Wireless High-Precision Touch Probe[RC-K3X Series]

Wireless High-Precision Touch Probes for CNC Machine Tools RC-K3X Series

Workpiece centering, dimensional measurement and positioning

The RC-K3X series is a Japan-made wireless 3D touch-probe sensor that is mounted inside CNC machine tools such as machining centers to measure the dimensions of machined workpieces.
Uses wireless communication (2.4 GHz) to transmit measurement signals to a receiver. The wide communication range enables stable communication even with difficult-to-wire 5-axis processing machines and robots.

Detecting Direction
±X,±Y,Z 3-Dimension (all-round) type

Features

1μm repeatability (2σ), durability of 3 million cycles

Operates at the moment the touch-probe contacts the workpiece, enabling highly precise position detection.

Noise-resistant wireless communication 2.4GHz

Our unique search technology immediately detects noise and other congestion information and changes the frequency band to be used, overcoming the effects of radio interference and ensuring stable communications.
Highly reliable wireless communication system allows signals to be sent and received from multiple directions without being affected by obstructions.
(Although “infrared communication” is considered effective for communication between straight lines, communication is blocked when obstructions are present, and stable communication is not possible.)

Resistant to vibration due to pre-travel (PT)*

(*Pre-travel: the amount of movement from the time the touch-probe contacts the work to the time the output switches)

Improved receiver visibility

The receiver can be installed outside the equipment so battery level and communication status can be monitored. Compared to mounting inside the machine, cleaning and maintenance due to coolant and chip spattering is not required.

Wide variety of optional items

Stylus, mounting method, cord length, and other options can be selected.

Expedited after-sales follow-up service

We can provide immediate support for inquiries on sensors and adjusting delivery dates of parts.
Most of the 3D touch probes made by other companies have imported parts, thus repairs and parts replacement are expensive. Lead-times for responding to inquiries also generally tend to be longer.

Since METROL completes all manufacturing processes in Japan, we can quickly provide follow-up services, including investigation reports, in the event of any problems.

Waterproof and oilproof construction with IP68 rating: Resistant to Water and Liquids

RC-K3X Series are designed for use in adverse environments and has passed high-pressure coolant durability tests inside machine.
High repeatability even when used in machine tools with splashing coolant and chips.

Principle Structure

By placing the touch-probe on the stylus tip against the workpiece or table, a high-precision ON/OFF signal is output, which can be input to NC/PC equipment.

The moving part swings with the three points of contact as fulcrums. Since the contacts play the role of fulcrums, a momentary ON/OFF signal is output when one of the fulcrums is detached.

*The contact force varies depending on the direction of detection. If the contact force varies depending on the detection direction, a perfect circle will not be formed when measuring a perfect circle shape (roving phenomenon), and thus it is necessary to take this specific quality into account.

[Manual] RC-K3X
How to install the shear screw and stylus

[Manual] RC-K3X
How to attach the stylus

[Manual]RC-K3X
How to install/replace the battery

[Manual]
Touch Probe Matching method of sensor and receiver

[Manual] RC-K3X
Mounting position of the receiver

METROL Ultra Precision Compact Touch Probe

Machining installation example:
Tool length/wireless probe

Main Specifications

Product Category Wireless touch probes
Applications CNC lathes, CNC robots, Welding robot
Purpose of use Measuring workpieces and centering
Direction 3-direction
Single direction repeatability 1.0 μm (2σ) *At the Speed of : 150 mm/min
Protective structure IP68
Contact life time 3 million
Pretravel 0
Stroke  X,Y=±7° Z=3mm
*with stylus F-R40T-405
Contact force (when using 50 mm straight stylus) X,Y= 0.5N Z= 5.5N
Stylus material Please see the stylus option list
Cable Oil resistant φ7.3 /14 cores Minimum bending R7
LED lump Please see the product catalog and manual.
Contact structure NC (Normally closed)
Output mode NC (Normally close) or NO (Normally open)
(Changeable with parameter switch *NO(Normally Open) at the time of shipment)
I/F unit Please see the product catalog and manual.
Contact rating Please see the product catalog and manual.
Operating temperature range 5℃ - 50℃
Signal transmission format FSK (DSSS) transmission format
No. of channels 37
Wireless frequency 2400MHz - 2480MHz
Power ON/OFF signal M code
Signal transmission range Max. 15m
Receiver / interface Receiver antenna-integrated interface
Overtravel (when using 50 mm straight stylus) XY directions:±7° +Zdirection:3mm
Operating environment For indoor use only
Storage temperature -10℃ to 70℃
Weight (excluding a shank) With battery : 290g / Without battery : 280g
Battery ½AA lithium-thionyl chloride battery (3.6V) 1Time
Time until battery replacement After start of low battery indication : approx. 1 h
Low battery indication Flashing of battery alarm LED (orange)
Dead battery indication Illumination of battery alarm LED (orange)
Battery life (reference value) 5% use (72 min/day) : 62 days
Continuous use : 180 hours
Standard accessories Receiver, Output Cable 5m (standard), ½AA Lithium battery,
Stylus spanner, Stylus wrench
EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Manual Manual (English)
Manual (Espanol)

Options

Standard Model

*This is the part number of the standard specification of the RC-K3X series.
If you have not determined any specific specifications, please contact us about the following part number.

Product No. Direction of detection Contact force Repeatability Protective structure Contact life time
RC-K3X-004-002S ±X、±Y、Z 3-direction X,Y=0.5N Z=5.5N 0.001mm IP67 3 million

Contact