New 3D probing routine

[vmax549]

Good Morning Ron, I have an idea and don't know how to go about it.

We would like to be able to probe an object in a conventional 3d type scan that mach currently uses.(bed of nails)

But we would first like for MACH to do a boundary survey of the object and then set up the grid to conform to the boundary of the object.

I have an array that can do the boundary survey but don't know how to have mach set it up as a boundary grid.

Also it LOOKS like if you take a simple 3d points file that mach produces and add some preamble code to the top of the file it will then cut it as you probed it , in the exact same order as the scan. If you added a multistep that would allow mach to cut it down in layers it would make a simple 3d cutting routine that users could use to cut simple 3d objects without having to preprocess the points file through ANOTHER program to cut.

If you probe it with the same type tip as the bit you plan to cut with it comes out the same (;-) TP

Would make a GREAT set of wizards to add to the NFW group.

Just a thought, (;-) TP

[Ron Ginger]

I think intelligent probing is a very complicated subject, well beyond the meager programming capabilites of the Mach wizard and VB environment. In my view that is the domain of plug-ins, where you have the full power of C++ and connection to all of Machs internals.

I did do a CopyCat wizard that lets you walk around a part with manual jogs and build a part file. I had considered a routine to let the probe pick the exact value after you manually moved close, but I never tried to do anything with  it- I didnt have a probe then. I have one now and maybe later this winter I will try some experiments.

[vmax549]

Hi RON, you know best on wizards. But I think you are selling MACH a little short on it internal capacities. With the simple VB and the internal Gcode VARs /math and the new Mach brains I see a world of possibilities. BUT then I am not a programmer, just a dreamer schemer maker doer (;-)

(;-) TP