The C99M Controller requires an ID Chip on VAST Adapter Plates. This is for safety reasons to assure the intended probe configuration is in the VAST head at any given time. This may upset some customers who prefer to use competitor's plates (ITP, Q-Mark, Renishaw). Those plates will no longer function. Below is from Scott in Aug 2024:
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The VAST (VAST, VAST XT, VAST XTR) probes systems use the chip ID to provide a safety function that ensure only the correct styli system is used in a CNC program.
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To use 3rd party adaptor plates, reading the chip ID must be deactivated on the controller. (done through CALYPSO). This also deactivates the safety function.
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With the C99M and VAST systems, we can no longer disable the safety function.
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To use 3rd party adaptor plates, reading the chip ID must be deactivated on the controller. (done through CALYPSO). This also deactivates the safety function.
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With the XXT systems, deactivated the chip ID and the safety function is still allowed... this means customers can still use 3rd party plates.
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We don’t have the same safety concerns with XXT. (They are much smaller and lighter).
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We don’t have the same safety concerns with XXT. (They are much smaller and lighter).
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In the past, we have had connection issues with the XXT adaptor plates
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The holding magnets are not as strong as with VAST, so minor dirt, oils, corrosion – create connection issues.
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The solution was a change to gold plated connections.
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The holding magnets are not as strong as with VAST, so minor dirt, oils, corrosion – create connection issues.
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We have never seen poor mechanical quality in any of our adaptor plates – like falling apart. (I did ask and confirmed with our global PM)
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We have no problem replacing any failed adaptor plate at no charge. (Assuming they was no collisions or over tightening, dropping, etc)
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We have no problem replacing any failed adaptor plate at no charge. (Assuming they was no collisions or over tightening, dropping, etc)
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Regarding lead times.
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For a few months last year we had a disruption in production and ran out of stock for many adaptor plates.
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Today, most common adaptor plates are in-stock in Maple Grove, Minnesota, including 626103-8433-055 .
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Only the Webshop provides same day shipping. Manually process orders may take up to 4 days to ship.
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There may be a delay with Customs, but customers should not have long delays.
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It would be interesting to get the details behind Stackpole’s orders – maybe we have something to learn and improve here.
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For a few months last year we had a disruption in production and ran out of stock for many adaptor plates.
Scott Lowen
Senior Product Manager, Software and Accessories