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CAM Software for CNC Probing
Simplify and automate the programming, simulation, and posting of CNC probing cycles. Validate fixture positions, pick up work offsets, measure part features, and inspect finished parts & all inside your CAM workflow.
What CNC Probing Helps You Do
Our CAD/CAM solution will simplify and automate the process of programming, simulating, and posting of CNC probing cycles.
Manual setup, fixture verification, and part inspection take time and introduce error. BobCAD-CAM Probing brings measurement directly into your CAM workflow — letting you program probing cycles alongside your cutting operations. The result is faster setup, fewer scrap parts, and tighter confidence in your finished workpieces before the job is even done.
Probing Across the Manufacturing Process
BobCAD-CAM Probing supports measurement at every stage of your machining workflow — before the first cut, during production, and after the part is finished.
Before Cutting
Establish a known, accurate reference before any cutting begins. Use probing cycles to:
- Check fixture and stock locations
- Touch off tools and verify tool length
- Pick up your work offset automatically
Know your machine is starting from the right position — every time.
During Cutting
Keep quality in check while production is running. Interrupt the cutting cycle to:
- Inspect part features in-process
- Check for tool wear and breakage
- Measure to update finishing offsets
Catch problems before they become scrap — without stopping production.
After Cutting
Verify part quality before removing it from the machine. Use post-cut probing to:
- Perform on-machine part inspection
- Generate downloadable measurement reports
Confirm dimensions on the machine — before the part ever leaves the fixture.
Probe Cycle Types
BobCAD-CAM Probing includes a full range of standard probe cycle types. Each cycle populates automatically based on the geometry you select — so you spend less time configuring and more time machining.
4 Point Bore
Measures the diameter and center of a bore using four contact points inside a cylindrical hole. Ideal for confirming bore dimensions and locating hole centers accurately without manual indication.
4 Point Boss
Measures the diameter and center of a boss or circular protrusion using four contact points on the outside surface. Used to verify boss dimensions and establish a precise center reference for follow-on operations.
External Corner
Locates the exact position of an external corner by contacting two adjacent outside surfaces. Establishes a precise reference point at the intersection of two planes — commonly used for work offset pickup from a part corner.
Internal Corner
Locates the position of an internal corner or pocket corner by contacting two adjacent inside surfaces. Used to verify pocket positioning and establish accurate reference points inside recessed geometry.
Single Surface
Measures the position of a single planar surface in X, Y, or Z. Used to verify surface location, check stock allowance, update offsets based on actual surface position, and confirm part orientation relative to the machine datum.
Web
Measures the width or length of a part between two opposing surfaces. The Web cycle is automatically selected when you pick opposing surfaces — making it ideal for verifying part width, rib dimensions, and wall-to-wall measurements on the machine.
Geometry-Based Probing Workflow
BobCAD-CAM Probing is built around geometry selection — the software determines the right cycle for you based on what you pick.
How Geometry-Driven Probe Selection Works
Program measuring cycles to validate fixture positions, pick up your work offset, measure part features, and more. Customize and save cycle defaults to improve workflow and speed up success on every job.
Probing cycles populate based on geometry selection. As geometry is added to the selection, the probe cycle updates automatically. This allows users to quickly place probe cycles by selecting points, lines, surface edges, or surfaces — without manually navigating cycle menus or calculating approach parameters by hand.
The result is a faster, more intuitive programming experience: select your geometry, confirm the cycle, and move on. BobCAD-CAM handles the probe path generation, clearance planning, and G-code posting automatically.
Select Your Geometry
Pick points, lines, surface edges, or planar surfaces from your CAD model. The probe cycle type updates automatically based on what you select.
Customize Defaults
Adjust clearance planes, feedrates, and measurement parameters. Save customized defaults to apply the same settings to future probing operations instantly.
Simulate & Post
Simulate the probing cycle alongside your cutting operations to verify clearance and motion. Post G-code directly for your machine using BobCAD-CAM’s probing-compatible post processors.
