Using probing

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In this video, you’ll: Use probing to set the WCS location

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Many machine tools come with wireless probing systems that can help to set the work coordinate systems for parts.

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Open the file 3D Advantage Probe.f3d in the Manufacture workspace of Fusion 360.

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From the ViewCube, click Home to properly orient the model.

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From the Browser, select Setup1.

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Notice that this setup machines one side of the part.

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Review a few toolpaths by selecting them in the Browser.

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Then, select Setup2.

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Here, notice that the work coordinate system is placed in the center of the part.

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Since Z is being set off the bottom of the model,

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the Z datum must be set in the machine off the top of the parallels before the part is inserted in the vice.

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Once the Z datum has been probed in, the part can be placed in the vise so that X and Y and can probed off the stock.

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Now, select both Setup1 and Setup2.

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From the Toolbar, Milling tab, Actions panel, click Simulate.

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Back in the Browser, under Setup2, select Adaptive2.

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Notice that there is a protective hat of material on the part from Setup1

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that prevents the probe from touching off on the machined surfaces of the part.

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Because the X and Y axes have been set based on the raw, uncut stock of the part, they are not accurate.

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Play the simulation.

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The Adaptive2 toolpath removes the hat of material,

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and then the facing operation provides a final cleanup of the part.

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Close the Simulation dialog.

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With the material removed, an in-process probing cycle can be used to shift the current WCS based on the machined faces of the part.

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This ensures that X and Y datums are located exactly in the center of the part instead of the previous location,

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which was based off of the saw cut edges of the stock with poor accuracy.

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To do this, from the Toolbar, expand the Setup drop-down, and then select Probe WCS.

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From the Probe WCS dialog, click the Tool selection prompt.

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In the Tool Library, there is already a Probe tool within the document.

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From the list, select 31 – Probe, and then click Select.

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Back in the Probe WCS Dialog, open the Geometry tab.

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In the canvas, select the faces to probe.

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The program updates its operation based on your selection.

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Click OK.

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Now that the probe has been used to accurately locate the X and Y datums of the part,

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a chamfer operation can be used to deburr the perimeter of the part,

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and the operator can be confident that the toolpath will line up with the previously machined geometry

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that was cut on the first side of the part.