15 Touch Probe Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for touch probes as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 15 touch probe manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked touch probe companies as of November, 2024: 1.SILVERCNC, 2.Quality Vision International Inc., 3.Measurement Specialties, Inc..
Table of Contents
What Is a Touch Probe?
Touch probes are contact-type sensors used to measure the dimensions of machine tool tools and workpieces with high precision.
Attached to the spindle or turret of an NC machine tool, the stylus is brought into contact with the object, and the coordinates measured with micron-level accuracy are fed back to the NC. When incorporated into a machining program, the system can be set to generate an error if the measured values exceed the allowable range. This makes it possible to instantly identify machining defects.
In addition, the measured values are sequentially stored in the NC. Analysis of these values can be applied to improve productivity and machining accuracy.
Uses of Touch Probes
Touch probes were originally developed for 3D measurement, but are now widely used on CNC machine tools such as machining centers and turret lathes. Touch probes are capable of making contact from multiple angles, making it possible to measure a wide variety of shapes.
For example, by measuring both sides of a workpiece, the distance between the two points can be determined, and at the same time, the geometry of both sides, such as flatness and parallelism, can be measured. It can also be used to measure the inside diameter and runout of a workpiece hole, the distance between the centers of multiple holes, and the external shape of a turned workpiece.
Principle of Touch Probes
When the stylus of the touch probe contacts the object, a signal is transmitted to the receiver, which feeds back the machine home position at that time to the NC to measure dimensions. There are several methods of transmitting signals from the probe, including inductive, infrared, and wireless methods.
1. Inductive Method
This is a method in which a module for signal transmission is installed in the receiver and probe inside the machine, and signals are transmitted by electromagnetic coils. Since the receiver and probe must be in close proximity to each other, the layout is quite restricted.
On the other hand, the power supply for the probe can be provided via the module, eliminating the need for a power supply for the probe itself.
2. Infrared Method
This method transmits signals using infrared rays. Compared to the inductive method, the infrared method has a much wider signal transmission range, which eliminates the problem of layout limitations. This transmission method is still used in many situations today.
3. Wireless Method
The radio method uses radio waves to further improve the signal transmission range of the infrared method. This method can be used for large machines and 5-axis machines with wide tooling zones.
Types of Touch Probes
Touch probes have been introduced on a wide variety of machine tools.
1. Touch Probes for Grinding Machines
Touch probes are used on grinding machines to detect wear of grinding wheels for cylindrical grinding and to measure the height of the workpiece to be ground. Since tools are changed manually on grinders, cable-communicating touch probes are widely used.
2. Touch Probes for NC Lathes
Touch probes are used on NC lathes to measure the inside diameter, outside diameter, and end faces of workpieces. Wireless touch probes are the most common type because they are connected to the turret.
3. Touch Probes for Simple Use
These touch probes are mainly used on general-purpose machine tools or as workpiece setup aids, and are of the analog type. Some probes use a dial cage to read values or LEDs to indicate contact.
Other Information About Touch Probes
1. Comparison With Manual CMMs
Although CMMs existed before touch probes were introduced, they manually pressed the measuring element against the object to be measured and the operator pressed a button to acquire data. This method has the problem that the operator presses the probe against the object to be measured, which causes errors in the values at the operator's discretion.
The current touch probes do not have the accuracy error problem that occurs with manual operation, and measurements can always be taken with high accuracy.
2. Advantages of Touch Probes
Touch probes are now often installed on machine tools such as machining centers. On-machine measurement advantages of touch probes include the following
Reduction of Work Time
Work time can be reduced because there is no need to move from the machining center to the measuring machine and no need to set the origin on the measuring machine. Workpiece measurement can be performed on the machine, so rework can be performed after measurement is complete.
Reduction of Worker Burden
The workpiece does not need to be moved from the processing machine to the measuring machine, so the origin position remains the same. As mentioned above, the work to set the origin is no longer necessary, reducing the operator's workload.
List of 15 Touch Probe Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- China
- Germany
- Japan
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
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Quality Vision International Inc.
Touch Probe
Manufacturer Overview
Quality Vision International Inc., established in 1992, and based in New York, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of precision multisensor metrology systems. The product portfolio includes 3D measuring systems, metrology systems, demo units, OPG software, sensors, and other accessories. The products are used in various industries which include aerospace, automotive, energy, medical, and plastics. The company also offers technical support, customer services, and product selector options with ISO certified quality products.
