HEIDENHAIN ND 1400 QUADRA-CHEK - GUIDE User manual

English (en)
9/2013
ND 1400
QUADRA-CHEK
(QC 330)
Operating Instructions

QC-330 Series
User’s Guide
Touch Probe Systems
QC-330 and QC-331

QC-330 Series Touch Probe Systems
User’s Guide
Published by
Metronics, Inc.
30 Harvey Road
Bedford, New Hampshire 03110
www.metronics.com
User’s Guide part number: 11A10609 Revision 0
Publishing date: June, 2008
Printed in United States of America
Copyright © 2008 by Metronics, Inc., Bedford, New Hampshire
QC-330 software version: 1.40
All information set forth in this document, all rights to such information, any and all inventions disclosed
herein and any patents that might be granted by employing the materials, methods, techniques or apparatus
described herein are the exclusive property of Metronics Inc., Bedford, New Hampshire.
Terms, conditions and features referenced in this document are subject to change without notice.
No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permis-
sion of Metronics, Inc.. Requests to Metronics, Inc. for permission should be addressed to the Technical
Services Department, Metronics, Inc., 30 Harvey Road, Bedford, New Hampshire 03110.
Limit of liability and disclaimer of warranty
While this guide was prepared with great care, Metronics makes no representations or warranties with
respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaims any implied
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The advice, methods and instructions
contained in this book might not be suitable for your situation. When in doubt regarding suitability, you
are encouraged to consult with a professional where appropriate. Metronics shall not be liable for any loss
of profit or any damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential or other damages.
Trademarks
Metronics, Quadra-Chek and QC-330 are registered trademarks of Metronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries in
the United States and other countries. Other product names used in this document are for identification
purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. Metronics Incorporated disclaims any
and all rights to those marks.

Conventions & Terms
QC-330 refers to any of the QC-330 series of instruments. System refers to the QC-330 and the measuring
devices connected to it.
Icons
This guide uses the following icons to highlight information:
WARNINGS
The raised hand icon warns of a situation or condition that can lead to personal injury
or death. Do not proceed until the warning is read and thoroughly understood.
DANGEROUS VOLTAGE
The lightning icon warns of the presence of a dangerous voltage within the product en-
closure that might be of sufficient magnitude to cause serious shocks or death. Do not
open the enclosure unless you are a qualified service person approved by Metronics,
Inc., and never open the enclosure while power is connected.
CAUTIONS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The exclamation point icon indicates important information regarding equipment
operation or maintenance, or a situation or condition that can lead to equipment mal-
function or damage. Do not proceed until the information is read and thoroughly
understood.
NOTE
The note icon indicates additional or supplementary information about an activity or
concept.
Safety & Maintenance Considerations
General safety precautions must be followed when operating the system. Failure to observe these precau-
tions could result in damage to the equipment, or injury to personnel.
It is understood that safety rules within individual companies vary. If a conflict exists between the material
contained in this guide and the rules of a company using this system, the more stringent rules should take
precedence.
Additional safety information is included on the next page and in Chapter 2: Installation.

WARNINGS
Disconnect the QC-330 from power before cleaning.
The QC-330 is equipped with a 3-wire power plug that includes a separate ground
connection. Always connect the power plug to a 3-wire grounded outlet. The use of
accessories that remove the third grounded connection such as a 2-wire power plug adapter create
a safety hazard and should not be permitted. If a 3-wire grounded outlet is not available, ask your
electrician to provide one.
DANGEROUS VOLTAGE
Do not open the enclosure unless you are a qualified service person approved by
Metronics, Inc., and never open the enclosure while power is connected. There are no
user-serviceable components or assemblies inside. Refer servicing to qualified service
personnel.
General Maintenance
Disconnect the QC-330 from power and seek the assistance of a qualified service technician if:
• The power cord is frayed or damaged or the power plug is damaged
• Liquid is spilled or splashed onto the enclosure
• The QC-330 has been dropped or the exterior has been damaged
• The QC-330 exhibits degraded performance or indicates a need for service some other way
Cleaning the enclosure
Use only a cloth dampened with water and a mild detergent for cleaning the exterior surfaces. Never use
abrasive cleaners, and never use strong detergents or solvents. Only dampen the cloth, do not use a cleaning
cloth that is dripping wet. Instructions for cleaning the touch screen are different and are given below.
Cleaning the touch screen
The touch screen should be cleaned as described below to prevent scratching or wearing the screen surface
and to prevent liquids from leaking into the enclosure.
Use only a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with water for cleaning the touch screen. Never use abrasive
cloths or paper towels. Never use abrasive cleaners, and never use detergents or solvents. Only dampen
the cloth, do not use a cleaning cloth that is dripping wet. Never spray the screen.
If the screen is badly soiled, the cloth can be dampened with a 50:50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and
water. Remember, only dampen the cloth, do not use a cleaning cloth that is dripping wet, and never spray
the screen.

