Download
Share
Print this page
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Metronics Manuals
  4. Measuring Instruments
  5. TOOL-CHEK
  6. Operation manual

Metronics TOOL-CHEK Operation Manual

Hide thumbs

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
TOOL-CHEK
OPERATION
MANUAL
METRONICS, INCORPORATED
BEDFORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE, USA

Advertisement

loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the TOOL-CHEK and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for Metronics TOOL-CHEK

Summary of Contents for Metronics TOOL-CHEK

  • Page 1 TOOL-CHEK OPERATION MANUAL METRONICS, INCORPORATED BEDFORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE, USA...
  • Page 2 SPECIFICATIONS Input Voltage Range: 85 VAC to 264 VAC. (Auto switchable) 0.5 AMP MAX Input Frequency: 43Hz to 63Hz Fuse 1 AMP 250V TYPE T CAUTION - FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE, REPLACE ONLY WITH FUSE OF THE SPECIFIED VOLTAGE AND CURRENT RATINGS. Environmental Conditions: 0°C TO 45°C (32°F TO 113°F) non-condensing Temperature:...
  • Page 3 Customer support and service for all Quadra-Cheks are provided by a network of authorized METRONICS Dealers. Therefore, we ask that you contact your original dealer to request assistance. 8. Unplug this product from the wall and refer servicing to qualified service personnel especially under the following conditions: a) When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.
  • Page 4 IMPORTANT NOTICE This device contains a battery which incorporates an automatic recharging design to maintain system settings during a power interruption. As with any battery backed up device, memory corruption may occur if the battery is low and not recharged periodically. If utilizing this device on a daily basis with the power left on, you will not encounter any memory loss problems due to low battery.
  • Page 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Section 1 Introduction ......................1-1 Conventions Used In This Manual ................1-1 Getting To Know The Tool-Chek................1-2 Z And X Axis Keys ....................1-2 More Key......................... 1-2 Print Key........................1-3 Stop......................... 1-3 Preset........................1-3 Incremental / Absolute ....................
  • Page 6 Print Setups....................... 4-4 Report ....................... 4-5 Labels........................ 4-5 Wide Form......................4-5 Labels Lines ...................... 4-5 Skip Lines......................4-5 Print Loc ......................4-6 Print Pot ......................4-6 L Indent ......................4-6 Memory ........................4-6 Tool-Chek Manual Rev. 6 11A10073 Software Version 1.2X...
  • Page 7 Verify that the axes are reading correctly. (Axis Orientation)........5-2 Reversing The Axis Count Direction ............... 5-2 Perform Axis Calibration: ..................5-3 Appendix C Bolt Hole Mounting Pattern Bolt hole mounting pattern ..................5-5 Tool-Chek Manual Rev. 6 11A10073 Software Version 1.2X...
  • Page 10 TOOL-CHEK SECTION 1 ESSENTIAL INFORMATION...
  • Page 11 ESSENTIAL INFORMATION INTRODUCTION The Tool-Chek is a powerful, yet easy to use, Tool Presetter readout system. The Tool-Chek will allow you to establish a datum by using a Setting Gage, thus enabling you to measure the actual offset values of tools relative to nominal dimensions. The Tool-Chek will let you create a tool sequence which will walk you through a series of tool measurements and then, allow you to view, print or send the offset values to personal computer.
  • Page 12 The axes' windows labeled Z and X and the Message Display Window are your primary sources of information while you are using the Tool-Chek. The numbers you see in the Z and X axes' windows are the Tool-Chek's Digital Read Out (DRO). Move the crosshairs slightly and watch the display number change.
  • Page 13 ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Figure 2 PRINT KEY Pressing the PRINT key sends the display information out to a printer or computer via the RS-232 port. The information will be printed as follows: (G1 = Gage# T1 = Tool #) G1 T1 G1 T1 MM/DIA/ABS IN/RAD/INC...
  • Page 14 You can toggle at almost any time. EDGE/CROSSHAIR When the light above this button is on, the Tool-Chek is in Edge Mode. When it is off, the Tool-Chek is in the Crosshair Mode. If your system is equipped with the Optical Edge option, pressing this key...
  • Page 15 EDGE CALIBRATION The Edge Detector must be taught the difference between light and dark. This is called EDGE CALIBRATION. This calibration should be repeated every time you turn on the Tool-Chek and must be done if you change magnification. To perform an Edge Calibration: a.
