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Portable measurement arm probe tips can be manufactured and supplied as a one-piece part or a two-piece assembly, with a removable ball tip. They are supplied on a Stainless Steel base and mounted on a Tungsten stem.
All balls are grade 5 with a diameter tolerance of plus and minus 0.001mm. The probe tip is supplied with an internal 1.25-20 (Measurement) un thread.
Along with the non contact scanning systems, the arm probe is supported by the portable measuring machine. This is also a metrology machine that can be relocated at any time depending on the customer's needs.
The Portable Measurement Arm Probe Tip is a precision Ball, attached to a trigger reading gun that is mounted onto a 5 or 6 axis (joint) arm.
Portable measurement arms control and record the location of a probe in 3D space and report the results through software. The arm calculates the precise position of the probe tip at each point via embedded encoders on each axis (or joint) in the arm.
6mm
All arm probe tips provided by TN UK are manufactured, assembled and can be provided with UKAS Certification. This is all undertaken in our modern facilities in Sussex, UK.
For over 20 years TN United Kingdom have perfected Ceramic Precision Ball manufacturing.
All our arm probe tips are precision ground at our facilities, in Sussex to the highest International Standard Grades. The grades available include, but are not limited to Grade 3, Grade 5 and Grade 10.
Depending on the application our bespoke arm probe tips can be manufactured using balls made from the following materials:
| Material | Material Hardness | Temperature Co-efficiency | Typical Measuring Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zirconia | GPa 12.3 | x10 -6/k 10.5 | Cast Iron |
| Tungsten Carbide | Hv 1550 | X10 -6/k 5.0 | Cast Iron |
| Silicon Nitride | Hv 1400-1700 | x10 -6/k 3.4 | Aluminium |
| Ruby | Mohs 9 Knoop 1800 | x10 -6/k 5.4 | Cast Iron |
It is of benefit to use Ruby, Tungsten or Zirconia balls when measuring a harder material like Cast Iron. Whereas Silicon Nitride is more suitable for softer materials such as Aluminium.
In order to attach the arm probe tip to the stem, TN UK use a step pin. This is then secured with adhesive.
When making a hole in a sphere the hole needs to be concentric to the outer diameter of the ball to within 0.100mm.
Zirconia Oxide, Ruby and Silicon Nitride balls are drilled using a CNC or high-speed spindle. Tungsten Carbide cannot be drilled. In order to make a hole in this material, an EDM (Electrostatic Discharge Machine) is used. This uses a Copper Tungsten Electrode, which passes an electric charge that removes the material to form the hole.
On completion, the probe will go to our assembly department where we engrave the serial number and diameter onto the stem, as per the customer's specification. The stylus tip is then cleaned, packed and dispatched directly to the customer.
Accuracy is our trademark at TN UK. We pride ourselves on our ability to measure and calibrate the products we manufacture. Housing some of the most sophisticated equipment in the world, our annually assessed UKAS lab means we guarantee the precision of the products we supply.
On top of that, we maintain regular and open communication directly with you and any relevant departments to ensure that you get exactly what you need when you need it.
We also offer a recalibrate service for your existing gauges, CMM Reference balls and Master Ball Sets. So you can rest assured that, whether we are supplying a new product or recalibrating an existing one, by meeting our strict standards, your company meets its strict standards (particularly important for other calibration assessed companies).
A CMM arm probe is a portable kit and can be a more cost-effective method that offers on-the-go measurements. Standard CMMs usually feature a large granite table top that stays in a temperature-controlled laboratory to help ensure accuracy. An arm probe, however, can be used on a standard workbench and moved around. This makes them much more versatile.
While portable arm CMMs still have contact while measuring an object, it will still need to calibrate off a CMM reference sphere (as with standard CMMs) or a nest before performing the measurement. The software captures this measurement. The CMM probes can be rotated around 5 axis to measure an object from many different angles.
Portable arm CMMs can be used for fast measurements in virtually any environment. They are used due to their lower initial purchase cost, portability and speed. As they are not continually calibrated or housed within a lab they don't have the same level of precision as a full CMM, so instead, portable arms are used when extreme tolerances are not necessarily required.
The Styli tip is the part that actually comes into contact with the object that the portable CMM arm probe is measuring. This means there is a requirement for maximum rigidity and toughness. The actual tip itself is made from material such as Zirconia, which is a very tough material and is further supported by a Tungsten pin making the tip incredibly hard-wearing.
