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TP20 probe module

The Renishaw TP20 probe module incorporates a kinematic coupling, which ensures highly repeatable stylus tip positioning.

The range of modules comprises 5-way versions with length or trigger force options and a 6-way version.

Probe modules fit directly onto the MH20 and MH20i kinematic mount. It is possible to change TP20 modules with different stylus configurations without re-qualification.

TP20 probe specification - standard force module described

Sense directions - 5-way
±X, ±Y, +Z

Unidirectional repeatability *

0.35 µm (0.000014 in) (2 sigma)

Module changing repeatability **

±1 µm, (0.000039 in)

XY pre-travel variation *

±0.8 µm, (0.000031 in)

Trigger force (non adjustable) ***

XY 0.08 N, 8 gf, 0.29 ozf

Z 0.75 N, 76.5 gf, 2.7 ozf

TP20 module pull-off force

10 N, 1 kgf, 36 ozf max

Renishaw styli with M2 thread fit the TP20 probe module.

* Specified with standard force TP20 module with PS12R stylus and Renishaw PI 4-2 interface

** This can be achieved by taking care when changing modules (see 'Fitting the probe module with stylus on the MH20 or MH20i')

*** See 'Probing forces and overtravel limits' for LF, SF, MF and EF trigger force values

The probe module

Each probe module houses the touch trigger mechanism that carries the stylus assembly. The module provides overtravel in the X, Y and Z axes. The M2 stylus mounting is compatible with Renishaw's comprehensive range of M2 styli.

Electrical contact pins automatically complete the probe circuit.

Trigger force and length option

Seven versions of the TP20 probe module can be used with the MH20 and MH20i, they can be identified by the end cap colour.

1Standard force (SF) probe moduleBlack cap
2

Medium force (MF) probe module

Grey cap
3

Extended force (EF) probe module

Brown cap
4

Low force (LF) probe module

Green cap
5

Extended module (EM1) 69.5 mm (2.74 in) long

Black cap
6

Extended module (EM2) 94.5 mm (3.72 in) long

Black cap
7

TP20 6-way probe module

Blue cap

Medium and extended force modules are used to overcome the effects of false triggers, caused either by stylus length and mass, or vibration caused by machine acceleration forces.

The low force module permits the measurement of delicate objects.

The EM1 and EM2 extended modules allow access to otherwise inaccessible workpiece features. Both operate using standard force and offer better measuring performance than using long styli with MF, or EF modules.

The TP20 6-way senses in the +Z and -Z directions, allowing undercuts to be checked.

TP20 module selector
ModuleStylus length - minimumStylus length - maximumOverall reach

Low force

(LF)

10 mm

(0.39 in)

30 mm

(1.18 in)

94 mm

(3.70 in)

Standard force

(SF)

10 mm

(0.39 in)

50 mm

(1.96 in)

114 mm

(4.49 in)

Medium force

(MF)

10 mm

(0.39 in)

60 mm

(2.36 in)

124 mm

(4.88 in)

Extended force

(EF)

10 mm

(0.39 in)

60 mm

(2.36 in)

124 mm

(4.88 in)

6-way

(6W)

10 mm

(0.39 in)

30 mm

(1.96 in)

98 mm

(3.86 in)

EM110 mm

(0.39 in)

50 mm

(1.96 in)

143 mm

(5.63 in)

EM210 mm

(0.39 in)

50 mm

(1.96 in)

168 mm

(6.61 in)

TP20 installation

Assembling the probe module and stylus

  1. Select the probe module with the correct trigger force rating for the application (see 'TP20 module selector' and 'TP20 specifications').
  2. Fit the stylus to the probe module, first hand tightening then using the S7 stylus tool (supplied) for final tightness. Renishaw GF styli require an S20 spanner. The recommended tightening torque is 0.05 Nm to 0.15 Nm (0.04 lb ft to 0.11 lb ft). Torque must not exceed 0.3 Nm (0.22 lb ft).
Stylus tools

