Error Compensation for CMM Touch Trigger Probes

Published

January 1, 1995

Author(s)

William T. Estler, Steven D. Phillips, Bruce R. Borchardt, Ted Hopp, Christoph J. Witzgall, M Levenson, et al

Abstract

We present the analysis of a simple mechanical model of a common type of kinematic seat touch trigger probe widely used on modem coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). The model provides a quantitative description of the pre-travel variation or probe lobing characteristics that limit the use of such probes for high-accuracy dimensional measurements. We include the effects of stylus bending and the frictional interaction between the stylus ball and the part surface. The model is restricted to probes with simple straight styli, and we demonstrate significant error reduction both for vertically- and horizontally-oriented styli. In the latter case, gravitational forces are shown to play an important role in probe triggering and pre?travel variation. Extensions to arbitrary orientations are discussed.

Proceedings Title

Proceedings of ASPE Annual Meeting

Conference Location

Austin, TX, USA

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

coordinate measuring machines, dimensional metrology, error correction, modeling, touch trigger probes

Citation

Estler, W. , Phillips, S. , Borchardt, B. , Hopp, T. , Witzgall, C. , Levenson, M. and al, E. (1995), Error Compensation for CMM Touch Trigger Probes, Proceedings of ASPE Annual Meeting, Austin, TX, USA (Accessed October 17, 2025)