  • Page 16 TOOL KEY The Tools are the heart of the Tool-Chek. The Tool Key is used to enter nominal information of a Tool. After the tool is measured you are able to print or view the results. The Tool Key will also allow you to associate a tool with a specific Setting Gage and assign a Location number for tool crib management.
  • Page 17 ESSENTIAL INFORMATION CIRCLE Press the CIRCLE key to measure a circle. The circle information will appear in both the Z and X axis displays. Information such as: Circle Diameter Circle Radius Circle Center The Z, X centerpoint of the circle relative to the current datum.
  • Page 18 ESSENTIAL INFORMATION USING THE TOOL-CHEK FUNCTIONS When you first power up the Tool-Chek, there will be a scrolling message in the message display window that will contain Reference Scales This is prompting you to cross the reference marks on the linear scales on both, the Z and X axis. Refer to "Getting Started" for Reference Scales.
  • Page 19 Note #c - Remember this calibration need only to be performed one time. The Tool-Chek will remember and compensate for the width of the Reference Mark.
  • Page 20 TOOL-CHEK SECTION 2 DEMONSTRATION...
  • Page 21 DEMONSTRATION GETTING STARTED When you first power up the Tool-Chek “Initializing” will flash in the message window followed by a scrolling message that will include such information as the software version and copyright data. Once this is completed, “Reference Scales” will appear in the message display window. This is prompting you to cross the reference marks on the linear scales on both, the Z and X axis.
  • Page 22 AXIS ORIENTATION The Tool-Chek must be set for the proper axis orientation. It is assumed for all demonstrations that if you move your Z Axis up, you should count in a positive direction, (1 to 2 to 3, not -1 to -2 to -3.) The X axis should count positive when it is moved toward the direction which is used to measure the tool.
  • Page 23 DEMONSTRATION EVERSING OUNT IRECTION CONTD "Edit TS?" ”Supervisor” “Password :” “Z Resolution " “Reverse Z: No” “Reverse Z: Yes” “Reverse X: No” “Reverse X: Yes” “Supervisor” “Z/X Position” A. Press the UTILITIES key on the TC-2000's Numeric Keypad. "Edit TS?" appears in the message window.
  • Page 24 TARGETING POINTS "Targeting a point" is the process of telling the Tool-Chek that you wish to include a particular point in the current measurement calculation. In this section of the manual you will be using an edge detector or crosshairs. If you are in the Edge Mode you will hear a "Beep"...
  • Page 25 DEMONSTRATION OPTICAL EDGE DETECTION The Tool-Chek may be purchased with an Optical Edge Detection option. An Edge Detector senses changes in the screen's brightness and interprets such a change as shadow edge crossing. The Tool-Chek can recognize both light-to-dark and dark-to-light edge crossings. If your system is not equipped with this option you may want to skip this section.
  • Page 26 DEMONSTRATION ROSS ALIBRATION CONTD 7. Probe Line #2 now appears. Probe between 3 and 20 points on line 2, then press FINISH. (See Fig. 6) (Figure 6) 8. "Probe XHair Pos" will flash, and the prompt Probe Line #1 will appear again. 9.
  • Page 27 X axis and a specific height on the taper of the tool holder for the Z axis. The Tool-Chek allows for calibrating the presetter with up to ninety-nine (99) different Setting Gages at one time. Different Setting Gages may be required for Tools using different types of tool holders.
  • Page 28 TOOL KEY The Tools are the heart of the Tool-Chek. The Tool Key is used to enter nominal information of a Tool. After the tool is measured, you are able to print or view the results. The Tool Key will also allow you to associate a tool with a specific Setting Gage and assign a Location number for tool crib management.
  • Page 29 DEMONSTRATION Nominal Tool size entry by "Playback" The Tool-Chek also allows the user to conveniently define tool size nominals from actual measurement of a tool or by "dialing to a position." This may be done in the current system by measuring a tool and dialing the dimensions or printing them, then entering them at the nominal prompt when defining a new tool.
  • Page 30 DEMONSTRATION TOOL SEQUENCE A Tool Sequence is a program that allows you to measure a series of tools that are required to machine a specific part. Before we begin a Tool Sequence, it is important to note that there is a Hierarchical structure to Setting Gages, Tools and Tool Sequences.
