So I have been using a ruby tip for all my parts. We machine Inconel aluminum and stainless. I scan my parts. I am noticing I am getting huge wear very quickly. Should I be using a silicon nitride ball instead?
I scan hardened stainless all the time with a ruby, no issue.
Aluminum will load up a ruby, silicon nitride is the way to go.
Want to see a ruby die in one part? Scan cadmium plate for a dozen linear inches or so.
Even the silicon nitride only makes like 12 parts on that thing. Gray scotch brite can get you another 5-10 parts, but then you are replacing it.
If the material is soft, you want silicon nitride.
Hard, ruby works just fine.
On the topic of probe wear and tip suggestions...I measure parts mainly made from titanium and cobalt chrome. The surfaces vary from mirror polished (under 4 RA) to sandblasted and machined. if anyone can recommend a tip besides standard ruby, I'd be down to try it. I've replaced a few tips already that have worn a feelable step onto the ruby tips.