Renishaw extends 5-axis touch-trigger reach to 300 mm with PH20 PLUS

Renishaw is introducing the PH20 PLUS 5-axis touch-trigger system for coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), a direct replacement for its established PH20 head. The headline specification is reach: with a 50 mm stylus, the new head provides a maximum working length of up to 300 mm from the centre of the A-axis — an increase of over 50% compared with the original PH20 system, announced in September 2026.

Building on the 2010 platform

The original PH20 touch-trigger system, launched in 2010, utilises head motion technology developed for the REVO® 5-axis measurement system. The PH20 PLUS builds on that foundation with a redesigned kinematic mount that supports longer probe configurations. The practical payoff is an additional 107 mm of reach, designed to improve access to features deep inside parts and in hard-to-reach areas — exactly the geometry that has historically forced awkward setups or compromised measurement strategies.

Renishaw's product management makes clear the upgrade path was a design priority.

"With PH20 PLUS, we've focused on extending capability which we think will appeal to both existing PH20 customers and those with measurement requirements which could previously not be met by the existing head," said Nathan Fielder, Product Manager at Renishaw.

Protecting the installed base

Backwards compatibility is the other half of the story. The PH20 PLUS system maintains compatibility with the existing range of TP20 modules, and existing PH20 users can adopt the new head while reusing existing part programmes and measurement strategies. Existing TP20 probe modules connect via the PB20 adaptor, while new PE20 modules interface directly with the head's larger kinematic mount. The system is fully compatible with Renishaw's UCC controller, integrating in the same way as the original PH20.

That matters for CMM owners weighing upgrade cost against capability gain: the tooling investment carries forward.

Automated module changing

A new modular rack system supports automated probe module changing, mounting to an MRS2 rail on the CMM bed or machine frame. The powered PH20 PLUS PCR20 rack provides a standalone option for holding multiple probe modules and accessories.

See it at IMTS 2026

For manufacturers running PH20-equipped CMMs, the calculus is straightforward: 107 mm more reach, up to 300 mm working length, and no need to rewrite existing part programmes. The deeper question is what that extra access unlocks for parts that previously sat beyond the original head's envelope.