Chotest PO40 In-Machine Touch Probe for CNC Machine Tools

Overview

The Chotest PO40 is a high-precision, infrared-triggered in-machine touch probe engineered for integration with CNC machining centers—including 3-axis, 5-axis, and multitasking turning-milling platforms. Based on proven kinematic trigger mechanics and modulated infrared (IR) signal transmission, the PO40 enables real-time, non-contact tool or workpiece measurement directly within the machining cycle—eliminating manual intervention, reducing setup time, and supporting closed-loop process control. Its design adheres to fundamental metrological principles of tactile probing: mechanical deflection of a stylus induces a repeatable electrical trigger event, synchronized with machine coordinate acquisition via standardized M-code interface. This architecture ensures traceable dimensional feedback aligned with ISO 10360-5 (coordinate measuring machines) and supports compliance with shop-floor quality management frameworks such as ISO 9001 and AS9100.

Key Features

• Infrared Modulation Technology: Proprietary IR carrier-wave modulation delivers immunity to ambient light interference—including coolant mist, shop lighting, and reflected machining sparks—ensuring stable bidirectional communication across XY-plane angles of ±360° and Z-axis coverage of ±85°, with nominal line-of-sight range up to 5 meters under standard power mode.
• Metrological Performance: Bidirectional repeatability better than 2σ ≤ 1.0 µm per ISO 10360-5 methodology; trigger mechanism rated for ≥10 million actuations under typical industrial duty cycles.
• Power Efficiency & Battery Management: Ultra-low-power circuitry extends single-use lithium battery life to ≥150 operational hours (at 5% duty cycle), equivalent to >90 days in typical high-volume production environments; optional low-power mode further extends service interval.
• Robust Mechanical Design: Full 360° energy-absorbing housing mitigates impact loads during accidental probe collision; integrated shock-dampening structure protects internal transduction elements without compromising stylus sensitivity.
• Environmental Resilience: IP68-rated probe body and IP68-rated receiver unit withstand continuous exposure to cutting fluids, metal chips, high-pressure coolant washdown, and temperature fluctuations common in heavy-duty machining cells.
• Status Feedback System: Multi-segment LED indicator provides real-time visual diagnostics for wake-up/standby state, stylus engagement status, trigger confirmation, and battery charge level—enabling rapid operator verification without software dependency.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PO40 is mechanically and electrically compatible with standard DIN 69242 / ISO 230-7 mounting interfaces and supports OEM-standard M-code activation (e.g., M50/M51) across Fanuc, Siemens SINUMERIK, Heidenhain TNC, Mitsubishi M700/M800, and Haas controllers. It satisfies functional safety requirements for in-process probing per ISO 13849-1 PL d (Category 3) when installed with certified receiver mounting and proper grounding. All firmware and hardware configurations comply with electromagnetic compatibility standards IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (emissions). The probe’s mechanical construction meets RoHS 2011/65/EU and REACH SVHC criteria.

Software & Data Management

The PO40 integrates natively with Chotest’s proprietary in-machine measurement software suite—supporting automatic NC program generation from CAD geometry, GD&T-aware measurement planning, and real-time statistical process monitoring (SPC). Measurement data export formats include CSV, XML, and STEP AP242-compliant metrology reports. Audit trail functionality logs all probe activations, coordinate acquisitions, and offset corrections with timestamp, operator ID (if configured), and machine context—meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements when deployed in regulated manufacturing environments (e.g., medical device or aerospace component production). Software updates are delivered via secure HTTPS channel with SHA-256 signature verification.

Applications

• Workpiece origin setting and datum alignment prior to machining initiation
• On-machine verification of fixture repeatability and clamping-induced distortion (e.g., thin-wall aerospace components)
• Dimensional inspection of critical features: step heights, diameters, slot widths, and thread pitch diameters
• Geometric tolerance evaluation: position, perpendicularity, angularity, concentricity, and profile of surface
• Freeform surface digitization for mold, turbine blade, and impeller verification against nominal CAD
• Post-process validation with automated alarm-triggered tool offset correction (e.g., wear compensation or thermal drift adjustment)
• Presence/absence detection for automated loading/unloading systems

FAQ

What CNC control systems does the PO40 support?
The PO40 is pre-configured for Fanuc, Siemens SINUMERIK, Heidenhain TNC, Mitsubishi, and Haas controls via standard M-code activation; custom macro integration is available upon request.
Is calibration required before first use?
Yes—initial stylus qualification and probe sphere calibration must be performed using a certified reference sphere and documented per ISO 10360-5 procedures; annual recalibration is recommended for GMP/GLP environments.
Can the PO40 be used in dry machining or abrasive environments?
Yes—the IP68 sealing and hardened tungsten carbide stylus tip ensure reliable operation in dry milling, grinding, and EDM applications where particulate contamination is prevalent.
Does the system support wireless synchronization with offline CMM analysis software?
Yes—measurement datasets can be exported and imported into PC-DMIS, Calypso, and PolyWorks for cross-platform comparison and reporting.
What is the warranty period and service support coverage?
Chotest provides a 24-month limited warranty covering material and workmanship defects; extended service plans including on-site calibration and firmware lifecycle management are available globally through authorized distributors.