Mycrona Gmbh

Stefan Hombach

Frank Brossette

A coordinate measuring machine including a support platform for supporting an object. Scanning means is supported by the support platform. The scanning means includes a probe assembly and a non-contact scanner. Drive means is connected to at least one of the probe assembly and the non-contact scanner for moving the probe assembly and non-contact scanner relative to each other. The probe assembly includes a probe movably disposed in a guide tube. The probe includes a shaft and a tip integrally formed from either a fiber-optic or non-fiber-optic material. The tip extends from the guide tube so as to be detectable by the non-contact scanner. The tip may include one or more stylus. During operation the tip contacts the object and the non-contact scanner detects the tip to determine the corresponding coordinates of the object. A light source illuminates the tip for improved detection of the tip. When the probe is formed of a fiber-optic material, light is emitted through the probe. When the probe is formed of a non-fiber-optic material, light is emitted through a fiber-optic ring disposed in the guide tube and surrounding the shaft. Dislodging means dislodges the tip from the object reducing the build up of static forces between the tip and the object. Cleaning means removes foreign particles from the tip. In the event that the tip breaks from the shaft, feeding means advances the shaft exposing the shaft to heating means. The heating means heats the corresponding the shaft to form a new tip.

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Genviller, France

Stefan Hombach