Which CMM probing option do I need?

Comparison of Common Probes

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 None 450mm No No No Yes
PH10M No Motorised 450mm 7.5° 720 Yes Yes
PH20 Yes Motorised 151mm Infinite Infinite Yes Yes

Probe comparison videos

CMM Probe Head Overview

Renishaw TP8 Probe

TP8 Probe Head

The TP8 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.

Renishaw MH20i Probe Head

MH20i Probe Head

The MH20i 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.

Renishaw RTP20 Probe Head

RTP20 Probe Head

The RTP20 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.

Renishaw PH10T Probe Head

PH10T Probe Head

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.

Renishaw PH10M Probe Head

PH10M Probe Head

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.

Renishaw PH6M Probe Head

PH6M Probe Head

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.

Renishaw PH20 Probe Head

PH20 Probe Head

The PH20 5-axis probe head transforms your CMM capabilities, offering a wealth of advanced features compared to traditional 3-axis probing options. With the PH20, you’ll experience increased throughput, accuracy, and repeatability. This is via rapid touch measurements, Infinite positioning, Inferred calibration and 5-axis motion during measurements

CMM Probe Overview

Renishaw TP20 Probe

TP20 Probe

The Renishaw TP20 touch-trigger probe is a 5-way or 6-way kinematic probe with the facility to change stylus configurations without the need for re-qualification. A direct replacement for the industry-proven Renishaw TP2, the TP20 can be easily retrofitted into existing TP2 applications to bring this additional facility to both manual and CNC co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs).

Renishaw TP200 Probe

TP200 Probe

The TP200 probe uses micro strain gauge transducers to deliver excellent repeatability and accurate 3D form measurement even with long styli. The sensor technology gives sub-micron repeatability and eliminates the lobing characteristics encountered with kinematic probes. The solid state ASIC electronics within the probe ensure reliable operation over millions of trigger points.

Renishaw SP25M Scanning Probe

SP25M Scanning Probe

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.