From the main menu choose:

1. Measure
2. Macro Routine
3. Sphere Repeatability Test

Ball Bar Characteristics

• Enter the diameter of the test sphere
  
  
  

Point Probing Characteristics

• Enter number of rings on test ball: This a value 1 or greater and represents a slice along the test sphere where data points will be determined.
• Hits per Rings: Enter the number of hits on each ring, minimum 3.
• Rotate Patter: This unique tools controls calculation of the dynamic motion map rotating it between points 1 and 2 on the first ring. Each motion pattern then stresses the probing system by capturing points with a new approach angle.
  
  For example: if point 1 is at 0° and point 2 is at 90° and the cycle count is 3, then point 1 on cycle 1 starts at 0°, point 1 on cycle 2 starts at 30° and point 1 on cycle 3 starts at 60°
  
  
  

Run Cycles

• Enter the number of cycles in one test
  
  
  

Reporting Characteristics

Select from the list of possible reporting attributes that can be added to the inspection report.

• Sphere Diameter: Report the calculated size of the test sphere. Note: the actual size of the test sphere is not required to be reported and the reported size is not probe compensated. The reported size is actual diameter plus 2 x probe radius.
• Pos. Spread: This is the XYZ location in the machine coordinate system (MCS).
• Circularity / MPEp: This reported values is the calculated "roundness" of the test sphere which also includes the inherent errors within the CMM. Choose between the label to show on the report as circularity and MPEp are the same value.
• R-Min / R-Max: this is the minimum and maximum radial value for every data point from the calculated test sphere center to the data point.
• XYZ Axis Reporting: The Sphere repeatability Test is capable of storing successive results form different runs of the program. This allows you to monitor the history of the repeatability test over time. For a complete understanding on the use of this option, see XYZ Axis Reporting section below.
  
  
  

Setup for a single run

Enter the appropriate values for:

• Sphere Diameter
• Number of rings on test ball
• Hits per ring
• Run Cycles: 1

*Optionally you could press the B89.10360.2 button to set the number of cycles

Setup for a cycle test

• Sphere Diameter
• Number of rings on test ball
• Hits per ring
• Rotate Pattern (optional)
• Run Cycle (> 1)

Choose Reporting Characteristics

Place a check next to the values to be added to the report upon completion of the test.

NOTE: You can change this selection at anytime, even on past results.

The Sphere Repeatability Test provides the complete motion map required for all cycles dynamically. The values you entered in the various parameter fields determine the contact points, clearance points and all other motion characteristics. The Stand Off distance is the same SO Distance value entered in DCC Settings and should be reviewed before using the tool.

To execute a Sphere Repeatability Test press either <Run Cycle> or <Run Once>. The tool will prompt you to position the stylus directly over the test sphere.

"Position tool directly over the test ball"

"Press the IP button on the joystick or the <Proceed> button to begin the test"

The CMM will engage the motors if required and commence a -Z move expecting to capture a point on top of the test sphere.

Once the top point has been captured, the motion path is calculated and data point capturing begins.

If running a cycle and rotating the pattern, the motion path is recalculated between cycles to reflect the angular offset.

Each complete cycle will add the results to the result tree located on the right side, see figure at right.

Each result can be expanded to see the individual results.

The Sphere Repeatability Test contains all historical run data within the feature record. To ensure you save your results, as you would any inspection, perform a Save or Save-As after each run.

An easy method to view the results is to set your double-click option to "Feature Generators", see Report Control Center and set the double-click option to Feature Generator/Edit.

The current reported result is controlled by the check on XYZ Axis Reporting. When no individual test is selected, then the results being reported are the last results captured.

In the results tree, highlight one of the test runs as shown at right and place a check-mark next to XYZ Axis Reporting. Now the inspection report will report those results. This is setting that gets saved with the inspection report. Clear the check-mark to return to reporting the last results.