Dynamic error characteristics of touch trigger probes fitted to coordinate measuring machines

This paper discusses the dynamic error characteristics of touch trigger probes used with coordinate measuring machines. During the investigation, a number of important parameters have been identified, including measurement speed, probe longitude, approach distance, probe latitude, stylus length/stylus tip diameter, probe orientation, operating mode (scanning and non-scanning), scan pitch, pre-load spring force (gauging force), probe type and the surface approach angle. This paper presents the detailed experimental design and the results obtained from the systematic experiments. These results have led to some useful recommendations for the reduction of the probe dynamic errors. Some of these recommendations included the selection of the optimum measurement speed, the setting of the pre-load spring force and the choice of the probe type