Originally Posted by
Probe Guy
Just some FYI and clarification for all on this thread. All Haas VMC and HMC with WIPS have Renishaw Inspection Plus macros running in the background (O9000 series subs). The VQC interface accesses a sub that calls the Renishaw I+ cycles. The setting macro is called 9724 and works like an initialization file. You can tweak the 9724 to improve speed, reduce risk, reduce cycletime of probing and even allow you to probe very tiny features that you would not think possible. While the VQC interface allows you to perform some probing functions, the user has complete access to the full suite of Inspection Plus cycles which are already installed on the machine. Most Haas users do not know this. I have posted the Renishaw I+ user guide for Haas.
All Haas with WIPS also have extended user variables #500-#699 and #800-#999. This is VERY useful. Haas also does a great job of allowing user read/write access to most system variables and parameters. If you know a bit about Macro B, you can write just about anything you like. A good place to start for this is the Haas Macros section of the manual. Very well written and easy to follow. If you really want to get and Idea of
The Renishaw guys like Rich Foley, Paul Liston and Jim Hauser are awesome, but there is also an RDI network (13 total) of companies that go far beyond tech support. You all buy apps for you Droid and Iphone….there are a number of apps for your CAM system, Excel and even the Haas control that enhance probing capability a great deal.
The Renishaw repair program is called RBE (repair by exchange). You get a new probe to replace your damaged one, regardless of age or type of damage. Yep, it’s a home run. Cost to RBE the OMP40 is $985.00. You can do this through some HFO’s, but normally through an RDI or Renishaw direct…cost is the same no matter who you go through. Not all HFO’s service or train on the Renishaw hardware or software (no disrespect intended….it is what it is).
Ultimately the WIPS option is the best deal you’ll get on probing for your machine tool but, sadly, most of the HFO’s (again no disrespect) don’t spend much time with their customers teaching what they can do with it. Hope this adds a bit more to an already informative thread.
Try and explain why we should get the probe on the Haas machine to a guy that thinks the longhand G code probe programming on the OKKs is is the greatest thing ever. Night and day difference and right over his head.
Apparently I don't know anything, so please verify my suggestions with my wife.