Contents
Chapter 1 Overview
Overview of the QC-330 features and functions ...............................1
Chapter 2 Installation
Unpacking the QC-330 ......................................................................5
Assembling the mounting stand.........................................................6
Safety considerations .........................................................................6
Power cord and plug...................................................................6
Electrical wiring and connections ..............................................6
Location and mounting...............................................................7
Power surge suppressor ..............................................................7
Connecting axis encoders ..................................................................7
Connecting the touch probe input......................................................8
Connecting a printer ..........................................................................8
Connecting a computer ......................................................................9
Connecting an optional footswitch ....................................................9
Warranty registration form ................................................................10
Repackaging for shipment .................................................................10
Chapter 3 User Interface
LCD Screen functions........................................................................12
Data display .......................................................................................13
DRO screen ................................................................................13
View screen ................................................................................14
TOL screen .................................................................................15
Measurement functions......................................................................16
Selecting a measurement type ....................................................16
Accessing programs....................................................................17
Sending data to a computer from the Extra tab ..........................18
Extra tab functions......................................................................19
Space menu insert................................................................19
Divider line menu insert......................................................19
Transmit feature data...........................................................19
Data prompt function...........................................................19

Contents 2 QC-300 Series User’s Guide
Rotate about axis function...................................................19
Multiple Extra tabs .....................................................................19
Feature list .........................................................................................20
System functions................................................................................21
Undo ...........................................................................................21
Probe. holder ..............................................................................21
Reference frame..........................................................................21
Projection....................................................................................22
Unit of measure ..........................................................................22
Setup ...........................................................................................22
Command buttons and wide keys ......................................................23
Number keys......................................................................................24
LCD ON/OFF and deleting feature data............................................25
Printing reports and sending data ......................................................26
Chapter 4 Quick Start Demonstration
Start recording a program ..................................................................28
Establish a reference frame................................................................28
Measure a feature...............................................................................30
Apply tolerances to a feature measurement.......................................30
Print a report ......................................................................................31
Stop program recording .....................................................................31
Run the program ................................................................................31
Chapter 5 Probes
Probe qualification.............................................................................33
Probing technique ..............................................................................35
Auto change/teach function ...............................................................35

Contents 3
QC-300 Series User’s Guide
Chapter 6 Measuring
Measurement activities ......................................................................38
The measurement process..................................................................38
Establishing a reference frame...........................................................39
Part leveling................................................................................39
Part skew alignment ...................................................................40
Establishing a datum zero point .................................................41
Saving the reference frame.........................................................43
Saving reference frames manually ......................................43
Saving reference frames automatically ...............................44
Measuring features.............................................................................45
Selecting a projection plane........................................................45
Probing features..........................................................................46
Probing with Measure Magic ..............................................46
Probing without Measure Magic .........................................47
Probing a single specific feature type ..........................47
Probing multiple specific feature types........................47
Probing process ...................................................................48
Supported feature types.......................................................48
Backward/forward annotation .............................................49
Probing specific feature types .............................................50
Probing points ..............................................................50
Probing lines.................................................................51
Probing circles..............................................................52
Probing arcs..................................................................53
Probing angles..............................................................55
Probing distances .........................................................56
Probing planes..............................................................57
Probing cylinders .........................................................58
Probing cones...............................................................59
Probing spheres ............................................................60
Constructing features .........................................................................61
Duplicate features.......................................................................61
Extracted features .......................................................................62
Intersection features....................................................................62
Relation features.........................................................................63
Multipoint features .....................................................................63
Perpendicular/parallel/tangent features ......................................64
Gage line and circle features ......................................................65
Creating features................................................................................66

