New to the market from HEIDENHAIN are two Touch Probes featuring hybrid technology, both offering radio and infrared signal transmissions.  Known as the TS 460 for workpiece measurement and the TT 460 for tool measurement, these touch probes are highly functional, reliable and easy to use. The dual signal transmission of these new touch probes enables the user to select either mode, combining the advantages of radio when extended range and large amounts of data are required, or the benefits offered by infrared signals when the highest accuracies and fast signal transmission are needed.  This way, one version of a touch probe can be operated on any machine size (from small and enclosed to large and open).  Difficult applications, such as plunging into a cylinder and 5-axis articulating spindle heads, are also simple to maneuver giving a user greater application flexibility and machine versatility. The radio transmission uses the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which does not require a license, and has 16 channels.  The range is usually 15 m, but much larger ranges are possible under ideal circumstances.  

The infrared transmission has a range of 7 m. The carrier frequency method makes this transmission very reliable, and the high frequency ensures a short delay time.  No matter which signal transmission chosen, users need only one SE 660 transmitter-receiver unit.  And these, as well as all HEIDENHAIN touch probes, have 360 degree range of transmission. On both the TT 460 and TS 460, the optical sensor is free of wear, and so provides the specified probing reproducibility even after a large number of probing processes (5 million switching cycles during type testing).  And the compact design makes it possible to use these touch probes even where installation space is limited.  The smaller contours of the TS permit much freedom when tilting into position.  The TS workpiece touch probes also have blower jets for cleaning the workpiece, either with coolant or compressed air. Both touch probes have an optional adapter to protect against collision and thermal decoupling.  In these instances, the adapter is placed between the touch probe and taper shank.