Renishaw's touch-trigger breakthrough

The new probe head, PH20, draws on Renishaw's Revo, 5-axis scanning probe technology and is suitable for retrofit, as well as offered with new CMMs. Featuring two integrated axes, as per Revo, the new probe head offers unique 'head touches' for rapid touch-trigger measurement and fast infinite 5-axis positioning to guarantee optimal feature access. Image: Unique head touches make measuring bores extremely fast So, for example, a bore can be measured simply by using the two axes in the head – avoiding slower, whole CMM movement. The result is improved accuracy, repeatability, and significantly improved inspection throughput, with parts measured up to three times faster than current touch-trigger systems, it is claimed. And the infinitely variable axes positions allow access to any feature and to easily handle part mis-alignment. In addition, because of the manoeuvrability of the probe head, it can also effectively boost the capacity of a CMM, making it possible to tackle larger parts than previously possible, because the probe can be moved as the CMM positions the probe. Maximum reach is almost 200 mm. By incorporating the industry standard TP20 touch-trigger probe, users of the PH20 probe head will immediately have access to a range of proven probe modules, providing a wide selection of trigger forces, directional sensing options and extensions to meet application requirements. The detachable modules provide crash protection and can be automatically changed using the MCR20 change rack. Companies with existing TP20 systems will be able to upgrade to PH20 and utilise their existing modules. The probe head can be calibrated in one position, with calibration inferred for all others, in most cases. Where highest accuracy is required, feature-specific calibration can be undertaken, of course. The PH20 requires Renishaw's UCC CMM controller. The new probe can be run with existing CMM programs, although maximum benefit will not be achieved, of course. The PH20 will also feature on the company's MACH 2010 stand.