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Automated Probe Calibration with AutoClock

If you use CNC machine tool probes, AutoClock will automatically set them up for calibration. Our patented device removes human error from manual setup methods that affect the accuracy of the probe.

AutoClock for Automated Probe Calibration

Automated Probe Calibration with AutoClock

If you use CNC machine tool probes, AutoClock will automatically set them up for calibration. Our patented device removes human error from manual setup methods that affect the accuracy of the probe.

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Trusted by manufacturers worldwide

Get the most out of your probes

If you use probing on 5-axis machines the probe calibration needs to be set up accurately or you will not get the best results from your probe.

Accurate
Fast
Simple

Remove human error

If your operators are using DTI and feeler gauges, manual setup errors will ripple through your part processes. Automated AutoClock eliminates human error and maximises part quality.

Safe
Reliable
Automated

Improve health and safety

AutoClock eliminates the need for operators to enter the volume of the machine. As part of a program of health and safety improvement it makes things safer for your people and better for your business.

Closed-door
Lights-out
Safe

Reduce part variation

The accuracy and reliability of AutoClock means you no longer need to worry about parts varying due to different probe setup processes on different machines.

Consistent
Repeatable
Accurate

Increase efficiency

Instead of wasting precious operator time, or waiting for trained operators to be available,  AutoClock’s calibration process can be scheduled automatically and only takes a couple of minutes to run. 

Trusted
Fast
Simple

Get the most out of your probes

If you use probing on 5-axis machines the probe calibration needs to be set up accurately or you will not get the best results from your probe.

Accurate | Fast | Simple

Remove human error

If your operators are using DTI and feeler gauges, manual setup errors will ripple through your part processes. Automated AutoClock eliminates human error and maximises part quality.

Safe | Reliable | Automated

Improve health and safety

AutoClock eliminates the need for operators to enter the volume of the machine. As part of a program of health and safety improvement it makes things safer for your people and better for your business.

Closed-door | Lights-out | Safe

Reduce part variation

The accuracy and reliability of AutoClock means you no longer need to worry about parts varying due to different probe setup processes on different machines.

Consistent | Repeatable | Accurate

Increase efficiency

Instead of wasting precious operator time, or waiting for trained operators to be available,  AutoClock’s calibration process can be scheduled automatically and only takes a couple of minutes to run. 

Trusted | Fast | Simple

Product Benefits

Watch AutoClock in action

Follow the process:

The sphere is measured

The probe carries out measurements in X and Y to find the rough centre of the sphere.

The Z height is measured

The probe finds the current Z height of the centre of the sphere as determined by the machine and the controller.

The device is switched on

A calibrated length bar is used to turn on the AutoClock and initialise the automation software.

The AutoClock calibration is run

The calibrated length bar is used to determine the actual Z height of the centre of the sphere, within one micron.

 

The AutoClock calibration is verified

The calibration sequence is run again to verify the new Z height and then the Z height is automatically updated on the controller.

You're all set up and ready to go

You can continue with your probe calibration safe in the knowledge there are no errors in your probe setup.

Don't just take our word for it

“We are now producing parts which are achieving a very high success rate. This is excellent news as the business we are supplying to used to dual source these parts, however, they have confirmed they will be using the parts we're making over their second source as ours are '10 times better'”
Polar Technology now have high success rate
Thomas Rogers
Machine Shop Manager, Polar Technology Management Group
“This software is a game changer. We used this to align carbon parts on the machine which were never quite accurate to CAD. The software enabled us to align what features needed to be machined priority wise. Very well designed and easy to use.”
Project Engineer
Machining Solutions Company
"We have been able to increase our machine utilisation and make the most of the investment in our 5-axis machining centres. We now have the potential to use our machines at full capacity - an increase of 157% compared to our average weekly usage before."
3T-am now use their CNC machines at full utlisation
Martin Jarvis
Production Manager
“We are now producing parts which are achieving a very high success rate. This is excellent news as the business we are supplying to used to dual source these parts, however, they have confirmed they will be using the parts we're making over their second source as ours are '10 times better'”
Polar-Review
Thomas Rogers
Machine Shop Manager, Polar Technology Management Group
“This software is a game changer. We used this to align carbon parts on the machine which were never quite accurate to CAD. The software enabled us to align what features needed to be machined priority wise. Very well designed and easy to use.”
Project Engineer
Machining Solutions Company
"We have been able to increase our machine utilisation and make the most of the investment in our 5-axis machining centres. We now have the potential to use our machines at full capacity - an increase of 157% compared to our average weekly usage before."
3T-Review-Icon-1
Martin Jarvis
Production Manager
F12

Formula 1 team reduce part setup by 9.5 hours

Read more here

SST2

SST now producing 7 times more parts per week

Read more here

Doncasters2

Doncasters increase productivity by 100%

Read more here

F12

Formula 1 team reduce part setup by 9.5 hours

Read more here

SST2

SST now producing 7 times more parts per week

Read more here

Doncasters2

Doncasters increase productivity by 100%

Read more here

Top AutoClock FAQs

How does AutoClock work?

AutoClock is best used in automated mode but there is also a semi-automated option.

In automated mode, you configure the macro parameters, run the automated macro on the controller, and the NC-AutoClock software communicates directly with both the AutoClock and the controller via WiFi. NC-AutoClock automatically updates the work offset on the controller

In semi-automated mode, you configure the macro parameters, run the manual macro on the controller, then view the new work offset on a WiFi-enabled device. During the calibration and verification sequences, you manually update the work offset on the machine controller.

Which machine controllers does AutoClock work on?

AutoClock is pre-configured for use on the following controllers:

  • Siemens
  • Heidenhain
  • Fanuc
  • Mazak
  • Okuma

If you are an experienced operator and capable of macro programming for your controller, we can provide guides for self programming AutoClock for use on other controllers.

How does NC-AutoClock automatically update the work offset?

The NC-AutoClock software integrates directly with the controller and the automated AutoClock macro drives the AutoClock device.

NC-AutoClock must run on a PC-based device that has an Ethernet connection to the controller and a WiFi connection to the AutoClock device.

NC-AutoClock detects the calculated XYZ work offset and updates the controller automatically.

As part of the AutoClock macro, a verification sequence is run to confirm that the automatic update of the work offset has been successful.

This gives you 100% confidence in the AutoClock calibration result.

Is AutoClock useful on a 3-axis machine?

AutoClock matches the electronic parameters in the machine controller with the mechanical movements made by the machine. AutoClock’s calibration sequence verifies the position of the work offset (usually Z) within 1-2 microns.

This is just as important with 3-axis machines as it is with 5-axis machines if you want to use probing to improve your stock material setup and make accurate parts.

What are the network connectivity requirements for running AutoClock?

AutoClock is a WiFi-enabled device that requires no hard-wiring into your machine tool.

Semi-automated mode requires a WiFi-enabled device, such as a mobile phone, tablet or WiFi-enabled PC.

Automated mode requires a Windows-based PC or other interface device that can connect via Ethernet to the controller, and through WiFi to the AutoClock.

If your PC does not have built-in WiFi capability, MSP can supply a WiFi dongle as part of your delivery pack. This may need to be purchased in your country of origin, if applicable.