Touch probes may be beneficial for manufacturers seeking to decrease setup times,
extend machine utilization, and enhance the work components’ dimensional
correctness.
In reality, the majority of touch probes available now on the market are simple to
integrate with CNC systems and machine tools, especially milling machines and other
multi-axis machining centres.
How does a touch probe work?
They function by touching different parts of a workpiece or tool to gather numerous data
points, enabling the user to more precisely determine the work piece’s position and
adjust the machining settings as necessary. These devices are also referred to as
touch-trigger probes or triggering touch probes.
The tool changer manually or automatically inserts touch probes into the tool holder.
They can execute the following automatically or manually, depending on the NC
control’s probing functions: Workpiece measurement, pre-set setup; alignment of the
workpiece; digitizing or checking three-dimensional surfaces.
Uses of touch probe for manufacturing
Manufacturers who employ touch probes utilize the following specific applications for
workpiece or tool monitoring/positioning:
For work components that have previously been partially machined, precise alignment
parallel to the axes is especially crucial to ensure that their existing reference surfaces
are in a properly defined position.
The workpiece may be clamped in any position, and touch probes speed up this
process by analysing the location and identifying misalignments. The control receives
the data from the touch probe and uses it to adjust the alignment by turning the rotary
table or the coordinate system.
How to choose the best touch probe?
Touch probes are available in various forms. When evaluating touch probes for
workpiece and tool measurement, keep the following in mind:
Connectivity
Touch probes with wireless signal transmission are available for machines with
automatic tool changers. There are touch probes with cable-bound signal transmission
for machines that need manual tool changes.
Sensor
Touch probes collect data in various ways depending on the type of sensor. A lens
system collimates the light output by an LED and concentrates it onto a differential
photocell using an optical switch sensor. The differential photocell generates a trigger
signal in response to deflection of the stylus or probe contact.
Both Precision And Repeatability
Accuracy and repeatability are essential considerations when selecting a touch probe.
However, not all probes are made the same in this regard.
Additionally available
You might also wish to look at touch probe choices with mechanical collision protection
and thermal decoupling before selecting one for workpiece measurement.
Conclusion
For many different applications, it has significant technical and practical restrictions.
When choosing a suitable measurement technique, take specific characteristics into
account.
Touch probes are frequently used with an automatic tool change carousel system on
milling machines, but manually by swapping a cutting tool for the probe. A CNC Milling
Tool Height Setter is frequently used in combination with touch probes.