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Machine Tool Probe Calibration Spheres — Monuments for Probe Calibration — Probe Calibration Sphere for Machine Tools
Most modern machine tools are using on board probing systems. These systems require an on board probe characterizing monument for top performance. In some cases, the user chooses to rigidly mount the probe characterizing sphere more or less permanently on the machine tool table. This is usually done with a threaded fastener in the Probe Sphere Base and a Tee Nut in the table.
We offer a wide variety of probe characterizing spheres for on board applications. This starts with the “Runt”, our part number PM-PB-B75-R. This device is designed to be as short as possible. It has a one and one quarter inch (1.25”) [31.75mm)] diameter base, and an overall height of only 2.09” (53.08mm).
The next choice is our standard Probe Characterization Sphere, part number PM-PB-B100. This has all of the same dimensions and characteristics as the Runt but is taller at 3.335” (84.70 mm ).
The standard probe characterizing sphere for both devices is one inch (1.0”) [25.4mm] diameter. The spheres used for this application are usually made of hard stainless steel, but they are also available in ceramic or tungsten carbide to suit the user's requirements. Alternate ball diameters such as 19 mm, 0.750” (3/4”) and 25 mm are also commonly used. There is an M10-1.5 threaded tie down hole in the center of the base. We offer an extensive assortment of “dual threaded adapter screws” that will couple the M10-1.5 threaded hole in the probe calibration sphere, to most different threads. In order to place the probe sphere at the ideal elevation, we offer a three inch (3”) [76.2mm] tall riser, our part number P-EP-3, and a six inch (6”) [152.4mm] tall riser, our part number P-EP-6.
Both ends of these risers have an M10-1.5 internal thread for attachment. The ends of these extensions are lapped flat to provide the very best mounting surface possible. One of the very valuable accessories for use in assembling a monument is our “Knuckle,” part number KN-1 which has an M10-1.5 threaded hole at 45 degrees and another one at 90 degrees. This device has a counterbored through hole to use an M10- hex cap screw to hold it on a three inch or six inch tall riser, or directly to the machine table.
A very popular method for presenting the monument is by attaching the mounting hardware to a Magnetic Base. In this arrangement, a three inch tall riser, Part Number P-EP-3, is attached to the top of a Part MAG-BASE magnetic base. A knuckle, Part Number KN-1 is clamped on top of the three inch riser, with an M10-1.5 cap screw and then a Probe Calibration Sphere, part number PM-PB-B100 is attached to the knuckle, usually at 45 degrees. We offer an assembledge of these parts, as a fixed, rigidly glued, assembly at a discounted cost. The counter bored hole, is omitted on this model, to prevent the accumulation of coolant and chips. The probe sphere is fixed at 45 degrees on this model, which is our Part Number M-E-K-P-5.
A very popular method for presenting the monument is by attaching the mounting hardware to a Magnetic Base. In this arrangement, a three inch tall riser, Part Number P-EP-3, is attached to the top of a Part MAG-BASE magnetic base. A knuckle, Part Number KN-1 is clamped on top of the three inch riser, with an M10-1.5 cap screw and then a Probe Calibration Sphere, part number PM-PB-B100 is attached to the knuckle, usually at 45 degrees. We offer an assembledge of these parts, as a fixed, rigidly glued, assembly at a discounted cost. The counter bored hole, is omitted on this model, to prevent the accumulation of coolant and chips. The probe sphere is fixed at 45 degrees on this model, which is our Part Number M-E-K-P-5.
For machine tool applications, the Shielded versions of the Probe Sphere are popular with some customers. This product has a very robust color anodized aluminum cap that screws on over the Probe Sphere. This arrangement protects the Micro inch accurate Probe Sphere from chips and coolant as well as mechanical abuse. The one inch Shielded Probe Sphere fits on the magnetic combination nicely. Using the magnetic combination to hold the probe sphere has the added feature of popping off the machine table if it is impacted.
The Giant version of the Shielded Probe Sphere has a two inch (2”) [50.8mm] diameter, ultra accurate grade 5, hard stainless steel ball. The threaded outside diameter is 2 1/4" (57.15mm) diameter. The Giant Shielded Probe Sphere has a Large color anodized screw on cap.
Magnetic Base Probe Calibration Sphere Kit — For Machine Tools, Robots and CMM’s of All Kind
Part Number: M-E-K-P-25
The base is a switchable magnet. The top face of the magnet: is ground flat. It has an M10 blind threaded hole. A 3” extension provides the height. The Knuckle sits on the top of the extension and includes a 45 degree mounting face for the standard probe characterization sphere. Three M10 set screws are provided to put this kit together. This assembly is used with machine tools for calibration, axis alignment and as point zero.
We also offer a double-magnetic base (MAG-BASE-2) which is two of our standard mag-bases side-by side and permanently joined together. A new mounting hole in the center is cut allowing our standard extensions to be used with it. The price for this part is $167.
| Part # | Description | Price | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| KN-1 | KNUCKLE, THE | $74.80 |  |
| KN-2 | KNUCKLE, SIMPLE | $74.80 | |
| M-E-K-P-25 | MAGNETIC BASE PROBE SPHERE CALIBRATION KIT | $334.00 | |
| MAG-BASE | MAGNETIC BASE | $33.00 | |
| P-EP-3 | EXTENSION, 3 INCHES, 1 1/4" DIAMETER | $38.15 | |
| PM-PB-B100 | PROBE CHARACTERIZATION SPHERE, STAINLESS STEEL, 25.4 MM, 1 INCHES | $253.00 | |
| PM-PB-B75 | PROBE CHARACTERIZATION SPHERE, STAINLESS STEEL, 19.05 MM, 0.75 INCHES | $253.00 | |
