Isn´t the surface flat? No problem with a DATRON CNC-machine M8Cube and an integrated probing with Z-Correction.

DATRON customer, Rapid DTM, had a run of 8 aluminum valve covers come in that required custom engraving. But, the surfaces of the valve covers were not flat -- there was about 0.02" (20 thousandths of an inch) of variation just in the area where the customer's logo needed to be engraved. With many traditional CNC mills, this may have turned a several hour job into a several day job. However, Rapid DTM employs DATRON high-speed milling technology and their M8Cube has integrated probing with Z-Correction. Featuring an omni-axis Renishaw TP20 probe, this system is ideal for complex part measurement such as engraving a logo onto a rounded surface. Ordinarily, 3D programming would be necessary to accommodate surface depth changes and ensure an even depth engraving. With the DATRON system, the surface is scanned and irregularities or surface changes are automatically managed in the machining data without 3-D programming.