(Renishaw: Hoffman Estates, IL) --  Renishaw’s new RLP40 and OLP40 lathe inspection probes offer a choice of signal transmission technologies—radio or optical—to make part setup and inspection on turning centers accurate, simple, and reliable. Measuring just 40 mm (1.57 in.) in diameter and 58.3 mm (2.30 in.) long, the probes provide unidirectional repeatability of 1 µm (0.00004 in.) and can be used to reduce setup times, scrap, and fixture costs, while improving process control. Both designs are hardened and sealed to IPX8 to withstand the extreme environments typical of lathes and turning centers. A proven eyelid protection system prevents entry of swarf and chips that could damage probe internals.

The RLP40’s unique frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) radio transmission pairs with the standard Renishaw radio machine interface (RMI) and utilizes the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The probe and its interface continually hop from one transmission channel to another, delivering unrivalled signal robustness, and flexibility through frequency switching. Radio transmission allows continuous communication between the probe and the interface, even when line of sight is lost.

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