A method to derive and apply computer numerical control global offsets includes: measuring features of a machined part using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM); programming a first processor within the CMM to receive the dimensions of the features and to output computer numerical control (CNC) offsets; and forwarding the CNC offsets from the CMM to a CNC machining system to correct operation of the CNC machining system.

A system and method for using a probe assembly to apply a desired force to a target surface. The method includes moving the probe assembly into an approach position, the approach position being a predetermined distance from the target surface. The probe assembly is then moved from the approach position to the target surface pursuant to a soft landing procedure. The soft landing procedure includes determining that the probe assembly has moved into soft contact with the target surface. The method further includes applying, subsequent to establishment of the soft contact between the probe assembly and the target surface, force to the probe assembly until an applied force on the target surface reaches the desired force. The applied force may then be monitored based upon an output of a load cell responsive to a force exerted by the probe assembly.

A user manually operates the probe of a machine tool to move toward a workpiece. A movement history of the user's manual operation is recorded. The positional relationship between a workpiece and the probe is estimated based on the history of movement of the probe by the manual operation. The controller presents a candidate for the direction of the probe to be moved in the automatic measurement of the workpiece. The user inputs the movement direction of the probe with reference to content of the presentation.

A machine tool includes: a hollow spindle including a hollow portion along an axial direction; a plurality of chuck claws openably mounted at a distal end portion of the hollow spindle, and configured to hold a workpiece; an operation rod inserted into the hollow portion of the hollow spindle in a movable manner, and configured to close the plurality of chuck claws with movement of the operation rod toward one side in the axial direction and open the plurality of chuck claws with movement of the operation rod toward the other side in the axial direction; and a measuring apparatus configured to measure an opening dimension of the plurality of chuck claws based on a movement amount of the operation rod.

A workpiece holding device includes: a chuck including a chuck body, and a plurality of chuck claws openably supported on the chuck body and configured to hold a workpiece; an operation rod configured to drive the plurality of chuck claws for opening and closing with movement of the operation rod; and a measuring apparatus configured to measure an opening dimension of the plurality of chuck claws based on a movement amount of the operation rod.

A method to derive and apply computer numerical control global offsets includes: measuring features of a machined part using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM); programming a first processor within the CMM to receive the dimensions of the features and to output computer numerical control (CNC) offsets; and forwarding the CNC offsets from the CMM to a CNC machining system to correct operation of the CNC machining system.

A user manually operates the probe of a machine tool to move toward a workpiece. A movement history of the user's manual operation is recorded. The positional relationship between a workpiece and the probe is estimated based on the history of movement of the probe by the manual operation. The controller presents a candidate for the direction of the probe to be moved in the automatic measurement of the workpiece. The user inputs the movement direction of the probe with reference to content of the presentation.

A machine tool includes: a hollow spindle including a hollow portion along an axial direction; a plurality of chuck claws openably mounted at a distal end portion of the hollow spindle, and configured to hold a workpiece; an operation rod inserted into the hollow portion of the hollow spindle in a movable manner, and configured to close the plurality of chuck claws with movement of the operation rod toward one side in the axial direction and open the plurality of chuck claws with movement of the operation rod toward the other side in the axial direction; and a measuring apparatus configured to measure an opening dimension of the plurality of chuck claws based on a movement amount of the operation rod.

A workpiece holding device includes: a chuck including a chuck body, and a plurality of chuck claws openably supported on the chuck body and configured to hold a workpiece; an operation rod configured to drive the plurality of chuck claws for opening and closing with movement of the operation rod; and a measuring apparatus configured to measure an opening dimension of the plurality of chuck claws based on a movement amount of the operation rod.

A control system of a machine tool includes an analysis device, the analysis device includes acquisition portions which acquire chronological control data when a work is machined and which acquire spatial machined surface measurement data after the machining of the work, a storage portion which stores the control data and the machined surface measurement data, a data-associating processing portion which associates the control data and the machined surface measurement data with each other in two machining directions, a machined surface failure detection portion which detects a failure on the machined surface of the work and a location thereof based on the machined surface measurement data in the two machining directions and an identification portion which identifies a drive axis that causes the failure from the detected failure and the machining direction of the control data corresponding to the detected failure location.