XO CMM with Renishaw PH20 vs. XOplus with Renishaw PH10M/SP25

6.advantages.Renishaw.SP25

At our recent Metrology Matters Live Open House we compared seven inspection systems and their capabilities by measuring the same 3D printed part.

Since then we’ve released a complete video series of the in-depth, side-by-side comparisons of all seven systems with our experts showing the best application of each metrology solution.

In this article, we compare:

  • Wenzel XO CMM with Renishaw PH20

vs.

  • Wenzel’s newest CMM – XOplus with Renishaw PH10/SP25Both systems are considered to be common touch probe solutions, but they still have specific strengths and ideal uses for different inspection and measuring applications. So, choosing can be tough.

First, let our experts take you up close with the XO CMM and PH20 from the Metrology Matters Live event.


The PH20 and PH10/SP25 are both touch-trigger, contact systems with some similar advantages including:

  • Accuracy
  • Flexibility
  • Ability to measure holes in metal and plastic

Both the PH20 and PH10M/SP25 also have similar limitations, specifically in gathering point clouds or seeing inside parts.

That said, CMMs with simple probing technology based around a TP20 – including the PH20 – still account for at least half of all the metrology machines we sell. It seems, in metrology, as in many things, the simple basics will suit the majority of your measurement needs.

Where the SP25 particularly comes into its own if your applications call for more points or longer reach.

Our second expert video takes a look at the basic capabilities of the PH10/SP 25 combination.

Now let’s take a closer look at each and go over the pros and cons and the specific applications to which they are best suited.

renishaw sp256 advantages of the XO CMM & PH20 combination:

Lowest cost CMM head & controller combo
Infinite number of angular positions
Head is mapped so calibration is very fast
Fast head touching (not using the CMM structure to take points)
Can run PH10 programs in head touch mode
Motion avoids stylus shaking out in most cases

2 potential disadvantages of the PH20 system

Accuracy at TP20 level (still good enough for most applications)
Reach and penetration limited to TP20 module capability

5 advantages of the PH10M/SP25 combination

  • More points in less time – good for form measurement
  • Quickly collects points on profiles (faster than touch trigger, but slower than REVO)
  • Accurate measurement, even with very long styli (up to 400mm)
  • Works on PH10M so scanning probe can be articulated at 7.5° increments. PH10M can also hold other scanners like
  • lasers or white light so this becomes a powerful combination
  • Very compact for a scanning probe (1” diameter)

renishaw probe extenders3 possible disadvantages of XOplus & PH10M/SP25 Combo

  • Each position used has to be calibrated – This can be time consuming if a lot of tool positions used
  • Sometimes 7.5° increments can be limiting
  • SP25 systems do cost a bit more but not too much.

Which CMM Touch Trigger Probe Should You Use?

If your needs require the lowest price and the fastest touch trigger measurement on the planet – there is only one choice – Renishaw PH20 mounted on an XO CMM frame.

If your needs require excellent accuracy, form measurement and the ability to use short or long styli still at an amazing value – the Renishaw PH10M/SP25 combined with the XOplus is the ideal choice.

For even more information:

Take a look at the 7-Systems Technical Overview White Paper we produced following the Metrology Matters open house where we assessed each inspection system including a Metrology Technical scorecard at the bottom of the paper.