Contents 4 QC-300 Series User’s Guide
Chapter 7 Tolerances
Applying tolerances to features ............................................................ 69
Select a feature from the feature list.............................................. 69
Select the desired fit algorithm...................................................... 69
Display the TOL screen................................................................. 69
Select a tolerance........................................................................... 70
Position tolerances.................................................................. 71
Form tolerances ...................................................................... 71
Orientation tolerances............................................................. 72
Runout tolerances................................................................... 72
Size tolerances........................................................................ 72
Enter nominal, limit or tolerance values........................................ 73
Omitting a tolerance category ....................................................... 73
Tolerance types..................................................................................... 74
Position/Bidirectional .................................................................... 74
Points...................................................................................... 74
Lines ....................................................................................... 74
Circles, arcs and spheres ........................................................ 75
Slots and rectangles................................................................ 75
Position/True position ................................................................... 76
Points and lines....................................................................... 76
Circles, arcs, spheres and cylinders........................................ 76
Position/MMC and LMC (Material conditions)............................ 77
MMC Circles, arcs and cylinders........................................... 77
LMC Circles, arcs and cylinders ............................................ 78
Position/Concentricity circles and arcs ......................................... 79
Form/Straightness lines ................................................................. 79
Form/Roundness circles, arcs and spheres .................................... 79
Form/Cylindricity cylinders .......................................................... 80
Form/Flatness planes ..................................................................... 80
Orientation/Perpendicularity lines, cylinders, cones, planes......... 80
Orientation/Parallelism lines, cylinders, cones ............................. 80
Orientation/Angle angles, cones.................................................... 81
Orientation/Co-planarity planes .................................................... 81
Runout/Circular runout circles, arcs.............................................. 81
Size/Width distances ..................................................................... 82
Size/Radius, diameter, length, width............................................. 82

Contents 5
QC-300 Series User’s Guide
Chapter 8 Programming
Creating programs ................................................................................ 83
Start program recording................................................................. 84
Enter a program title (or user message)......................................... 85
Create a reference frame for measurements .................................. 86
Measure a feature (include a message).......................................... 86
Apply a tolerance........................................................................... 87
Report results................................................................................. 87
Stop the program recording .................................................................. 88
Editing Programs .................................................................................. 89
Editing existing steps..................................................................... 89
Editing program settings................................................................ 89
Editing tolerances .......................................................................... 90
Editing user prompt messages ....................................................... 91
Inserting or appending new program steps.................................... 92
Running programs ................................................................................ 93
Saving and retrieving programs............................................................ 94
Saving programs............................................................................ 94
Retrieving programs ...................................................................... 94
Deleting programs ................................................................................ 96
Chapter 9 Communications
Connecting to a computer..................................................................... 97
Sending data to a computer................................................................... 98
Sending data to a printer ....................................................................... 99
Printer format strings..................................................................... 99
Report formats ............................................................................... 99
Printing a report .................................................................................... 100
Printing feature measurement data ................................................ 100
Printing QC-330 system settings ................................................... 101
RS-232 connector pin designations ...................................................... 102
ASCII Code table.................................................................................. 102

Contents 6 QC-300 Series User’s Guide
Chapter 10 Setup
The Setup Menu.................................................................................... 104
Accessing and using the Setup Menu............................................ 104
Entering the supervisor password........................................... 105
Selecting items from the Setup Menu .................................... 106
Selecting setup parameter choices.......................................... 106
Entering and deleting setup data ............................................ 106
Storing a parameter and advancing to the next step............... 107
Leaving the setup menu.......................................................... 107
Minimum setup..................................................................................... 108
Setup screen descriptions...................................................................... 109
Language screen ............................................................................ 109
Specifying the displayed language ........................................ 109
Supervisor screen........................................................................... 110
Entering the supervisor password........................................... 110
Keeping setup privileges until the power is cycled................ 110
Hiding setup parameters from unauthorized personnel.......... 110
Limiting access to program functions .................................... 110
Saving and loading settings.................................................... 111
Encoders screen ............................................................................. 112
Selecting an axis to configure ................................................ 112
Specifying encoder resolution................................................ 112
Specifying encoder type ......................................................... 112
Calibrating analog encoders ................................................... 113
Selecting reference marks ...................................................... 115
None ................................................................................ 115
Manual............................................................................. 115
Single............................................................................... 115
Absolute .......................................................................... 115
Setting a new machine zero reference.................................... 116
Reversing the encoder count direction ................................... 116
Enabling axis error messages ................................................. 116
Specifying slew limit.............................................................. 116
Squareness screen.......................................................................... 117
Calibrating system squareness................................................ 117
SLEC screen .................................................................................. 118
LEC or SLEC, which is right for my application?................ 118
LEC (Linear error correction) ................................................ 118
SLEC (Segmented linear error correction) ............................ 120