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Measurement Specialties, Inc.
Touch Probes
Distributor Overview
Measurement Specialties, Inc. (MSI) is a metrology field services provider with minor operations as a distributor of sensor-based measuring equipment that was established in 1997. Based in Miamisburg, Ohio, the company provides retrofitting, repair, and software updating services for CMM and other metrology equipment, as well as programming, calibration, inspection and certification. They also offer various sensors and sensor-based electronic measurement devices including pressure sensors, encoders, and transducers. MSI primarily serves clients in the industrial sector, including power generation, chemicals processing, and construction companies.
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METROL Inc.
Touch-probe Sensors
Manufacturer Overview
Metrol Co.,Ltd. is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of precision mechanical sensors and switches for industrial applications that was established in 1976 in Tokyo, Japan. The company produces various mechanical switches and sensors including touch probe contact sensors, tool setters, and precision positioning touch switches. These products have applications in line automation, robotics, and plant safety systems. The company also offers testing, and customization, and certification services for clients with unique project specifications.
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Hexagon AB
m&h infrared touch probe
Manufacturer Overview
Hexagon AB was established in 1992 in Stockholm, Sweden as a manufacturer, designer, and marketer of digital reality solutions and autonomous technologies. The company offers various products, such as, digital quality inspection, Jovix, LuciadCPillar, REcreate, among others. The solutions offered by the company enhance productivity, efficiency, quality, and safety in various sectors, including manufacturing, infrastructure, industrial, public sector, and mobility applications. It also offers geographic information system (GIS) software for creating 3D models and maps, as well as sensors for satellite location and data collection from the air and ground.
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Carl Zeiss GOM Metrology GmbH
GOM Touch Probe
Manufacturer Overview
Carl Zeiss GOM Metrology GmbH established in 1990 and based in Braunschweig, Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of 3D measuring systems. The product portfolio includes precise 3D measuring technology, 3D scanning, 3D testing, and 3D measuring machines. The company also offers industrial-specific solutions for sensors, analysis software, technical support, and training courses. The products are used in various industries which include semiconductor technology, industrial quality and research, and medical technology. and consumer markets.
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Blum-Novotest GmbH
BLUM touch probes for machine tools
Manufacturer Overview
Blum-Novotest GmbH, founded in 1968, is a manufacturer of high-precision measuring and testing equipment, headquartered in Grünkraut, Germany. The company's product line includes laser controls, probes, gauges, receivers, and measurement software. They also provide services such as retrofitting and repair. Additionally, they have partnered with TMAC, AutoComp, and Komflex to offer more systems and software. Blum-Novotest GmbH serves various industries, such as automotive and aerospace, through its measuring and testing technology. They ensure the accuracy and precision of machines and tools used in these industries, which is essential for the quality of the final products.
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Harbin Pioneer M&E Technical Development Co.,Ltd.
CNC Machine Tool Touch Probe System
Manufacturer Overview
Harbin Pioneer M&E Technical Development Co., Ltd, established in 1995 and based in Harbin, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of CNC machine tools. The product portfolio includes a touch probe system, CNC tool setter system, and probe stylus systems. The company offers products that are easy to install, and simple to operate and corresponding software support with CNC probe machine solutions. The products are used in various applications for CNC machinery.
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SILVERCNC
Touch Probe
Manufacturer Overview
SILVERCNC, established in 2013, and based in Shenzhen, China, is a supplier and manufacturer of CNC machinery tools. The product portfolio includes a diverse range of rotary tables, touch probes, tool setters, zero-point clamping systems, and other CNC machinery accessories. All the company products are ISO-certified with quality management systems and incoming quality control (IQC), process quality control (PQC), and outgoing quality control (OQC). The products are used mainly in the machinery and tools industries.
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Renishaw plc.
Legacy touch probes
Manufacturer Overview
Renishaw, founded in 1973, is a manufacturer and supplier headquartered in the UK, specializing in designing, developing, and delivering precise metrology technology systems and solutions. The company’s product portfolio includes metrology, position and motion control systems and healthcare applications. The company also offers additive manufacturing technology, producing industrial machines for metal 3D printing. The company’s solutions and products cater to diverse sectors including healthcare, oil and gas, petrochemical, energy, and more. With offices in 36 countries, Renishaw helps companies worldwide transform their manufacturing with their precision measurement and process control systems.
