Can CNC Touch Probes be used for Workpiece Alignment?

When we consider the use of these precision instruments there are a number of frequently used applications and processes that are commonly used with stock, components, tools and system calibration. Some of these common applications are as follows… Workpiece alignment is of fundamental importance when machining. This is even more important for workpieces that have already been partially machined. It is critical that you can determine the components exact position and orientation to ensure that any subsequent machining operations are correctly located. This can prove very difficult if complete manually. The use of a touch probe in this scenario can speed up this process dramatically and with much more precision. Essentially the workpiece can be clamped however and in a position that may not be accurate in terms of aligning with XY coordinates. In this situation with a touch probe, you have an automated program that begins analyzing the position of the component to define any misalignment. This data is then processed by your control CAM software and the necessary adjustments are made to the program to compensate for manual positional errors. The system may simply move two datum points like hole centers or rotate the XY axis by 0.001 degrees to compensate. You can now begin machining your operations with absolute confidence that your stock is located in harmony with your cutting program.