RMP600 radio touch probe brings out of sight precision to machine tool measurement of 3D part geometries

Bringing "out of sight" precision to complex 3D part measurement on machine tools, the new Renishaw RMP600 touch probe combines two exclusive Renishaw technologies — highest accuracy strain-gage sensing and frequency-hopping spread-spectrum (FHSS) radio transmission.  The industry-first design allows unmatched part checking precision on 5-axis machining, contours, deep cavities, undercuts, etc. where obstacles or part features can block transmission by optical line-of-sight probes.  The versatile probe makes possible rapid, automated part set-up and changeover, in-process control of critical dimensions, and even final inspection on certain parts to speed throughput and reduce WIP.  Robust construction, compact design, solid-state electronics and interference-free signal transmission allow application to all sizes of machining centers, the harshest of machine environments and "noisy" plant floors with competing wireless Wi-Fi communications.       Using Renishaw's patented RENGAGE™ strain gage technology, the RMP600 touch probe is able to achieve far greater levels of accuracy than possible from a standard mechanical probe, making it ideal for a range of applications which demand high precision measurement.  The RENGAGE technology combines a patented sensing mechanism and advanced electronics to allow sub-micron 3D probe performance on contoured surfaces, even with long styli.  The probe delivers uni-directional repeatability of 0.25 µm (0.000010 in) with a 50 mm long stylus, 0.35 µm with a 100 mm stylus, and is recommended for styli up to 200 mm.        The use of strain gages also allows the RMP600 to trigger at much lower and highly consistent contact forces, resulting in less bending of the stylus, negligible pre-travel, and  superior metrology performance.  Compatible with a wide range of machine controllers, the RMP600 can be used with high-speed, single-touch or double-touch probing routines.     The RMP600 uses Renishaw's exclusive frequency-hopping spread-spectrum (FHSS) transmission, proven in thousands of applications worldwide with the award-winning RMP60 touch probe.  Unlike conventional radio transmission systems, the FHSS transmission system does not use a dedicated radio channel.  Instead, the probe and receiver 'hop' together through a sequence of channels.  FHSS enables multiple machining centers with the probe system to coexist with confidence in "noisy" industrial environments, particularly as wireless Wi-Fi proliferates on plant floors.     Paired with an RMI receiver, the RMP600's signals are transmitted over long distances with negligible chance of interference.  Radio "turn on" is available via an M-code signal.  The system is compliant with radio regulations in the USA, Canada, EU, USA, Japan, Switzerland, Australia and many other countries.     Renishaw radio probes have proven to be particularly effective in aerospace, construction and agricultural equipment manufacturing and other industries that produce very large, high value, and complex geometry parts.       The Renishaw RMP600 touch probe offers an unrivaled combination of size, accuracy, reliability and robustness.  It makes possible high accuracy probing on large machining centers or other machines where line-of-sight problems affect optical signal transmission.  The probe's size ensures it can access surfaces cut with short tools.  It brings all the standard benefits of Renishaw touch probes, including reduced set-up times, reduced scrap, reduced fixture costs, improved process control, plus superb 3D performance to high-accuracy on-machine measurement. • Sense directions Omni-directional ± X, ± Y, + Z • Transmission type Frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) radio. 2400 - 2483.5 MHz • Operating range 15 m (49.2 ft) • Switch-on method Radio M code, spin on or shank switch • Switch-off method Radio M code, timer, spin off or shank switch • Uni-directional repeatability 0.25 µm (10 µin) 2 sigma - 50 mm stylus length* o 0.35 µm (14 µin) 2 sigma - 100 mm stylus length • 2D lobing in X, Y ± 0.25 µm (10 µin) 2 sigma – 50 mm stylus length* ? ± 0.25 µm (10 µin) 2 sigma – 100 mm stylus length • 3D Lobing in X, Y, Z ± 1.00 µm (40 µin) 2 sigma – 50 mm stylus length* • ± 1.75 µm (70 µin) 2 sigma – 100 mm stylus length • Trigger speed range - 10 mm/min to 1 m/min • Stylus trigger force**- XY plane • + Z direction • Stylus overtravel force**- XY plane • + Z direction • Stylus overtravel- XY plane • + Z direction • Battery type- 2 x AA 1.5 V alkaline or Lithium Thionyl Chloride