#### Using Probe-Specific Slot Clearance Distances

While you can define a Before drop-off clearance distance for each slot in a probe changer using the Probe Changer Slot Data dialog box, this approach may not provide enough flexibility due to specific needs of some probe/styli configurations. Sometimes, switching to a new part program may require you to load a different probe configuration into a given slot. Your new probe configuration may need a different clearance distance to avoid collisions when entering the slot to drop it off or leaving the slot after picking it up.

PC-DMIS provides you with the ability to define a clearance distance tied to the probe which overrides any specified distance in the Probe Changer Slot Data dialog box.

To Define a Probe-Specific Slot Clearance Distance:

1. Access the Probe Utilities dialog box by pressing F9 on the desired LOADPROBE command in your part program.

2. Click on the Setup button to access the Probe Setup dialog box:

Probe Setup Dialog Box

3. Define a specific clearance distance in the box named Clearance distance for tool changer slot when this probe is loaded. The value uses the same measurement units as those used by the currently open part program.

4. Click OK to close the Probe Setup dialog.

5. Click OK to close the Probe Utilities dialog box.

Any clearance distance specified in the Probe Setup dialog box will override the Before drop-off value in the Probe Changer Slot Data dialog box regardless of what slot takes the probe. If you do not specify a clearance distance in the Probe Setup dialog box, then PC-DMIS will use the value from the Probe Changer Slot Data dialog box.

With this approach, your probe changer setup can have values that may be adequate for most probes in general while providing you with the ability to define probe-specific values for other desired probes.

Additional Notes:

- The intent of this functionality is to avoid complications arising from particular styli configurations. Therefore, if you have a complex probe change operation where the stylus holder/configuration is kept in one slot or probe changer and then extensions or other probe bodies are involved from another slot or probe changer, this value will only apply to the initial drop off (when unloading) or final pick up (when loading) for the probe when the styli are attached. During intermediate portions of the overall probe change, where no styli are attached, PC-DMIS assumes you do not need the extra clearance. During such intermediate portions, PC-DMIS will use the clearance value from the general probe changer setup instead.

- This clearance setting is used on the probe changer types that PC-DMIS handles directly (with the exception of the ACR2) in a machine interface independent manner. For probe changer types where the changer is specific to a particular type of machine and the change is handled within the associated machine interface, that machine interface may or may not make use of this value.