We will explore how to install a ZEISS Pro Rack with an active probehead on a ZEISS Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). This guide is especially helpful for technicians working with ZEISS VAST Active Gold Heads and looking to upgrade their tool rack system for better accuracy and efficiency.
What You’ll Need:
- A ZEISS tool rack (Pro Rack)
- A couple of probes
- An adapter plate with a master probe
- Mounting hardware (bolts, wrench)
The master probe is marked with a small red dot. The adapter plate has red paint on the bottom for easy identification.
Step 1: Rack Positioning and Mounting
Start by mounting the probe so it points toward the rear of the CMM. This helps align the aluminum tool rack, which is usually outside the machine’s measuring envelope.
Use the master probe to locate each tool bay. Then square the rack as best as possible using your wrench and bolt hardware to secure it to the granite table.
Take two measurement points along the Y-axis—one from the left side and one from the right side of the tool rack. Compare these using a simple distance characteristic. The distance must be 0.04 mm or smaller. If it’s not, adjust the rack and re-measure until it meets the tolerance.
Step 2: Software Setup
Create a new measurement plan in your ZEISS software, but do not set up a base alignment or clearance planes. Tool rack positioning is based on machine coordinates.
Ensure the stylus system pointing toward the back of the machine is active during this process.
Step 3: Determine Master Probe Length
Using the adapter plate with the master probe:
- Probe the edge of a tool bay with the outer edge of the adapter plate.
- Then probe the same edge with the sphere of the master probe.
This sequence helps define the length of the probe accurately within the system.
Step 4: Add and Align Stylus Holders
To add a new stylus system holder:
- Go to CNC > Stylus System Change
- Select Edit > Add Stylus System Holder
- Choose “MT” as the holder type
- Enter a name and click OK
To align the holder:
- Left-click on the holder. Orange indicates it’s unaligned; green means it has been aligned before.
- Go to Change > Define Holder Location
- If prompted, click OK to overwrite an existing alignment.
- Position the master probe about 5 mm above the dimple of the selected tool bay.
- Click OK. The CMM will automatically self-center the probe and retract.
Repeat this process until all tool bays are aligned properly.
Conclusion
Regardless of how you’re aligning your tool rack, correct setup ensures your CMM runs with precision and reliability.
Watch how to align your tool rack with a VAST XXT sensor HERE.
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