Every Aberlink bridge-type CMM fully supports the range of probe heads and both touch trigger and scanning probes supplied by Renishaw. Suitable for most applications, the following comparison table details more frequently used, common probing options.
| Probe/Head | Integral Probe | Index Motion | Max. Length | Index Resolution | Index Positions | Repeat. Indexing | Repeat. Stylus Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP8 | Yes | Manual | 105mm | Infinite | Infinite | No | No |
| MH20i | Yes | Manual | 150mm | 15° | 168 | Yes | Yes |
| RTP20 | Yes | Automated | 168mm | 15° | 168 | Yes | Yes |
| PH10T | No | Motorised | 450mm | 7.5° | 720 | Yes | Yes |
| PH6M | No | No | 450mm | No | No | No | Yes |
| PH10M | No | Motorised | 450mm | 7.5° | 720 | Yes | Yes |
The TP8 probe offers an entry level option for customers that require infrequent indexing of the probe and no indexing during the running of a measurement programme. The TP8 is supplied with two knuckle joints to allow infinite alignment of the probe to the feature being measured, but this alignment is non repeatable, meaning that the stylus will need to be requalified following each index. The TP8 probe accepts the M3 range of styli.
The MH20i probe offers repeatable manual indexing of the probe head from 0° to 90° in the A axis and through 360° in the B axis, in 15° increments. Ideal for manual CMMs, it can also be used on CNC models, but will require intervention from the operator whenever indexing is required. The MH20i uses a TP20 stylus module, which in turn accepts the M2 range of styli.
The RTP20 probe offers a cost effective solution for customers that require automatic indexing on CNC machines. Modelled on the MH20i body, the RTP20 uses the CNC motion of the CMM to position itself using a post mounted to the bed of the machine. Like the MH20i it is able to index from 0° to 90° in the A axis and through 360° in the B axis, in 15° increments and uses a TP20 stylus module, which in turn accepts the M2 range of styli. The RTP20 is also fully compatible with the MCR20 change rack to provide an option that provides both automatic stylus changing as well as automatic indexing.
The PH10T is a fully motorised probe head that offers immediate indexing from 0° to 105° in the A axis and through 360° in the B axis, in 7.5° increments. This probe head should be used by customers requiring frequent indexing or when more precise alignment to the features being measured is required.
Like the PH10T probe head, the PH10M is also a fully motorised probe head that offers immediate indexing from 0° to 105° in the A axis and through 360° in the B axis, in 7.5° increments. The M head, however, incorporates an autojoint with multiwire capability, which is necessary for the SP25M scanning probe. The PH10M probe head can also be fitted with either TP20 or TP200 probes and should be chosen in preference to the PH10T when using these probes if the future use of a scanning technology may be required.
This head provides a fixed autojoint for when an SP25M scanning probe is required without the requirement for indexing. Compatible with the complete Renishaw multiwire probe range and standard probes with autojoint adaptors and extension bars.
The SP25M scanning probe uses an isolated optical metrology transducer system to enable extremely accurate measurements to be taken with the stylus in continuous contact with the feature being inspected. This enables more data to be taken, which is important when form is critical. A range of modules are available for the SP25M to provide optimised scanning performance using M3 styli up to 400mm long.