Fitting the probe module with stylus on the MH20 or MH20i

  1. Examine all mating faces for cleanliness, where necessary clean the surfaces with the Renishaw CK200 cleaning kit. (supplied).
  2. The TP20 module and kinematic mount are marked with three unique alignment marks. When offering the TP20 up to the probe head, ensure that similar marks are aligned with each other. Allow the TP20 body to engage under magnetic force.
TP20 alignment marks

TP20 specifications

Probing forces and overtravel limits

Trigger force - nominal at stylus tip:

Probe module stylus length

LF

10 mm

SF

10 mm

MF

25 mm

EF

50 mm

EM1

10 mm

EM2

10 mm

TP20-6 way

10 mm

XY

0.055 N

5.5 gf

0.19 ozf

0.08 N

8 gf

0.28 ozf

0.1 N

10 gf

0.35 ozf

0.1 N

10 gf

0.35 ozf

0.08 N

8 gf

0.28 ozf

0.08 N

8 gf

0.28 ozf

0.14 N

14 gf

0.49 ozf

Z

0.65 N

65 gf

2.29 ozf

0.75 N

75 gf

2.64 ozf

1.9 N

190 gf

6.70 ozf

3.2 N

320 gf

11.29 ozf

0.75 N

75 gf

2.64 ozf

0.75 N

75 gf

2.64 ozf

1.6 N

160 gf

0.56 ozf

Overtravel force - maximum at stylus tip:

Probe module stylus length

LF

10 mm

SF

10 mm

MF

25mm

EF

50 mm

EM1

10 mm

EM2

10 mm

TP20-6 way

10 mm

XY

0.09 N

9 gf

0.31 ozf

0.2 N - 0.3 N

20 gf - 30 gf

0.7 ozf - 1.1 ozf

0.2 N - 0.4 N

20 gf - 40 gf

0.7 ozf - 1.4 ozf

0.2 N - 0.5 N

20 gf - 50 gf

0.7 ozf - 1.8 ozf

0.2 N - 0.3 N

20 gf - 30 gf

0.7 ozf - 1.1 ozf

0.2 N - 0.3 N

20 gf - 30 gf

0.7 ozf - 1.1 ozf

0.25 N

25 gf

0.88 ozf

(+)Z

1.15 N

115 gf

4.05 ozf

3.5 N

350 gf

12.35 ozf

7 N

700 gf

24.71 ozf

10 N

1000 gf

35.30 ozf

3.5 N

350 gf

12.35 ozf

3.5 N

350 gf

12.35 ozf

2.5 N

250 gf

8.83 ozf

-Z

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

9 N

900 gf

31.8 ozf

Overtravel displacement:

Probe module stylus lengthLF

10 mm

SF

10 mm

MF

25 mm

EF

50 mm

EM1

10 mm

EM2

10 mm

TP20-6 way

10 mm

XY *±14°±14°±14°±14°±14°±14°±14°
(+)Z

3.1 mm

(0.12 in)

4 mm

(0.16 in)

3.7 mm

(0.14 in)

2.4 mm

(0.09 in)

4 mm

(0.16 in)

4 mm

(0.16 in)

4.5 mm

(0.18 in)

-Z

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1.5 mm

(0.06 in)

* The module may become detached if this value is exceeded.

Length:

Probe module stylus length

LF

10 mm

SF

10 mm

MF

25 mm

EF

50 mm

EM1

10 mm

EM2

10 mm

TP20-6 way

10 mm

Length *

19.5 mm

(0.77 in)

19.5 mm

(0.77 in)

19.5 mm

(0.77 in)

19.5 mm

(0.77 in)

69.5 mm

(2.74 in)

94.5 mm

(3.72 in)

24.5 mm

(0.96 in)

* See 'MH20 dimensions' and 'MH20i dimensions'

Module changingChanged manually probe repeatability is ±1 µm