  • Page 31 DEMONSTRATION MEASUREMENT FUNCTIONS The Tool-Chek has the capability of measuring geometric features on Tools such as angles and circles. These measurement functions can also be used to do simple inspection on machined parts enabling your tool presetter to be used as an optical comparator.
  • Page 32 DEMONSTRATION ANGLE CONTD Angles 1,2 now appear in the message display window. Angle 1 in the Z axis display is the included angle (from leg 1 to leg 2 counterclockwise). Angle 2 in the X axis is the 360 degrees minus the included angle.
  • Page 33 DEMONSTRATION SKEW The Skew function is only to be used for inspecting parts. It serves no purpose regarding tool presetting. Therefore, you can not activate the skew function if Setting Gage has been selected. Skew is a method of aligning a part and establishing a datum in the Z or X axis. To Skew the sample part: •...
  • Page 34 TOOL-CHEK SECTION 3 COMMUNICATIONS...
  • Page 35 The most important information you should know when purchasing a printer for use with a Tool-Chek, is that it must be a SERIAL PRINTER! SETTING THE RS-232 PORT In order for your TC-2000 to communicate with you printer or computer, the RS-232 must be set properly.
  • Page 36 COMMUNICATIONS HANDSHAKE DESCRIPTION Pin 20 must be high voltage for the serial port to transmit. Pins 5, and 6 will go low voltage when input buffer is full. If sender does not stop transmitting when 5 or 6 is low, data transmitted to the serial port will be lost. Refer to the following diagram when making or checking a cable.
  • Page 37 COMMUNICATIONS The Angle format is: In DMS notation, with the factory default display resolution (which is full degrees, minutes, and seconds) the printout is as follows: Character Position: Content: Example 1: < Example 2: For Decimal Degrees the format is: Character Position: Content:...
  • Page 38 COMMUNICATIONS INPUT CODES The TC-2000 may be controlled externally by certain pre-defined commands. These commands are ASCII strings (indicated by text surrounded by quotation marks) and are sent via the RS- 232 port. When sent, these strings should be terminated by a carriage return (ASCII 13). RS-232 COMMANDS Fast Download The Fast Download function is accessible only through the RS-232 interface.
  • Page 39 COMMUNICATIONS OFF-LINE STORAGE/EDITING OF TOOLS It is possible to store tools off-line (on a PC), effectively making the tool memory of the ToolChek expand as much as required. In the RS-232 menu under UTILITIES, there are two items: “Send Tools” and “Receive Tools." Sending tools will send the definitions of all Set Gages and Tools that are currently defined to the RS-232 port.
  • Page 40 COMMUNICATIONS KEY EQUIVALENTS The following list contains strings representing all the front panel keys. When received via the RS-232 port, these strings have the same effect as if the key were actually being pressed. MORE -------------------------------------“M” ---------------------------------------- “ ” +/- ------------------------------------ “-” ZERO GAGE ----------------------------“SG”...
  • Page 41 COMMUNICATIONS ASCII CODES backspace horiz. tab line feed vert. tab form feed carr. ret. < > space " &...
  • Page 42 TOOL-CHEK SECTION 4 UTILITIES...
  • Page 43 UTILITIES UTILITY KEY The UTILITY menu contains a variety of items, all of which you will find useful. It is primarily used to establish various setup parameters of the Tool-Check. It is also used to edit, and delete Setting Gages, Tools, and Tool Sequences. * When ever you see ...
  • Page 44 Press FINISH to save changes. 2. EDGE PROBE The Tool-Chek may be purchased with an Edge Probe option. An Edge Probe senses changes in the screen's brightness and interprets such a change as an edge crossing. The Tool-Chek can recognize both light-to-dark and dark-to-light edge crossings.
  • Page 45 UTILITIES e. Debounce? The Debounce is a filter that will eliminate electronic noise from motors and other devices that may cause false triggers of the Marcel Aubert. If you experience false triggers, set Debounce to the YES position. Be aware that you should not cross edges at very high speeds if you put Debounce in the YES position.
  • Page 46 | Diameter +----------------+----------- + -----------------------+----------------------- + -----------------------+ E. Print Setups? Press ENTER to print Set Up Parameters Example: Tool-Chek Setup Values Wide Form : Yes Stop Bits Lock TS : No Z Enc Res : 0.0000787 in Label Lns: 5 *2 Stop Bits Ref.
  • Page 47 UTILITIES F. Report :NO/YES Print actual or deviation values while running a Tool Sequence. Pressing ENTER while running a Tool Sequence will print the actual. Pressing ENTER will print the deviation. G. Labels: NO/YES During Tool measurement, if the PRINT key is pressed and Labels is turned on (YES), the nominal, actual and deviation data will be printed in one of two formats (Wide or Narrow) H.