Contents 7
QC-300 Series User’s Guide
Probe screen................................................................................... 123
Probe holder ........................................................................... 123
Hard probe.............................................................................. 123
Probe active level is high........................................................ 123
Debounce time........................................................................ 123
Probe to probe delay............................................................... 124
Direction threshold................................................................. 124
Qualification diameter............................................................ 124
Qualify at startup.................................................................... 124
Allow auto change/teach ........................................................ 124
Auto change/teach distance.................................................... 124
Find qual sphere at startup...................................................... 125
Stack length ............................................................................ 125
Measure screen .............................................................................. 127
Annotation.............................................................................. 127
Minimum points required for a feature measurement............ 127
Probe hit starts measure magic............................................... 128
Auto save UCS (User Coordinate System) ............................ 128
Distances ................................................................................ 128
Enabling and configuring point filtration............................... 128
Enabling point filtration .................................................. 129
Specifying a filtration error limit .................................... 129
Specifying a filtration standard deviation range ............. 129
Specifying the min percentage of retained points........... 129
Display screen ............................................................................... 130
Display resolution .................................................................. 130
Default units of linear measure .............................................. 131
Radix for numeric displays .................................................... 131
Angular units of measure ....................................................... 131
Time formats .......................................................................... 131
Date formats ........................................................................... 131
Display mode switching ......................................................... 132
Configuring the Extra tab....................................................... 133
Extra tab functions .......................................................... 134
Space menu insert ........................................................... 134
Divider line menu insert.................................................. 134
Data prompt function ...................................................... 134
Axis position ................................................................... 134
Angle............................................................................... 134
Diameter.......................................................................... 134
Rotate coordinate system ................................................ 134

Contents 8 QC-300 Series User’s Guide
Header screen.....................................................................................135
Creating report headers...............................................................135
Print screen ........................................................................................136
Specifying a data type ................................................................136
Specifying a data destination......................................................136
Report Type ................................................................................136
Lines per page.............................................................................136
Specifying column separators.....................................................137
Ports screen........................................................................................138
Baud rate.....................................................................................138
Word length ................................................................................138
Stop bits ......................................................................................138
Parity...........................................................................................138
EOC delay ..................................................................................138
EOL delay...................................................................................138
Clock screen.......................................................................................139
Sound screen......................................................................................140
Miscellaneous screen .........................................................................141
Return to DRO threshold............................................................141
Touchscreen calibration rows and columns ...............................141
Calibrating the touchscreen ........................................................142
Touch screen cursor....................................................................142
Touch screen repeat delay ..........................................................142
Touch zone size ..........................................................................143
Screen brightness........................................................................143
Showing the Extra tab ................................................................143
Hardware screen ................................................................................144
Chapter 11 Problem Solving
Symptoms, possible causes and solutions .........................................146
No image is visible on the LCD screen ......................................146
Values displayed on the LCD screen are incorrect.....................146
Reports are not printed or are incomplete ..................................147
Reports are printed incorrectly ...................................................148
Data cannot be transmitted to a computer ..................................148
Getting help from your distributor.....................................................149

Contents 9
QC-300 Series User’s Guide
Chapter 12 Reference Material
Product specifications.................................................................... 151
Electrical................................................................................. 151
Environmental ........................................................................ 151
Dimensions ............................................................................. 151
LCD ........................................................................................ 151
ENC tests ................................................................................ 151
Footswitch & handswitch wiring................................................... 152
RS-232 connector wiring............................................................... 153
Tolerances...................................................................................... 154
Concentricity tolerance........................................................... 154
Reference Features ................................................................. 154
Least squares best fit .............................................................. 154
Maximum inscribed circle...................................................... 154
Minimum superscribed circle ................................................. 154
ISO (least radial distance) ...................................................... 154
Chapter 13 Options
Overview ....................................................................................... 155
Index

1
1Overview
Chapter 1:
Overview
The Quadra-Chek 330 series is a family of
advanced digital readout systems for per-
forming 2, 3 and 4 axis measurements at
very high levels of precision and accuracy.
Dimensional inspection of components can
be made using CMM touch probe systems as
part of in-line production activities or final
quality inspection.
Feature points are entered using fixed, index-
ing or friction touch probes. Feature type can
automatically be determined by the system
using Measure Magic technology. Level and
skew compensation can be performed on mis-
aligned parts prior to measurements to eliminate
the need for time-consuming fixturing.
The intuitive interface will be familiar to users of the QC-200 and other Metronics digital readouts. Opera-
tors will find the QC-330 easy to understand and use thanks to the large color touch screen LCD display.
The color LCD displays alphanumeric and graphic information for the current measurement, part features
and measurement data clearly on one screen, eliminating the need to page or scroll or navigate for informa-
tion.
Touch screen controls select the feature to be measured, change operating and display modes, zero axes,
and configure setup parameters. Touch screen controls change to support measurement-specific functions
displayed on the LCD screen.
Front panel keys enter numeric data, turn the LCD on or off and send data to a printer or computer. Two
wide keys located over the LCD can quickly be pressed without looking at the front panel to initiate
frequently used functions programmed by the user. All front panel keys provide tactile sensory feedback,
and key-press operations can be configured to generate an audible sound.

