Solartron develops ultra-low contact force touch probes

Citation

(2011), "Solartron develops ultra-low contact force touch probes", Sensor Review, Vol. 31 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2011.08731aad.001

Solartron develops ultra-low contact force touch probes

Article Type: New products From: Sensor Review, Volume 31, Issue 1

Solartron metrology has introduced a new range of ultra-low contact force touch probes. Based on the company’s existing Feather Touch probes, which already have a low tip force of 0.18 N, the new Ultra Feather Touch models exert a probing force as low as 0.03 N (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Ultra Feather Touch probes from Solartron

With their innovative spring balance design and lower moving mass, the high-performance pneumatic probes have been developed for gauging delicate materials such as glass or plastic, which require very low tip forces to avoid deforming the component and contact tip materials that do not leave a mark.

Air vented through the shroud at the front of the probe continuously cleans the bearings. This ensures long probe life in automated systems where dust contamination may be present.

Replaceable nylon tips can be used to prevent surface damage to components, while tungsten carbide tips can be fitted for measuring hot glass. Woven steel braid sheathing for the cable provides additional protection for critical applications.

“The Ultra Feather Touch probes were developed in response to demand from automotive glass manufacturers,” said Solartron’s Sales and Marketing Director Neil Curtis. “There is nothing else on the market with such a low tip force.”

As well as automotive windscreens, the probes can be used for gauging plastic parts, shiny metals, pharmaceutical bottles and electronic or electromechanical components.

Measurement range is 10 mm, and resolution is better than 0.01 μm. Fully traceable calibration certificates can be supplied. The probes have been designed to integrate with Solartron’s Orbit 3 Digital Network System as well as earlier Orbit systems.