Hexagon releases miniature infrared touch probe for micro-machining apps

NORTH KINGSTOWN, USA: Hexagon Metrology announced the availability of the m&h IRP40.50 infrared touch probe for the North American market.

The IRP40.50 is ideal for inspection in tight spaces, and was designed to address the needs of miniature machining centers. The m&h IRP40.50 is the world's smallest self-contained wireless CNC probe with a diameter of 25 millimeters, a length of 44.2 millimeters without shank and stylus, and a probing force of 0.7N (XY).

The probe's small dimensions enable measurement of small and delicate workpieces. With the shank and stylus included, the IRP40.50 is slightly larger than a standard USB stick. Typical applications for the probe include micro-manufacturing in the firearms, medical, dental, additive manufacturing and electronic industries or any manufacturing which involves small parts with complex geometries and tight tolerances.

Small parts with tight tolerances are very difficult, if not impossible, to measure because there is little room in the Z-axis direction and the tool magazine. The IRP40.50 eliminates this concern and leaves enough room to measure in the Z-axis without the danger of collision. The stylus threading is M2 but allows fast probe cycles at speeds up to 2,000mm/min.