Measuring Parts in Progress

Why the Renishaw Machine Tool Probe Is Our Go-To Solution for Measuring Parts in Progress 

There are few things more critical to the success of a precision machine shop than accurate measuring tools. 

At Arbiser Machine, we use a variety of high-precision measurement probes with capabilities that outperform hand tools such as calipers and micrometers. These advanced tools are in high rotation when our engineers are tasked with re-creating parts through reverse engineering.

Our Automated Instant Measuring Machine, for instance, is a computer vision measuring device that can conduct up to 99 measurements of an existing part in about five seconds. 

We also occasionally use a digital “touch it” tool, our Keyence XM handheld probe, which can relay a part’s measurements to our CAD system to create a 3D model.

These methods work well for measuring parts once they’re complete. But when we need to measure a part that’s still in progress, the Renishaw machine tool probe is our tool of choice.  

How the Renishaw Probe Benefits Our Precision Machine Shop

We install Renishaw probes on all of our CNC mills and lathes. Not all parts require the use of this high-precision tool, but we’ve found that it’s indispensable for parts with critical tolerances and intricate features.

Parts stay put

Removing parts from the machine to measure them mid-operation can be risky, especially when tight tolerances are involved. 

When a machinist places a precision part in a machine for CNC milling or turning, they take great care to ensure it is properly aligned. Taking the part out to measure it and then reinserting it may introduce slight variances in the positioning that can amount to big problems later in the manufacturing process. 

The Renishaw probe provides an easy, fast, and foolproof solution for obtaining the measurements we need while keeping a part tightly in place.

Detects problems early

There’s nothing more frustrating for a precision machine shop than getting to the inspection room and discovering that you’ve machined a full set of flawed parts. 

With the Renishaw probe, we can avoid this outcome by measuring critical features while the parts are still in process. Proactively detecting errors before we’ve created multiple parts saves time, money, and the headache of having to start over. 

Identifies tool wear 

It’s not always easy to tell from the outside that a tool has a worn-out component in need of replacement. At Arbiser Machine, we regularly cut Inconel, which tends to wear tools down quickly. 

The Renishaw probe can detect when a tool is not cutting to the programmed measurement due to wear (and can even grab and insert replacement components). 

Arbiser Machine Delivers Consistent Quality. . . Fast

In our precision machine shop, we have the state-of-the-art tooling一and the expert team一to deliver consistent quality while maintaining some of the fastest turnaround times in the business.

Thanks to innovative tools like the Renishaw probe, we can flag problems early and adjust tooling on the fly, getting you the high-precision parts you need without delay. 

Request a quote to experience the Arbiser difference today.