Seven tips are provided to help operators use probes more precisely and efficiently when machining parts: 1) Clean surfaces before measuring to ensure accurate readings; 2) Maintain the probe quality and geometry; 3) Calibrate probes regularly using artifacts or qualified machine features; 4) Use calibration artifacts similar in size to the part features; 5) Ensure the stylus tip contacts the part; 6) Verify measurement references are accurate; 7) Turn probes off when not in use to save battery life. Probing reduces cycle times, scrap, and improves part quality compared to alternative setup techniques.

1. Metal Cutting | Composites
Press release
SEVEN TIPS TO ENSURE ACCURATE PROBING
by Dan Silberhorn, Manufacturing Engineer – Programming
Fives Giddings & Lewis
The majority of customers who buy Giddings & Lewis machine tools also invest in probing. When used
correctly, probing can have significant cost, efficiency and quality benefits. Our experience working with
customers in the field, however, shows that probing is often underutilized because operators arenot
familiar with best practices. The following tips areintended to help operators use probes to make
machining processes more precise and efficient.
1. Cleanthe surfacesyouare measuring. Thisisimportantforbothcalibrationandpart
measurement.Dirtysurfaceswill produce false readingsaffectingcalibrationoffsetsand
subsequent partmeasurements.A cleansurface ensuresaccurate measurementresults and,
ultimately,betterpartquality.
2. Maintain the probe qualityandgeometry. Isthe stylusassemblytight?Doesitlookoutof
square?Was the probe droppedorhit? Any of these will cause measurementstobe off.Treat
your probe withthe same care as anyotherprecisionmeasuringdevice.
3. Calibrate the probe regularlytomaintainaccuracy. Calibrationisperformedusinganartifact(a
standardof known,measured size). If youdo nothave an artifact suchas a calibrationsphere,a
qualifiedfeature onthe machine,tool orfixture canalsobe used.When our applicationexperts
workwithcustomerswhomeasure withhandtools,theyoftenaskmultiple operatorsto
measure the same feature. It’snotunusual to getdifferentvaluesfromdifferentoperators.The
qualityof the data inputdeterminesthe calibrationof the probe andultimatelypartprecision.
4. Use an artifactor calibrationgauge asclose to the part or feature size aspossible.Thiswillyield
the most accurate calibration. Forexample,if the parttobe measured is20 inchesindiameter,
try to use an artifactthat is close tothat size. Ithelps to maintainthe aspectratio as close as
possible.
5. Whenprobing,make sure the stylus tip, notthe probe shank,contacts the part.
6. Verify the accuracyof yourwork offsetsormeasurementreference.Thisestablishes the basis
for measurementof feature location. If the measurementreference isnotaccurate,the probe
measurementswill be skewed. Aninaccurate partsetup,notat part zerofor example,affects
probingresults.
7. If the probe doesnothave automaticshutoff,turn itoff to save the batterylife. The next
operatorwill thankyou.
In addition to setup benefits, probing's in-process advantages include the automated measurement and
updating of tool offsets. The alternatives to probing during setup – touching off with a tool, using an edge
finder or manual measurements – are all less precise and more time consuming. Bottom line, probes

2. Metal Cutting | Composites
Press release
reduce cycle time and the opportunity for human error (and resulting scrap), while improving part
quality.
END

3. Metal Cutting | Composites
Press release
About Fives in Metal Cutting | Composites
Fives designs and supplies machine tool and complete manufacturing solutions in a broad range of industrial sectors.
With a strong foundation based upon renow ned legacy names such as Cincinnati, Giddings & Lew is, Forest-Liné, Liné Machines and
Rouchaud, Fives is recognized as the preeminent provider of outstanding manufacturing solutions w hich are at the heart of its
customers’ performance.
Fives Metal Cutting | Composites dedicated teams – approximately 1200 people in over 15 countries – serve key industrial markets
including aerospace, automotive and truck, heavy equipment, oil and gas, rail, w ind, energy and general machining. With
manufacturing and support operations strategically located w orldw ide, Fives and its Metal Cutting & Composites businesses offer
comprehensive lines of equipment and technologies including automated assembly, laser w elding and cutting, turning, milling,
composites processing and softw are w ith the associated support services (maintenance, spare parts, retrofit, overhauling and
upgrading).
About Fives
Fives is an industrial engineering Group w ith a heritage of over 200 years of engineering excellence and expertise. Fives des igns and
supplies machines, process equipment and production lines for the w orld’s largest industrial groups in various sectors such as
aluminum, steel, glass, automotive, logistics, aerospace, cement and energy, in both developing and developed countries.
In all these sectors, Fives designs and manufactures equipment and innovative solutions, w hich better anticipate and meet the needs
of its customers in terms of performance, quality, safety and respect for the environment.
In 2014, Fives achieved a turnover of 1.560 million Euros and employed close to 8,000 people in about thirty countries.
Press contact:
Linda Kieckhafer
Tel: 920.906.2328
linda.kieckhafer@fivesgroup.com
Agency contact:
Jeff Drum
Tel: 513.871.4042
jdrum@kembledrum.com