Article From: 5/6/2010 Production Machining
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Renishaw’s RLP40 and OLP40 lathe inspection probes offer a choice of signal transmission technologies, radio or optical, to make part setup and inspection on turning centers accurate, simple and reliable. Measuring only 40 mm (1.57”) in diameter and 58.3-mm (2.30”) long, the probes provide uni-directional repeatability of 1 micrometer (0.00004") and can be used to reduce setup times, scrap and fixture costs, while improving process control. Both designs are hardened and sealed to IPX8 to withstand the extreme environments typical of lathes and turning centers. An eyelid protection system prevents entry of swarf and chips that could damage probe internals.
The RLP40’s frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) radio transmission pairs with the standard Renishaw Radio Machine Interface (RMI) and uses the 2.4-GHz frequency band. The probe and its interface continually hop from one transmission channel to another, delivering signal robustness and flexibility through frequency switching. Radio transmission allows continuous communication between the probe and the interface, even when line-of-sight is lost.
The OLP40 uses modulated optical transmission for high resistance to light interference, and its 360-degree transmission system allows the probe to operate in any orientation. It also works with the company’s transmission systems, while two touch probes can be used on one turning center when the OMI-2T interface unit is used.
