Renishaw's PH20 PLUS Stretches CMM Touch-Trigger Reach to 300 mm

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 number: 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.

That extra reach matters. It translates to 107 mm of additional working length, aimed squarely at improving access to features deep inside parts and in hard-to-reach areas — the kind of geometry that has historically forced workarounds or compromised measurement strategies.

Building on a proven platform

The original PH20 touch-trigger system launched in 2010 and uses head motion technology developed for the REVO® 5-axis measurement system. The PH20 PLUS keeps that foundation but adds a redesigned kinematic mount in the A-axis, which supports longer and heavier probe configurations than the original head could accommodate.

The system is based on the TP20 probe standard, with new PE20 modules featuring a larger kinematic mount for direct interface with the PH20 PLUS head. Existing TP20 probe modules remain usable via the PB20 adaptor, and the system can be configured to match the effective working length of existing PH20 installations.

Upgrade path, not a rip-and-replace

Backwards compatibility is clearly central to the pitch. Existing PH20 users can adopt the new head and reuse existing part programmes and measurement strategies — protecting prior tooling and programming investment rather than stranding it.

"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.

The PH20 PLUS is fully compatible with Renishaw's UCC controller and integrates in the same way as the original PH20, making it a drop-in replacement for existing CMM installations.

Automated module changing

A new modular rack system supports automatic and repeatable probe module changing. It mounts to an MRS2 rail — installable on the CMM bed or directly onto the machine frame — with configurable change ports for TP20 modules and temperature-controlled ports for PE20 modules. The powered PH20 PLUS PCR20 rack offers a standalone option for holding multiple probe modules and accessories.

See it at IMTS 2026