The capability of the Metro 1281 MW is a result of an extremely low measuring force curve of between 0.01 and 0.07 N over its 12 mm measuring range. If a pin were to replace the standard probe contact, the pressure would not be sufficient to burst a balloon, says Heidenhain.
The Metro 1281 MW length gauge can, for example, safely inspect small plastic gears or polished medical components, without scratching the surface. Transparent or reflective materials that present difficulties when scanning optically can likewise be measured.
A combination of ball bearing guides and precision photoelectric scanning achieves repeatability of less than 0.03 micron over the full measuring range. System accuracy is within ±0.2 micron.
