Five-Axis, Touch-Trigger Probe Head Increases CMM Measurement Throughput

Renishaw’s PH20 probe head features a unique “head touch” capability for high-speed point capture with minimal CMM movement. Unlike conventional touch-trigger measurement, which relies on speeding the movement of the CMM’s three axes to measure quickly, the probe head uses head motion to minimize CMM movement and the associated dynamic errors at higher measurement speeds. The resulting infinite positioning capability increases touch-trigger CMM inspection throughput by as much as three times, the company says.

Designed for use with the industry-standard TP20 touch-trigger probe, the head brings five-axis inspection capability to smaller CMMs by optimizing the working volume of the measurement platform. The head is available for new CMMs as well as retrofit machines using shank or quill mounting. It can use most existing inspection programs for indexing heads without modification and requires no compressed air.

Adaptive positioning accommodates part misalignment and provides optimal feature access to enhance inspection efficiency, the company says. The probe head also saves time by synchronizing its motion with CMM between measurements. Its rapid “inferred calibration” technique determines head orientation and probe position in a single operation, enabling subsequent measurements at any head angle.

Incorporatingthe TP20 touch-trigger probe provides access to a range of proven probe modules and a selection of trigger forces, directional sensing options and extensions, the company says. Current users of TP20 systems can upgrade to the PH20 and utilize all existing modules, with the exception of the extended-force module.

The PH20 system uses a UCC controller, which provides connection to existing metrology and application software through the established I++ protocol. As a retrofit package, the PH20 is equipped with the controller and the company’s Modus metrology software for a fully integrated solution.