X-Mill 580DC Touch Probe Calibration Guide

The touch probe calibration process on the 580DC milling machine ensures accurate tool measurement and reliable machine referencing. Proper setup and verification are critical, as incorrect grounding or fixture contact can damage the probe and affect calibration accuracy.

This guide walks through the correct procedure for installing the touch probe, verifying grounding continuity, and running the automatic calibration program.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Critical Step: Verify Ground Continuity
  • Ground Signal Verification
• Preparing the Touch Probe
  • Install the Touch Probe
  • Remove Protective Cap Before Calibration
• Installing the Calibration Disc Adapter
• Mount the Touch Probe in the Collet
• Running the Auto Calibration Program
• Calibration Complete
• Best Practices
• Need Assistance?

Critical Step: Verify Ground Continuity

Before running calibration, ground continuity must be verified.

During calibration, the probe sends a ground signal through the probe, into the calibration disc, and through the fixture and clamp. If grounding is incomplete, the probe may physically contact the disc without registering the signal, which can result in a broken touch probe.

Ground Signal Verification

1. With the touch probe plugged into the machine and the proving side in hand:

2. Open the Check Menu on your controller. If the configuration view is open, press the Check button again to display signal monitoring (displayed in bullet format).

3. Lightly touch the probe tip to any point on the calibration disc.

4. Observe the controller signals:

   • Home 1

   • Home 2

   • Home 3

These signals should toggle off as contact is made and on again as contact is released.

✅ Ground Check Passed When:

• Signals toggle consistently

• Contact is detected anywhere on the disc surface
  

❌ Do Not Proceed If:

• Signals do not toggle

• Signal response is delayed or inconsistent
  

If signals do not change, stop and inspect the adapter seating, fixture grounding, and clamp connection. Do not proceed unless your continuity check passes.

Preparing the Touch Probe

Before calibration, ensure the machine is in a safe, idle state, all required components are available, and the milling chamber door is open.

Install the Touch Probe

1. Remove any existing tools or components from the spindle or column area.

2. Open the collet.

3. Insert the touch probe into the collet.

4. Close the collet

Before making the electrical connection:

• Ensure the probe plug and spindle connection are free of any cutting debris or dust.

• Contamination on the connector can cause poor electrical contact and lead to unreliable or incorrect probe signals.

5. Align the probe plug machine connection.

   1. The connector orientation is keyed and can only be inserted in one orientation.

6. Push the connector straight in until fully seated.

7. Tighten the retaining ring to secure the connection.
   

IMPORTANT

Do not force the connector. If it does not seat easily, stop and realign to avoid damaging the connector pins. Verify no debris is present in the connection or plug.

Once installed, move the machine to Reference 1 and confirm all axes are properly positioned.

Installing the Calibration Disc Adapter

• On the controller, open the Manual menu.

• Select ADC, then click Chuck to open the chuck on the machine.

• Install the disc adapter with the calibration blank securely mounted into position.

• Click the Chuck button a second time to lock the disc adapter in place.

• Ensure the adapter is centered and seated evenly before proceeding.

Note: An off-center calibration disc can cause false contact readings and inaccurate calibration results.

Remove Protective Cap Before Calibration

The probe connection inside the mill is fitted with a black plastic protective cap in the machine. This cap must be removed before calibration to allow proper electrical contact and accurate probe triggering. The protective cap is located on the top-right hand side of the milling chamber and covers the probe connection.

Before calibration:

• Locate the black plastic protective cap inside the milling chamber.

• Carefully remove the cap and let it hang during the calibration process.
  
  

After calibration:

• Reinstall the protective cap once calibration is complete.
  This prevents material dust, debris, and contamination from entering the probe assembly during normal operation.
  

Do not operate the machine without the cap installed, as dust buildup can interfere with probe accuracy and cause future calibration or contact issues.

Installing the Calibration Disc Adapter

1. Manually open the ADC (Automatic Disc Changer).

2. Place the calibration disc adapter into the chuck.

3. Ensure the adapter is centered and seated evenly.

This adapter will serve as the grounding point during calibration and must be properly installed.

Note: An off-center calibration disc can cause false contact readings and inaccurate calibration results.

Mount the Touch Probe in the Collet

1. On the controller, navigate to the Manual menu.

2. Select Collet and confirm the prompt to open the collet.

3. Insert the touch probe fully into the spindle.

4. Press Collet again to secure the probe in place.

✅ Final Check

• Probe is fully seated

• Collet is secure

• Work area is clear

Running the Auto Calibration Program

1. Close the Milling Chamber Door

2. Navigate to the calibration menu on the machine interface.

3. Select Calibrate.

4. Press Start.

5. Confirm the prompt to proceed.

The machine will begin the automatic calibration sequence, performing fine adjustments to the tool magazine as part of the process.

During Calibration
Do not interrupt the cycle. Allow the program to complete fully.

Calibration Complete

Once finished, the controller will confirm Calibration Success. At this point, the touch probe is correctly calibrated and ready for use.

After Calibration:
Manually remove the touch probe and the calibration disc/blank from the machine before resuming normal operation.

Note: In some cases, the machine may require the chuck to be reset to 0 in the ADC Advanced menu before normal operation can resume.

Best Practices

• Always verify grounding before calibration

• Never skip the signal check

• Stop immediately if abnormal behavior occurs

• Treat the touch probe as a precision instrument

Need Assistance?

If you encounter issues during calibration:

• Submit a support ticket through our portal (see how to submit a ticket here), or

• Email us directly at support@levelupcadcam.com