TOUCH PROBE Touch-probe Sensors

The touch probe is a contact/touch sensor for on-machine measurement that improves the efficiency of setup work.

It automatically measures the origin of the workpiece and dimensions after machining at high speed and with high precision. Mainly, it allows machine tools and robots to reduce setup time, prevent machining defects, improve cycle time, and eliminate dependence on skilled operators and jigs.

There are two touch probe types: wired and wireless, which can be selected based on the equipment and environment in which they will be mounted. These sensors will be increasingly needed in production facilities where efficiency and automation are increasingly demanded.

タッチプローブ

Functions of the Touch-probe Sensor

  • Automated workpiece centering and positioning in the machine tool
  • High-precision workpiece positioning minimizes defective parts.
  • Eliminates manual workpiece positioning, greatly reducing human error and setup time.
  • Realizes process without operator assistance and supports full automation.

Why METROL Wins Customers

Reason 1:

Protection rating IP67 against water, coolant, dust, and also supports high-speed application.

Touch probes must be able to perform stable detection even in adverse environments exposed to dust, chips, and coolant. METROL touch probes sensors are IP67 rated for high durability and applicable on fast moving machine tools, thus contributing to shorter cycle times.
METROL is also an active user of touch probes in our own factory. We have conducted severe coolant and durability tests on actual machines and have implemented the necessary functions for touch probes from the user's perspective through a series of improvements.

Reason 2:

A wide-ranging product lineup to choose from

Our touch probe sensors can be used in a wide variety of customer applications.
Wired or wireless type, as well as 1-to-3-dimensional direction of detection can be selected, and various customizations such as flange for mounting, LED, cable connector, in addition to other options, are all available.
All stylus (measuring probes) for touch probe sensors are designed and made in our own factory, and we can design them in any shape and material to suit your purpose and needs.

Reason 3:

Low-cost, expedited engineering services achieved by Made-in-JAPAN quality

“I want to use touch probe sensors, but it is too pricey”
“We use touch probes from another company, but they take time to respond to repairs, inquiries, etc.”

In recent years, the need for touch probes has increased dramatically due to factory automation, but touch probes made by other brands are still expensive in terms of both price and maintenance costs.
METROL touch probe sensors are manufactured extensively in Japan while maintaining low prices. Even in the unlikely event of a technical problem, the most advanced inspection equipment will be used to investigate and identify the cause of the problem. Our engineers will provide expedited service that can only be provided by METROL.

Reason 4:

Highly trusted communication performance

With the spread of 5-axis machines and robots, the need for wireless touch probes is rapidly increasing.
Our wireless touch probe series consists of a 2.4 GHz band and highly reliable software to ensure stable communication. The battery, which has been a bottleneck in the past, can now be used continuously for long periods of time, contributing to a reduction in the maintenance burden.

Wired Touch Probes

タッチプローブK3M

For CNC Robots and Welding Robot

K3M Series

タッチプローブK3Mの方向

Repeatability 0.03mm (At operating of speed 500 - 1000mm/min)
0.01mm(At operating of speed 100 - 200mm/min)
Contact force XY=1N,  Z=3N
Protective structure IP67
Pretravel X,Y=±0.4mm  Z=0.1mm

小型タッチプローブK3S

For CNC Lathes

K3S Series

小型タッチプローブK3Sの方向

Repeatability 0.001mm(2σ) (At operating of speed 50 - 5000mm/min)
Contact force X,Y=0.5N - 0.75N  Z=5.5N
Protective structure IP68
Pretravel 0

タッチプローブK3E

For CNC Lathes

K3E Series

タッチプローブK3Eの方向

Repeatability 0.001mm(2σ)(At operating of speed 50 - 200mm/min)
Contact force X,Y=0.5N Z=5.5N
Protective structure IP67
Pretravel 0

タッチプローブK2A

For CNC Lathes / Special-purpose machines

K2A Series

タッチプローブK2Aの方向

Repeatability 0.001mm (At operating of speed 50 - 200mm/min)
Contact force X=1N Z=2.5N
Protective structure IP67
Pretravel X=0.6mm Z=0.1mm

タッチプローブK2C

For CNC Lathes / Special-purpose machines

K2C Series

タッチプローブK2Cの方向

Repeatability 0.001mm (At operating of speed 50 - 200mm/min)
Contact force X=0.4N Z=2.5N
Protective structure IP67
Stroke X=±8mm Z=4mm 

タッチプローブE2A

For CNC cylindrical grinders

E2A Series

タッチプローブE2Aの方向

Repeatability 0.002mm (At operating of speed 50 - 200mm/min)
Contact force 1.2N
Protective structure IP67
Pretravel Less than 0.5mm


Wireless Touch Probes

無線タッチプローブRC-K3E

High precision
Wireless touch probes

RC-K3X Series

無線タッチプローブRC-K3Eの方向

Repeatability 0.001mm (2σ) (At operating of speed 50 - 200mm/min)
Contact force X,Y=0.5N Z=5.5N
Protective structure IP68
Pretravel 0

RC-Pシリーズ

Wireless Position Detection Touch Switch

RC-P10DX Series

Repeatability 1μm(2σ)*Feed speed 150mm/min
Detection direction 1 direction
Over-travel amount 3mm

Demo Video

Case Study: Wireless Touch Probe for CNC Machine Tools

About Stylus for Touch Probes

タッチプローブ用スタイラスについて

We produce our own products in Japan NOT purchased elsewhere.

To achieve high accuracy with touch probes, it is important to select a stylus with high accessibility that matches the shape of the object and the environment in which it is used. Since all METROL styli are manufactured in our own factory, we offer customization (shape and material) according to the user's environment.
Please feel free to inquire us at your convenience.

Feature1 Choice of materials

・Shaft material: (1) Ceramic, (2) Tungsten carbide, (3) High-speed steel
・Tip ball material: (1) Ruby ball, (2) Tungsten carbide

Feature2 Customizable Shape

・Tip ball size / Shaft length / Shaft thickness

Benefits of Implementing Touch Probes

Prevents machining defects due to misalignment

タッチプローブの導入事例1

タッチプローブの導入事例2

Eliminates man-hours greatly

タッチプローブは工数削減に貢献

Conventional tool setting (external setup)

  • Risk of processing defects due to human error
  • Processing defects occur due to misalignment that cannot be visually confirmed.
  • Workpiece positioning by jigs or manually by experienced workers varies depending on skill level.
  • Manual positioning is time-consuming.

METROL touch probe
(on-machine measurement)

    • Automates workpiece originating process
    • Corrects misalignments invisible to the eye and prevents processing defects
    • Eliminates human variability in positioning
    • Faster than manual positioning
    • Eliminates material and labor costs and processing time associated with defective parts