Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => Mach4 General Discussion => Topic started by: Analias on March 19, 2018, 09:24:38 PM

Title: Laser tool measuring
Post by: Analias on March 19, 2018, 09:24:38 PM

I got this crazy idea the other day to try building a DIY laser tool measuring system. A quick search of the Internet showed that commercial solutions were in the thousands of dollars, and only one guy on Youtube has a working DIY example. I found the laser sensor he is using on Ebay for $75.  Now it's in my shop and I have to make good on the attempt. Anyone else tried doing this? Anyone got any advice?

Measuring tool length should be easy, use the same procedure as with a touch plate. The diameter may be a bit more difficult. Cutters are not always symmetrical within the volume of their rotation. I figure I would need to spin the tool to get an accurate measurement. This would avoid with asymmetry  and would only require measuring laterally from one direction.

Edit: I forgot to mention that it has a 80mm throat opening and is repeatable within 5μm. It takes 10v to 30v DC and acts a PNP switch.


-Freeman

Title: Re: Laser tool measuring
Post by: Chaoticone on March 20, 2018, 01:09:43 AM

Just use its signal as a probe input then use the Touch button to run the mcTouchOff module. Adding a spin reverse for diameter measurements to the module for yourself shouldn't be too difficult.

Title: Re: Laser tool measuring
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 20, 2018, 08:09:30 AM

Hi Freeman,

Please keep us posted on how this pans out - sound like an excellent solution.

Tweakie.