Renishaw's PH20 PLUS Extends 5-Axis Touch-Trigger Reach to 300 mm

Renishaw has introduced the PH20 PLUS 5-axis touch-trigger system for coordinate measuring machines, positioned as a direct replacement for the established PH20 head. The headline figure: a maximum working length of up to 300 mm from the centre of the A-axis with a 50 mm stylus — an increase of over 50% in inspection reach compared to the original head.

For CMM programmers who have hit the physical limits of the PH20, that extra reach is the point. Features deep inside parts and in hard-to-access areas have historically forced workarounds; the PH20 PLUS is designed to bring them within the working volume of a standard touch-trigger routine.

A redesigned mount, not a new philosophy

The enabling change is mechanical. The PH20 PLUS features a redesigned kinematic mount that supports longer and heavier probe configurations. Alongside it, new PE20 modules — based on the TP20 probe system — provide a direct interface with the head.

"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 existing investment

Renishaw has been careful on backwards compatibility, and rightly so — the PH20 has been in service since 2010, and installed bases are substantial. The PH20 PLUS maintains compatibility with existing TP20 probe modules via the PB20 adaptor, meaning current hardware, stylus configurations, and part programmes carry over. The system can also be configured to match the effective working length of existing PH20 installations, which simplifies replacement decisions considerably.

Integration follows the same pattern. The PH20 PLUS is fully compatible with Renishaw's UCC controller and integrates the same way as the original system — a genuine drop-in replacement rather than a retrofit project.

Automated module changing

A new modular rack system supports automatic and repeatable probe module changing. The rack mounts to an MRS2 rail, which can be installed on the CMM bed or directly onto the machine frame, and includes configurable change ports alongside connector modules distributing electrical power across the rack.

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