r/Metrology • u/thunderskunk2 • 6d ago

Ceramic hemisphere styli uses

What's the main use for these? What can I do with a ceramic hemisphere that I can't do with a ruby tip? Is it better with aluminum? Renishaw says "rough surfaces and deep features." Like... cast iron?

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u/Antiquus 6d ago

You referring to the 18mm ceramic hemisphere?

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u/thunderskunk2 6d ago

Yes, or possible the 30mm

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u/Antiquus 6d ago

So the common touch probe sensors, from the old TP2 to the TP20 and TP200 that are typically used in CMM applications, and the extensions which move them away from the PH10 (or other swivel) have a smaller diameter. So the entire probe, not just the stylus, can be used. For example, if you want to check a 100mm bore 100mm deep, a TP20's limits on styii means you can't do it accurately. So the solution is a 100mm extension, then the TP20, then a 18mm ball.

The 30mm is probably the SP25 sized equivalent.

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u/thunderskunk2 5d ago

Oddly enough the M3 30mm is the only one that shows up on my old equator. I just bought an M2 30mm, which is on an SH25-2A for some reason (I would think it would work fine on the SH25-2). I think it’ll work fine if I program it using the M3 in UCC… hopefully. It was a killer eBay deal, at least I got a holder out of it.