CAM Software for CNC Probing

Geometry-Driven Probe Cycle Selection

Probing cycles populate automatically based on your geometry selection. Select a surface, edge, or point — and BobCAD-CAM determines the appropriate probe cycle without manual guesswork. This speeds up programming and reduces the chance of selecting the wrong cycle type.

Measurement Updates & Recording

Use probing cycles to record measured values and automatically update offsets based on what your probe finds. BobCAD-CAM supports both measurement recording and offset updates — ensuring your machine is always cutting from the correct reference position.

Saved Probing Operations

Save probing cycle defaults and operations for reuse across future projects. Once you have dialed in your measurement strategy for a common fixture or part type, save it and apply it to every new job — cutting setup time on repeat work.

Work Offset Pickup

Automatically pick up your work offset using probing cycles rather than manually indicating surfaces. BobCAD-CAM probing eliminates the manual touch-off process — reducing operator error and ensuring a consistent reference point for every run.

Tool Wear & Breakage Detection

Monitor tool condition during cutting by programming in-process measurement cycles that check for tool wear or breakage. Catch problems before they produce scrap parts — protecting your workpiece, your tooling, and your machine.

On-Machine Inspection Reports

Perform final part inspection directly on the machine and generate downloadable measurement reports. Verify critical dimensions without moving the part to a CMM — confirming quality faster and keeping the machine ready for the next job.

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.

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.