Infrared Touch Probe For Mechanical Activation

The TS 642 touch probe from Heidenhain features mechanical probe activation and is compatible with both the company’s older controls and current third-party controls. This is especially useful for machines that are not set up to offer touch probes as standard options, the company says. The touch probe also features flexible protocol capabilities that are said to allow for easy interface to third-party controls in retrofit applications.

A micro-switch in the taper shank is activates the probe in applications that do not permit infrared activation. The shank switch activates the probe when the probe is inserted in its spindle. Once removed, the probe automatically shuts off to preserve battery life. The probe can be operated for 800 continuous hours with a set of lithium batteries. Alkaline or rechargeable batteries can also be used.

Other features include a 7-m transmission range, optical triggering for reliability and integrated blower jets so the touch probe can clean the measuring point with coolant or compressed air.