Renishaw has launched a new inspection system at its New Mills operation that gives manufacturers more than 50 per cent greater reach when checking complex components on coordinate measuring machines.
The PH20 PLUS 5-axis touch-trigger system is designed as a replacement for the established PH20 head. Renishaw says the new equipment improves access to features deep inside parts and other areas that have been difficult to reach, while retaining the measurement capabilities that have made the original system widely used by manufacturers.
More reach for complex components
The new system provides an additional 107mm of reach. With a 50mm stylus, it has a maximum working length of up to 300mm from the centre of the A-axis, which Renishaw says is an increase of more than 50 per cent compared with the current PH20 system.
The extra reach comes from a redesigned A-axis with a new kinematic mount. This allows the PH20 PLUS to use longer and heavier probe configurations, giving inspection teams more flexibility when measuring features inside complex components.
Renishaw said the system is intended to extend the range of applications that can be handled through high-speed touch-trigger measurement. It builds on the PH20’s 5-axis infinite positioning, inferred calibration routines and automatic changing of TP20 probe modules.
The original PH20 system was launched in 2010 and uses head-motion technology developed for Renishaw’s REVO 5-axis measurement system. That technology is designed to minimise dynamic errors at higher coordinate measuring machine speeds. Renishaw says the PH20 has been widely adopted because it has helped increase inspection throughput.
Designed to simplify upgrades
The PH20 PLUS is based on the industry-standard TP20 probe system. New PE20 modules have a larger kinematic mount for direct connection to the new head and are available in different lengths for different inspection requirements.
The system remains compatible with the existing range of TP20 modules, apart from the extended force module. Existing modules can also be used through a PB20 adaptor, allowing manufacturers to retain established stylus configurations and part programmes while upgrading their equipment.
Renishaw said the PH20 PLUS can be configured to match the effective working length of existing PH20 installations. It is fully compatible with the company’s UCC controller and integrates in the same way as the original system, making it a direct drop-in replacement for existing coordinate measuring machine installations.
“With PH20 PLUS, we’ve focused on extending capability, which we believe will appeal to both existing PH20 customers and those with measurement requirements which could previously not be met by the existing head,” said Nathan Fielder, product manager at Renishaw.
He added that existing PH20 users would be able to adopt the new head while reusing existing part programmes and measurement strategies, alongside the increased reach and flexibility.
New probe-changing equipment
Renishaw has also developed a modular rack system for automatic and repeatable probe module changes. The rack can be mounted on an MRS2 rail installed on the coordinate measuring machine bed or directly on the machine frame.
The system includes configurable change ports for TP20 modules, temperature-controlled ports for PE20 modules and connector modules to distribute electrical power across the rack. A powered PCR20 rack is available as a standalone option for holding multiple probe modules and accessories.
Further information about the PH20 PLUS system is available through Renishaw’s PH20 PLUS webpage.
