Zahnrad Kopf
Diamond
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2010
- Location
- Tropic of Milwaukee
I continue to receive PMs and emails from forum members about adding probing to a Haas machining center since I posted about doing it myself. In an effort to place a single point of reference, I decided to create this thread in hopes that it might help someone looking to do the same. Faced with two discouraging prospects after asking Haas about doing this, I decided to do it myself. I did enlist the assistance of another forum member who proved to be invaluable. More on that, in a bit...
After asking Haas, I was told two things -
A., It is not possible to install a probing package in my machine. Period. Do not pass go. Do not collet Two Hundred dollars.
B., If it were possible, it would cost $10,000.00+ ( ! ) to do so.
I carefully considered the information given me, and after some application of logic, reason, and research, concluded that both A and B were complete and utter bollocks. Even if "A" were true ( and it is not true ), "B" is ridiculous enough to make any reasonable person look to spend their money elsewhere. So, I did.
I did some cursory research, and learned that as long as one has the Macro option and the External Relay Output option, it is actually a fairly easy and simple thing to add both a spindle probe and a tool probe to a Haas. And even if the relays are not present, they can actually be installed simply enough. ( thankfully, I did not have to do this ) If one has those two options available, then it is as simple as purchasing the devices and wiring them in. One will not have the "benefit" of the Haas WIPS system, but to be brutally honest the alternatives are actually better, faster, and ( in one case ) MUCH more powerful.
I obtained a used MP10 spindle probe, a used MI-12 interface, a used OMM receiver, and a used TS27R tool probe. I also purchased new stylii for the probes, a small, DIN rail 24VDC power supply, and some wiring supplies. Total costs were less than $1,000.00 USD. Much less...
This is where I enlisted the assistance of forum member PROBE. His name is Stefan, and has many years of experience with installing, maintaining, and creating custom programming and installations for Renishaw probing systems. Stefan took the time and effort to explain exactly what was needed and how to wire everything together. He really made the process bone simple and was incredibly patient, enduring question after question from me. After some mild back and forth, I had the MI-12, OMM, and TS27R wired in to the machine in no time. A grand total of 8 wires later, it was lit and beeping. Basically, one uses the two option relays to run the probing system. One relay controls the MI-12 while using the spindle probe, and the other relay is used to switch over to the tool setter. I will post the wiring diagrams shortly ( have to dig them out ), but they are fairly common on the interwebs. They have even posted here, in the forum before, I believe. Stefan was nice enough to customize them for me and our machine, given my cranial density can suddenly increase without warning...
Now, one can easily install the standard probing macros in their Haas and use them full well, living happily ever after. However, Stefan has written his own versions of the macros and after seeing them there was no way I was going to be stuck using the stock offerings. I obtained his macros and installed them and have not looked back. They are excellent. Everything he has written is clear and self explanatory, but even when I found a question to ask of him, he always responded very quickly, professionally, and helpfully. And, he has managed to make the calibration process as pain free and simple as it can be. Why Haas does not do it the way he does is beyond me. Seriously. One really could not ask for more from anyone. Stefan is an absolute, genuine PLEASURE to work with.
If you have been told that you cannot install a probing system in your machine, or simply do not wish to be raped in effort to join the 90's, then I encourage you to PM member PROBE and ask for his assistance. You will NOT be disappointed.
After asking Haas, I was told two things -
A., It is not possible to install a probing package in my machine. Period. Do not pass go. Do not collet Two Hundred dollars.
B., If it were possible, it would cost $10,000.00+ ( ! ) to do so.
I carefully considered the information given me, and after some application of logic, reason, and research, concluded that both A and B were complete and utter bollocks. Even if "A" were true ( and it is not true ), "B" is ridiculous enough to make any reasonable person look to spend their money elsewhere. So, I did.
I did some cursory research, and learned that as long as one has the Macro option and the External Relay Output option, it is actually a fairly easy and simple thing to add both a spindle probe and a tool probe to a Haas. And even if the relays are not present, they can actually be installed simply enough. ( thankfully, I did not have to do this ) If one has those two options available, then it is as simple as purchasing the devices and wiring them in. One will not have the "benefit" of the Haas WIPS system, but to be brutally honest the alternatives are actually better, faster, and ( in one case ) MUCH more powerful.
I obtained a used MP10 spindle probe, a used MI-12 interface, a used OMM receiver, and a used TS27R tool probe. I also purchased new stylii for the probes, a small, DIN rail 24VDC power supply, and some wiring supplies. Total costs were less than $1,000.00 USD. Much less...
This is where I enlisted the assistance of forum member PROBE. His name is Stefan, and has many years of experience with installing, maintaining, and creating custom programming and installations for Renishaw probing systems. Stefan took the time and effort to explain exactly what was needed and how to wire everything together. He really made the process bone simple and was incredibly patient, enduring question after question from me. After some mild back and forth, I had the MI-12, OMM, and TS27R wired in to the machine in no time. A grand total of 8 wires later, it was lit and beeping. Basically, one uses the two option relays to run the probing system. One relay controls the MI-12 while using the spindle probe, and the other relay is used to switch over to the tool setter. I will post the wiring diagrams shortly ( have to dig them out ), but they are fairly common on the interwebs. They have even posted here, in the forum before, I believe. Stefan was nice enough to customize them for me and our machine, given my cranial density can suddenly increase without warning...
Now, one can easily install the standard probing macros in their Haas and use them full well, living happily ever after. However, Stefan has written his own versions of the macros and after seeing them there was no way I was going to be stuck using the stock offerings. I obtained his macros and installed them and have not looked back. They are excellent. Everything he has written is clear and self explanatory, but even when I found a question to ask of him, he always responded very quickly, professionally, and helpfully. And, he has managed to make the calibration process as pain free and simple as it can be. Why Haas does not do it the way he does is beyond me. Seriously. One really could not ask for more from anyone. Stefan is an absolute, genuine PLEASURE to work with.
If you have been told that you cannot install a probing system in your machine, or simply do not wish to be raped in effort to join the 90's, then I encourage you to PM member PROBE and ask for his assistance. You will NOT be disappointed.