All Products FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

utoClock 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.

In a nutshell, NC-Checker shows you if your machine is capable of producing parts to tolerance. What this really means is it shows you if there are any errors present on your machine that could affect part quality. It highlights any mechanical and kinematic errors so these can be rectified before parts are machined.

Not only does it protect your machine and parts from damage but it can also show you masses of information such as the reason behind part to part variation, if changing environmental conditions are affecting machine performance or if the machine has damage following a crash.

The full NC-Checker Benchmark program should be regularly scheduled to ensure a machine error is quickly identified. Initially MSP recommends running the Benchmark as often as possible to understand how the machine performance varies day to day and if any external factors have an impact. After that the regularity is normally based on the value of the parts, i.e. the higher value, the higher frequency.

Yes! We have multiple customers that don’t machine any parts until they have completed an NC-Checker Benchmark because it often uncovers errors on the machine that wouldn’t be found otherwise. If these errors aren’t picked up, this can negatively affect parts and cause them to be machined incorrectly or at sub-optimal quality.

NC-Checker significantly reduces the time it takes to assess the capability of a machine, reducing the amount of energy being wasted while the machine is sitting idle during these checks. Some of our customers have seen the time for these checks reduced from days to hours.

By also ensuring the machine is performing within the required tolerances and has no errors it could pass onto machined parts, NC-Checker also helps save wasted energy and material machining parts that would eventually have to be scrapped.

MSP can work with any type of spindle touch probe. We always suggest using the most accurate probe to remove uncertainty from the measurement results. As part of the NC-Checker Benchmark, the Probe Performance check will identify if an upgrade is required for the required part tolerances.

NC-PartLocator eliminates errors associated with part production on a machine tool. Following NC-Checker’s benchmarking, the software first measures the part to check its condition of supply. If there is too much distortion, or not enough material to create a ‘good part’, the part process can be stopped from the outset.

These measurements are then used by the software to calculate what the best-fit alignment in 6 degrees of freedom should be and the controller is automatically updated to compensate for any discrepancy between the part location and the machining program.

There is no need for manual procedures like moving the part manually to get in the correct location or manually probing points one by one.

The time required depends on the complexity of the part or alignment. As an example, NC-PartLocator’s automation has reduced part setup time from days or hours to a matter of minutes.

Yes. NC-PartLocator does not replace existing workflows or equipment. The software runs on a PC connected to the machine tool and uses your existing probe to automatically generate the correct alignment and upload it to the controller. Any process changes introduced are typically positive, such as replacing bespoke fixtures with simple clamping ones.

No. The same approved nominal machining program is used, saving time and extra approvals. NC-PartLocator aligns the program to where the part is, so it is not necessary to update the machining program.

NC-PartLocator fits into your existing processes, so the workflow of manufacturing new parts remains unchanged. The process is driven by the probing programs which are created in the same CAM environment as the machining programs, making the setup process familiar and straightforward for users. 

Yes. NC-PartLocator is designed to be used by CNC machine operators of all skill levels. The software runs at the press of a button, or as part of full automation, so minimal skill is required. Training is also available and can be tailored to focus on specific areas to support your team. 

Absolutely. In addition to high accuracy, NC-PartLocator delivers other benefits such as faster setup times, improved repeatability, condition of supply checks, stable production schedules and increased automation – all of which add value for part production processes.

NC-PartLocator can work as part of a full automation routine with no manual intervention required, meaning it can be used for fully-automated production environments and lights-out manufacturing strategies. 

After over 20 years in CNC metrology and manufacturing, we have a wealth of experience and NC-PartLocator has solved a wide range of part setup, condition of supply or inspection challenges. In the unlikely event your requirement is outside the scope of NC-PartLocator, we will use our metrology, probing and engineering expertise to offer a solution or identify someone else in the industry who can help.  

Probe accuracy can be verified using AutoClock and NC-Checker from theMSP PerfectPart suite. Together, these tools ensure probe setup is accurate, the probe is calibrated in 5-axis, and the machine has been verified as capable of machining parts to tolerance. This ensures part probing results are valid and accurate.

MSP can work with any type of spindle touch probe. We always suggest using the most accurate probe to remove uncertainty from the measurement results. As part of the NC-Checker Benchmark, the Probe Performance check will identify if an upgrade is required for the required part tolerances.

Absolutely! By removing alignment or condition of supply errors before the part is machined, NC-PartLocator ensures right-first-time production and the elimination of scrapped parts. Not only does this save in wasted raw materials but it also saves in wasted machine energy that was spent machining a part that was eventually scrapped.

By significantly reducing the time it takes for a part to be aligned or located on the machine, NC-PartLocator can also provide huge reductions in wasted energy as the machine is not sitting idle for long periods of time.

NC-PartLocator uses 5-axis probing to probe at multiple vectors or orientations to measure any feature. This is critical for achieving micron-accuracy on complex parts, including parts with complex curved geometry or features with non- orthogonal orientation.  

The 6 degrees of freedom consists of linear movement in X, Y and Z and rotational movement in A, B and C. where A is the rotation around X, B is the rotation around Y and C is the rotation around Z. A part can be physically misaligned in every degree of freedom so compensating for errors in each one with NC-PartLocator is critical to creating accurate alignments.