to decided if it is time to move away from IVCAM as it is really a dead product and they are just maintaining it at it's current capablilities, HSMWorks is in the same boat.

SolidCam has an Inventor version, which was the original Inventor CAM before AD bought HSMWorks to use to create CAM for Fusion and IV.