While a high-performance measuring machine is a prerequisite for staying competitive, many quality managers are not achieving maximum efficiency and quality with their coordinate measuring machines (CMMs).

Be it point measurements for exceptional accuracy or the scanning of certain materials, it’s important to have the right stylus system for any measuring task.

“How do I probe this?” is a question frequently asked by CMM operators and machinists when faced with unusual workpiece features or properties. Often, a traditional ruby ball, carbide stem, and threaded base stylus won’t work. The solution is a special stylus. This article is an overview of some special styli that make up an important part of a CMM or machine tool toolbox.

Choosing the right stylus for a coordinate measuring machine probe is a balancing act of size, weight, rigidity and hardness.

These small items can affect the accuracy of much larger pieces of equipment.