Heidenhain Introduces Battery-free Infrared Touch Probe

Heidenhain Corporation recently introduced a battery-free infrared touch probe.

For users looking for an alternative to battery-operated touch probes for machining applications, Heidenhain Corporation (Schaumburg, IL) offers the TS 444 infrared touch probe. The new TS 444 can be powered by an alternative energy source in the form of compressed air supplied through the spindle of the machine tool, and can be of use with all Heidenhain control systems.

To operate the TS 444 touch probe, compressed air is introduced into the touch probe via the taper shank, and powers a turbine wheel inside the touch probe. The turbine wheel generates electrical energy through changes in the magnetic field, which is stored in high-power capacitors.

With fully charged capacitors, the touch probe is able to probe for two minutes. The charging time of the TS 444 touch probe varies depending upon the pressure: The higher the pressure, the shorter the charging time. A supply pressure of 5 bars or more is recommended to ensure that charging takes place in a reasonable time.

For example, when a pressure of 5.5 bars is used, it takes around three seconds to completely charge the touch probe. Like with conventional Heidenhain touch probes, the exit air is used for cleaning the probing point on this TS 444. This means that at the same time that the touch probe is charged with energy, the probing point is cleaned. The compressed air does not need to be specially cleaned.

Like other Heidenhain touch probes, the TS 444 features a proven optical sensor technology for generating the trigger signal. This sensor endures a probing accuracy or ± 5 µm and a repeatability of 1 µm.

Heidenhain Corporation, 333 E. State Parkway, Schaumburg, IL 60173, 847-490-1191, [email protected], www.heidenhain.com.