hexagon logo

Scanning vs Touch Probes

We are enquiring about a new CMM. I have been looking into 'scanning' probing, not so sure if this is what we want?? So, here I am, asking people with knowledge on this type of probing. I am NOT familiar with scan probes at all!
Some, if not a majority, of our inspections may be on sheet metal surfaces, which are NOT the same finish as machined surfaces. I , with no knowledge, would be concerned about the accuracy of scanning probes on an un-even surface.?? I also have heard, with as little of a 'crash' these probes can be problematic?

So, in closing, if you were to purchase a new CMM, would you include the scanning probe? To me it sounds too good to be true? Thanks!
Parents
  • Scanning is useful, since it gathers thousands and thousands of points in a few seconds. This particular software is structured in a way that slows it down when scanned features are used liberally (seems to be a cubic function, double point density takes 8x as long to process).

    Be careful how you use it.

    Also, I have noticed that with extremely flexible (0.2mm-0.3mm) tips, something in the scanning calibration process can go haywire, where these will show non-existent ovalities, if a tip flexes along a specific vector.
Reply
  • Scanning is useful, since it gathers thousands and thousands of points in a few seconds. This particular software is structured in a way that slows it down when scanned features are used liberally (seems to be a cubic function, double point density takes 8x as long to process).

    Be careful how you use it.

    Also, I have noticed that with extremely flexible (0.2mm-0.3mm) tips, something in the scanning calibration process can go haywire, where these will show non-existent ovalities, if a tip flexes along a specific vector.
Children