Focus has the ability to digitally measure distances, using digital 3D sensors (3D Touch Probe), and can easily scan surfaces or even entire parts and create a Point Cloud file.
A point cloud is a collection of points in 3D space. A point cloud is generally produced by scanning the surface of a solid object.
The cloud of points can then be used for many purposes including building a mesh for the object, reconstructing the surfaces and solid volumes, reverse engineering, as well as for visualization and quality inspection.
In the following video you will see how simple the process of creating a Point Cloud file using a 3D sensor is, while at the bottom of this page you will see how simple it is to connect to your Controller.
The following two schematics explain how to connect a 3D Touch Probe to your GRBL Controller. In case you need help, feel free to contact us.
The following schematic explains how to connect the 3D Touch Probe to the SourceRabbit 4-Axis CNC Motherboard. All you need is wiring the 3D Touch Probe to the probe Pins.
The Probe pins on our 4-Axis CNC Motherboard, like the pins for the terminal switches, are opto isolated to keep away any external electromagnetic interference so you will not need anything extra to your wiring.
Note: You can use 3D Touch Probes in NC (Normally Close) οr NO (Normally Open) mode.
We recommend using NC as it has much better and safer behavior.
The following schematic explains how to connect the 3D Touch Probe to the Arduino CNC Shield. Requires connection of the 3D Touch Probe to pins SCL and GND of the CNC shield.
IMPORTANT: In order to make the 3D Touch Probe work properly with the Arduino Uno and the CNC Shield, you MUST isolate it with an opto coupler. For more information visit the GRBL Wiki (https://github.com/gnea/grbl/wiki/Wiring-Limit-Switches)