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DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH
Touch probes and vision systems
Manufacturer Overview
HEIDENHAIN, founded in 1889 and headquartered in Traunreut, Germany, is a manufacturer of precision measurement and control equipment. Specializing in industries requiring precise solutions, the company offers rotary and linear encoders, digital readouts, touch probes, and motion controllers. These products serve sectors like manufacturing, electronics, and aerospace, ensuring enhanced precision and efficiency. The company holds ISO 9001 certification and is an EMAS-certified company, thereby meeting the demanding, globally recognized environmental certification standards of the European Union.
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Esenssys
Handheld gages,3D touch probe
Manufacturer Overview
ES Systems, established in 2013 with headquarters in Greece, is a manufacturer of pressure and flow sensors based on micro-electronics technologies. The company's product line includes thermal gas flow meters, mass flow transmitters, silicon capacitive pressure sensors, MEMS sensors, and heavy-duty pressure transmitters. These products are used in the manufacture of medical equipment, industrial automation, aerospace applications, and HVAC systems. The company also provides custom design, engineering, and manufacture of MEMS systems and sensor solutions.
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Tosei America Inc
Touch Locator
Manufacturer Overview
Tosei America Inc., founded in 2009 and located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a manufacturer of automatic measuring equipment for production lines of precision automotive parts, bearings, and electronic products. The company provides a range of products, including gages, micrometers, digital measuring instruments, laser interferometers, and automatic measuring systems. Their products cater to diverse industries such as automotive, bearings, and the electronics industry. These products are used to ensure adherence to industry standards, detect defects or variations, and verify the reliability and precision of the produced components.
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CNC4PC
Touch Probe
Manufacturer Overview
CNC4PC established in 2010 and based in Florida, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of integration solutions for PC based CNC applications. The company product portfolio includes breakout boards, motion controls, hardware, plasma, relays, power supplies, and spindles. The products are used in various applications for computer software and hardware with plugins. The company also offers special function boards and other power supplies. The company products are used in various industries laptops, computers, and mobile devices with automation technology.
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CraftyCNC
Touch Probes
Manufacturer Overview
Crafty CNC, established in 2013, and based online, is a manufacturer and supplier of hobby machinist tools. The product portfolio includes different types of touch probes which are compatible with CNC controls and ideal for bench-top machines. The company also offers software for machinist tools to improve functionality, ease the use of probing, and reverse-engineered solutions. The products are used in multiple industries which include computers, laptops, mobile and iPad software with CNC machinery.
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AIMS - Advanced Industrial Measurement Systems
Touch Probes
Manufacturer Overview
AIMS - Advanced Industrial Measurement Systems, founded in Miamisburg, Ohio, in 2009 is a manufacturer and supplies of CMMs, measuring probes, and custom metrology fixtures. The company's product portfolio includes Used Refurbished Machines, Equator™ Gauging System, Renishaw Components, Software Options and CMM Retrofits. The company serves markets including Medical and Healthcare, Aerospace and Defense, Consumer Goods, Industrial Manufacturing and Construction and Building. The company also provides services including national distribution, product selection, installation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and customer service.
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Touch Probe Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SILVERCNC |
14.3%
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| 2 | Quality Vision International Inc. |
10.9%
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| 3 | Measurement Specialties, Inc. |
9.7%
|
| 4 | Blum-Novotest GmbH |
8.4%
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| 5 | CNC4PC |
8.0%
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| 6 | AIMS - Advanced Industrial Measurement Systems |
7.6%
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| 7 | Harbin Pioneer M&E Technical Development Co.,Ltd. |
6.7%
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| 8 | CraftyCNC |
6.7%
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| 9 | Carl Zeiss GOM Metrology GmbH |
5.9%
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| 10 | Tosei America Inc |
5.9%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the touch probe page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- METROL Inc.: 108
Newly Established Company
- SILVERCNC: 2013 (11 years ago)
- Harbin Pioneer M&E Technical Development Co.,Ltd.: 1995 (29 years ago)
- METROL Inc.: 1976 (48 years ago)
Company with a History
- DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH: 1889 (135 years ago)
- Quality Vision International Inc.: 1945 (79 years ago)
- Renishaw plc.: 1973 (51 years ago)
Touch Probe Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of Touch Probe Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
Germany
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3 | 30.0% |
United States of America
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2 | 20.0% |
China
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2 | 20.0% |
Japan
|
1 | 10.0% |
Sweden
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1 | 10.0% |
United Kingdom
|
1 | 10.0% |
