Automated Inspection in Modern Manufacturing

RENISHAW are innovators in metrology, the science of measurement. Their core business is based on 3‐dimensional tough‐trigger probe technology, the original probe having been invented by the Group's chairman and chief executive, David McMurtry in the early 1970's when he was employed by the Aero‐Engine Division of the Rolls‐Royce Group at Filton. Particular components, under inspection on a Co‐ordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) would deflect when touched with a solid probe, which gave inaccurate readings. The touch‐trigger probe resulted which gave a signal with low contact force on the stylus, and which was repeatable. The touch‐trigger probe may be regarded as a sophisticated omni‐directional switch where changes in contact circuit characteristics are monitored by an interface unit for feeding to a machine's control. By 1979 nearly all CMMs incorporated Renishaw probes as standard equipment and annual sales had reached £1,000,000.