Low probing force touch trigger workpiece probe

The TS 740 workpiece probe features an innovative design to create a low probing force and an infrared system to transmit the trigger signal to the machine control. Heidenhain uses three high precision sensors arranged between the contact plate and the probe housing to obtain the trigger pulse through force analysis. This method ensures extremely homogeneous probing accuracy over 360º, with precise trigger characteristics in all directions. Each sensor makes use of three piezo-electric elements, and when probing takes place the forces act on these elements to generate a ‘charge’ that is detected by the electronics and converted into the trigger signal. The result is a probing accuracy of = ± 1 micron and a probing repeatability of 2 d = ± 0.25 micron, making the TS 740 one of the most accurate 3D touch probes available. The use of low probing forces is sometimes associated with a higher sensitivity to noise and false readings. However, the TS 740 avoids this potential problem. The stylus is rigidly connected to a moving contact plate, which in turn is fitted into the probe body under pre-load. This pre-load is such that the fastest of machine movements, such as tool change, does not cause accidental deflection of the stylus