Has anyone done accuracy tests on an optical style touch probe versus a mechanical? I've been told there is a small difference which usually shows up in form, but looking for real world numbers. I currently use an HP-THD (now an HP-THe), which is a tp200 I believe. But after replacing 2 probe bodies in the last year and 2 months at over $3k a piece, I'm searching other more robust options. Like the older tp20. Is it worth the switch? am I losing that much accuracy? Occasionally I do get jobs with a +.0005/-0" tolerance which I think may be affected, but could be worked around with deltronics pins. Does anyone else here use tp200 or the newer and have problems? I know the first module may have gone bad due to the previous cmm programmer. I was told when I started my job here that he crashed it a lot. But this new one I've had on for the last year has never been crashed, dropped, even looked at wrong. TIA
That was gonna be my next question, is there a better option. I currently have 3 modules for my HP-THe. One with a mark in it probably from previous operator running it in to something. The other 2 have 2 years worth of probing, so i'm sure it won't be too long before having to replace the modules. Might as well buy all new.
I was told by the manager that they had all the scanning options installed incase they wanted to go that direction in the future. They said it wasn't an added cost to pre-install whatever it was they needed to install to have the scanning option.
Renishaw's updated version of the TP2 is the
TP20:
-The TP20 "
Body" is basically indestructible, as it's just a threaded conduit with magnets.
-Will last forever and tolerate serious collisions without failure.
-The only failed TP20 body i've experienced is a result of the module side's protruding cylinder walls getting bent to the point that the TP20 module no longer seats.
-PHC has dip switches you can use to tweak sensitivity and probing delays
-The TP20 "
Module" uses a spring-loaded 3-bar (120° radially spaced) design that literally produces an open circuit when one of the bars lifts off it's seated position.
-It has an estimated
lifespan of 2million hits before the module will degrade and produce probing issues (false triggers, excessive lobing/form, and lower touch sensitivity).
-Tthey are 5-way (no z- hit detection). you need a special 6-way module for reproducible star probe z- hits.
-They are DURABLE!
-If you crash a TP20 Module, it will generally handle it without concern.
-If you crash it hard enough you can bend the threaded shank and your probe not be square to z axis, but the tp20 will keep chugging (bent) until worn out.
-No RBE for modules. only new ones at I ~$800 each, $1100-1600 for 6way, and nonnormal trigger forces.
-TP20 Shortfall is literal. It can't handle heavy or long probes (50mm limit and ~4 grams total probe weight (in general)).
Renishaw's updated version of the TP20 is the
TP200:
-The TP200 "
Body" is a flippin' snowflake. It has circuitry and a piezoelectric sensor within it, that "listens" to the probe module's vibrations to detect a hit.
-The TP200 Body is your failure point. If you crash it into anything at 50% speed or faster, it's absolutely a goner. $1100 RBE exchange.
-It has a virtually
unlimited lifespan, so as long as you don't crash it. I have a couple that have been on machines running 24/7 for multiple years, whereas we wouldn't get 1 year out of a TP20.
-PHC has dip switches you can use to tweak sensitivity and probing delays just like TP20, but it's more robust and allows you to extends some of the delays more than the TP20 from what i recall (100ms delay instead of just 50ms with TP20)
-The TP200 "
Module" is basically indestructible. It's just a threaded magnet with a couple springs to allow a bit of crash forgiveness before decoupling.
-The only failure mode is if you crash it so hard you bend the threaded shank making probes not square to z axis.
-It can handle longer and heavier probes up to 80mm and 9 grams if i recall correctly.
-It has an
unlimited lifespan.
--However! I've experienced probe body orientation bias when probe is at 90°. If "Peace sign" ball/magnet interface is oriented (not controlled due to random thread orientation of TP200 Body to PH adapter) so the large gap between the balls is DOWN when probe is at 90°, your probe's max length and weight limits are basically that of a TP20. You will get false triggers galore otherwise. If the peace sign has a ball holding the 90° wrist-angled probe at the bottom of the interface, it's fine. It's a total crapshoot if you get a TP200 that is orientated to your needs.
--Also, the TP200 Modules have shipped to me, brand new, with the threaded shank projecting off-axis by over 3°, so put a long extension on the new modules, stick it to a square and roll it to see if your module projects the probe square enough to suit your needs.