  • Page 48 UTILITIES K. Print Loc : NO/YES This allows the user to choose if the location of the tool will bedisplayed when printing reports and labels. Pressing ENTER/YES when “Print Loc: “ appears in the message window will enable location printout. Pressing CANCEL/NO will disable the function and the location will not appear on the printouts.
  • Page 49 UTILITIES C. Stop Bits... Press ENTER to select D. Data Bits... Press ENTER to select. E. Pre Line... 1 st = ? 2 nd = ? Press ENTER and use the numeric keypad to enter Value. 3 rd = ? F.
  • Page 50 P key. 8. DISPLAY RES... This is used to set the Display resolution of your Tool-Chek. Press ENTER to enter the submenu. Then arrow Down to the specific resolution you are going to use, and press ENTER to select it.
  • Page 51 UTILITIES d) Reverse X: Reverse the X axis count direction: Yes/No e) Locks − Lock SG: Yes/No Once activated (Yes) all Setting Gages currently in memory cannot be deleted without the SUPERVISOR password. − Lock TN: Yes/No Once activated (Yes) all Tool Numbers currently in memory cannot be deleted without the SUPERVISOR password.
  • Page 52 0,0") can be anywhere that is convenient. Once SLEC is installed on your machine, you must return to this same point every time your turn on your Tool-Chek. If your system is equipped with Reference Scales, you should use the Reference Marks as your "Machine 0,0."...
  • Page 53 UTILITIES HOW TO DETERMINE A SEGMENT A segment is a group of known points that may be combined together to form a single linear line. In the illustration below we have already acquired our calibration points and have charted them along with our Actuals.
  • Page 54 UTILITIES SLEC (CONTD) Graphing the segments 1. As mentioned earlier, a segment is a group of known points that may be combined together to form a single linear line. Looking a figure #, you can see that no calibration was needed for points 1 though 4 (reference 0 line).
  • Page 55 UTILITIES SETTING UP SLEC 1. Press the UTILITY key. 2. Press the DOWN arrow key until SUPERVISOR appears. 3. Press ENTER. Password: will appear. 4. Enter the password using the numeric keypad, then press ENTER. 5. Press the DOWN arrow key until SLEC appears. 6.
  • Page 56 TOOL-CHEK SECTION 5 APPENDIX...
  • Page 57 ? The Tool-Chek can swap axis at the touch of a button and reverse count direction in one or both axes. While, the axes may be labeled X and Z, the “radius” function can be applied to the Z axis instead of the X.
  • Page 58 ORTHOGONAL AXIS CALIBRATION Orthogonal Axis Calibration (also known as “Machine Squareness”) will optimize the performance and accuracy of your system, by allowing the Tool-Chek to automatically compensate for any orthogonal errors your machine may have. Before you perform an “Axis Calibration” it is very important that each axes is reading in the proper direction.
  • Page 59 Appendix B: Orthogonal Axis Calibration REVERSING AXIS COUNT CONTD a) Press the UTILITIES key on the TC-2000's Numeric Keypad. "Edit TS?" appears in the message window. b) Press the DOWN ARROW until "SUPERVISOR..." appears in the message window. c) Press ENTER. "Password"...
  • Page 60 Appendix B: Orthogonal Axis Calibration AXIS CALIBRATION CONTD a) Press the UTILITIES key on the TC-2000's Numeric Keypad. "Edit TS?" appears in the message window. b) Press the DOWN ARROW until "SUPERVISOR..." appears in the message window. c) Press ENTER. "Password"...
  • Page 61 Appendix C: Bolt Hole Mounting Pattern Drill four (4).140 diameter holes (#28 drill) dimensioned as shown in the following illustration. These holes are in the same position as the four (4) pem nuts located on the bottom of the system chassis. Use four (4) 6-32 screws to secure the unit in the desired location on the mounting frame.
  • Page 62 INDEX +T / -T Error, 1-7 Echo on, 4-7 Echo, 3-4 Absolute measurement, 2-5 Edge calibration, 1-5, 2-6 Absolute zero, 2-4 Edge mode, 1-4 Edge probe, 4-2 Absolute, 1-4 AcuRite1, 4-5 Edit TS ?, 4-1 Ellipsis, 1-2, 1-8, 4-1 Angle key, 1-7 Angle measurement, 2-12 Enter nominal X, 2-9 ASCII codes, 3-7...
  • Page 63 TN nominal, 2-9 Print SGs, 4-4 Tool key, 1-6, 2-9 Print TNs, 4-4 Tool number, 2-9 Print TSs, 4-4 Tool sequence, 1-6, 2-11 Print, 4-3 Tool-Chek functions, 1-8 Prt. Standard, 1-3, 4-3 TS used, 4-6 TS# = ?, 2-11 Question Mark, 1-8...
  • Page 64 INDEX Up arrow key, 1-5 Utility key, 1-5, 1-8 Utility, 4-1 Vertex point, 1-7 Vertex, 2-13 View setting gages, 2-8 Wide form, 4-5 X Axis key, 1-2 X Resolution, 4-8 Z Axis Key, 1-2 Z Resolution, 4-8...