Machine-tool touch-trigger probes are helpful in a number of ways. These probes enable machines to perform automated fixture alignment to speed setups, measure part features for in-process inspection, and even digitize parts for reverse-engineering purposes. Until recently, there have been two general classes of touch-trigger probes for machine tools: kinematic and strain-gage. Kinematic probes use a spring-loaded mechanism that secures the stylus. This mechanism also contains a set of contacts with an electrical circuit that triggers a probe output when the stylus deflects after touching the part. (The amount of stylus deflection before triggering is known as pre-travel.) Strain-gage probes have a similar spring-loaded mechanism, but use multiple strain gages to trigger a probe output instead of contacts.
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