2QC-300 Series User’s Guide
Speaker and external speaker jack outputs are provided that can be adjusted for quiet or noisy environ-
ments. Ear phones can be plugged into the external speaker jack to facilitate silent operation in quiet
environments.
Sequences of key-presses and touch probe contacts used to perform measurements can be recorded and
stored as programs. These programs can be replayed later to perform complete measurement sequences.
Sequences can be as simple as measuring a line, or can be expanded to include skew adjustment, datuming,
the measurement of multiple features, tolerancing and printing reports of measurement results.
Measurement results can be saved to a USB flash drive, transmitted to a PC over the RS-232 port or printed
on a USB printer.
Wide keys
LCD ON/OFF
Command keys
Numeric keypad
Print/Send data
Touch screen
controls
Color touch
screen

3
1Overview
The compact ergonomic design and adjustable-tilt front panel of the QC-330 allow users to locate and
mount the instrument in a wide variety of environments that accommodate nearly any viewing require-
ment. The tilt front panel can be adjusted and secured in any convenient position. Rubber feet on the
bottom prevent slipping when the system is not permanently bolted to a work surface using the bolt holes
provided in the bottom of the mounting stand.
Jacks are provided for an optional foot switch or hand switch. All the optional accessories for the QC-330
are shown in detail at the rear of this guide in Chapter 13: Options.
Speaker jack
Encoder inputs
Tilt adjust
RS-232 port
USB ports
Touch probe
input
Description of QC-330 Features
External footswitch

4QC-300 Series User’s Guide

5
2Installation
Chapter 2:
Installation
The QC-330 is easy to install in a variety of basic and advanced measurement applications. This chapter
describes how to unpack and install the QC-330. Repackaging instructions are also included for return
shipments and for distributors and OEM customers that are configuring a QC-330 and shipping it to an
end-user.
Unpacking the QC-330
Carefully remove the contents of the shipping carton.
NOTE
Save the carton and packaging materials in case future return shipment becomes
necessary.
Inspect the components listed below for shipping damage. The contents of the carton includes:
• QC-330 instrument • Mounting stand and hardware
• Power cord • Warranty registration card
Shipments of other optional equipment in separate cartons might include:
• RS-232 serial cable • QC-Wedge software
• Foot switch or hand switch
If any components were damaged in shipment, save the packaging materials for inspection and contact
your shipping agent for mediation. Contact your Metronics distributor for replacement parts.

6QC-300 Series User’s Guide
Assembling the mounting stand
The QC-330 is secured to the swivel slots of the mounting stand by a shoulder
screw, a cap screw and associated washers.
Assemble the QC-330 to the mounting stand as shown.
Tighten the shoulder screw (1), and then tighten the cap
screw (5) and washers (3 & 4) so that the QC-330 will
be secure when adjusted to the desired tilt position.
Safety considerations
The QC-330 is completely enclosed and no hazardous out-
puts can come in contact with the user. Safety considerations
are related to power connections and physical mounting.
WARNING
If the QC-330 falls from its mounting location, serious personal injury or damage to
the equipment can result.
Power cord and plug
Do not locate the power cord where it can be walked on or will create a tripping hazard. Connect the 3-wire
power plug to only a 3-wire grounded outlet. Never connect 2-wire to 3-wire adapters to the power cord
or remove the third ground wire to fit the plug into a 2-wire electrical outlet. Modifying or overriding the
third-wire ground creates a safety hazard and should not be permitted.
DANGEROUS VOLTAGE
Always disconnect the power cord from the source of AC power before unplugging
it from the QC-330 power connector. The AC voltage available at electrical outlets is
extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury or death.
Electrical wiring and connections
Perform regular inspections of all connections to the QC-330. Keep connections clean and tight. Locate
cables away from moving objects. Do not create tripping hazards with power cords, input/output cables or
other electrical wiring.
Use shielded cables to connect to the serial RS-232 port. Make certain that cables are properly terminated
and firmly connected on both ends.