Introduction to Renishaw's Probes
The invention of the touch trigger probe in the early 1970's revolutionized the development of the co-ordinate measuring machine as the industry standard for 3D measurement.
Although the potential for applying probe routines on machine tools was quickly realized, it was not until the mid-1980s and development of more sophisticated machine controls, that probing became adopted by the world's largest machine tool builders.
Historically there has been a marked reluctance by the users of machine tools to use touch probes, typical objections included "increased cycle times" and "machine tools are for cutting not for measuring". Both sentiments have been largely based on misconceptions as to the real applications and benefits of touch probes, and also entrenched attitudes to improvements in methods of machine tool operation.
Today, the acceptance of quality control in the production environment, and drive towards maximizing machine productivity, has finally seen probing accepted as standard practice in the field of production engineering.
APPLICATIONS
Tool setting
Using slip gauges and entering offset data manually takes time and is prone to operator error. Tool setting probes are easily installed on machining centers and CNC lathes and allow automated operation with the following benefits:
Spindle and turret-mounted probes can also be used for in-cycle gauging and 1st off inspection - manual gauges rely on operator skill and the removal of parts to CMMs is not always practical. Benefits include: 
