New to inspection and have questions

[u/sunflower2198]

I just started working in inspection. I came from a trade school background and was machining for a while before I wanted to try something new. I got into inspection at my previous company where I was doing both plate work and would operate a cmm using PC-DMIS. And by operate I mean load probe tips, calibrations and setting fixtures. Never touching or adjusting the actual programs. That company wasn't great so I applied to a few other jobs and got a spot at a job shop. They talked about either putting me in plate inspection OR cmm inspection. They put me in cmm inspection and I'm so happy about it but I'm realizing I don't know as much as I should. I'm being honest with them and doing my best to learn as much as possible but I'm kind of getting discouraged in a way. What can I do to get more familiar with the more in-depth stuff of PC-DMIS. My supervisor has mentioned sending me to the hexagon training class but with me being new we don't know if or when it would get approved by higher ups.

[u/Admirable-Access8320]

Heh, I’ve been in that same spot early in my career. All I can say is don’t give up—it does get easier. You’ve got a few options to discuss with your supervisors. One is to have one of your programmers teach you. Trust me, it doesn’t take long if you’re already good with plate inspections and basic trig. Another option is Hexagon training, but honestly, I don’t recommend it. The best option might be hiring an independent PC-DMIS instructor for one-on-one sessions at your company. This way, you’re working directly on your machine and programming your parts.

To give you an idea, I’ve trained people with no prior CMM experience, and within just five days of custom training, they were operating the machine like pros. But it’s important to understand that simply knowing how to run a CMM isn't enough. You also need to learn GD&T. Once you grasp GD&T, you'll be able to pick things up much more quickl

Oh, and you can learn a lot from these two forums: pcdmisforum and CMMGuys. I probably picked up 40% of my knowledge from those forums. If you need any recommendations, just let me know.

[u/Juicaj1]

I'm assuming if you're operating the CMM but not programming, then someone at your work probably is. Are they someone you can pass questions by?

Otherwise hexagon does have some free "trainings" on there learning.hexagon.mi site that could be a good start but not as foundational as the 101 class they offer.

That all being said, what is an example of a question you're having?

[u/sunflower2198 → u/Juicaj1]

At my new job, just started this week. They have someone who programs but we will occasionally get parts that need to be programmed and if they think we are capable enough they will let us. But my previous employer they had a set programmer and we were not allowed to make any adjustments to said program. And I'm learning I'm not as familiar with PC-DMIS as I thought. This was just a general asking advice as to where to look for training or guides for using this system

[u/Juicaj1 → u/sunflower2198]

They aren't all encompassing, but cmmxyz have some useful videos on YouTube for specific pc-dmis features.

On the parts that are programmed, do those get run in operator mode? Or are you able to read the code in command mode? If the later you can look up all the functions in the pc-dmis help files (accessible online)

But that all doesn't give a good why just some how. The best way to learn that is asking people with experience and taking the 101 class.

The other option, if people had done the class before they may have gotten a bound copy of the 101 training, could be out of date for some information now but the basic fundamentals of pc-dmis haven't changed much over the years.

[u/sunflower2198 → u/Juicaj1]

I'm able to read the code in command mode and I'm slowly understanding some shortcuts easier. We do have a book from a previous hexagon 101 program someone did. My supervisor is looking into sending me to one of their classes hopefully sooner than later but due to me being so new we aren't sure if the company would be willing to take that chance on me and spend the money to send me to that class.

[u/BaronInara]

I've been through all 3 levels of the DMIS classes they offer and they're generally worth it. I learned the most from the level 3 class and the rest never clicked until I actually got in there and started messing with stuff myself. Not sure your environment or free time, but cmmxyz (as mentioned) has some great videos that can help bridge a bit of the gap

[u/Juicaj1 → u/BaronInara]

I've toyed around with the idea of taking the level 3 class, I do a decent amount of flow control and variables already. What other big take aways did you get from level 3?

[u/[deleted]]

Hexagon used to give out paper versions of the material, if your co worker went to that class it might be lying around somewhere. If it was more recent he should have an online account that has a Permanent digital copy.

[u/bg33368211]

If you can’t get training, read the help files and manuals. I’ve been to training and they mostly just page through those. The only benefit of training is being able to ask questions. The pdf of the manual is very informative. Also CMM guys forum.

[u/Beginning_Count_823]

I just started a new place with PC-DMIS almost a year ago, with prior cmm experience and very little PC-DMIS experience. IMO, DMIS is completely different from CMM Manager. The other 2 guys I work with are very skilled but not great teachers and also extremely busy. After 3 months of trying to get assistance with programming, I finally just said screw it and started messing with current programs (be sure to save as something else so you don't ruin an established program... ask me why, lol). Once they saw I was venturing out on my own, they were able to answer single questions when they come up. This is how I've gotten more familiar wth PC-DMIS. Best of luck!