The range of features and components that must be measured in a typical factory means
that 
manufacturers
need a flexible measuring solution. A single sensor and stylus configuration will
not be sufficient in most cases.
Stylus changing
Unless you are measuring a simple component, you will need to change your stylus configuration
to suit different measurement tasks. This can be done manually using a threaded connection,
but probe systems are now available with a repeatable, automated means to switch styli.
This greatly increases your flexibility by allowing you to access features that demand
long or complex styli, as well as using different tips (sphere, disc, cylinder) needed
for different surface configurations. With automated stylus changing, all of this
can be achieved automatically, reducing operator intervention and increasing measurement
throughput.
Sensor changing A scanning sensor is the most flexible sensor you can fit to
your machine, since it can perform discrete point measurement as well as scanning.
However, it is not the optimum sensor for discrete more specialised tasks like measurement
of soft materials (where a non-contact sensor will be best).
Sensor changing requires a repeatable, automated joint between the probe head or CMM
quill and the probes that you want to use. You will also need a means to store those
sensors that are not in use on the machine.
The ultimate flexibility Many manufacturers find that they need the flexibility
of both stylus changing and sensor changing. The combination means that you will always
be using the right sensor and stylus for each task - increasing your measurement accuracy
whilst minimising measurement cycle times.
Stylus and module changers 
Stylus Changing Racks allow the automated use of a variety of stylus configurations
and eliminate the need to requalify after changes.
SCR200 The SCR200 provides automatic, high speed changing of up to 6 stylus
modules. The rack is easy to set up due to its close tolerance design which requires
only 8 probing points to datum the installation. The probe is automatically inhibited
during the change cycle which is fully managed by the PI 200 so that no additional
communications are necessary. A choice of operating modes permits either direct, high
speed entry to the rack ports or fully tamper resistant operation as required. In
the event of rack overtravel a stop signal is transmitted to the CMM controller. A
self-test mode is provided for system diagnosis.
MCR20 The MCR20 module changing rack has the capability of storing up to six
probe modules for automatic changing under measurement program control. Probe triggers
are inhibited during module changing by a proximity switch system, which eliminates
the need for an electrical connection to the MCR20.
The MCR20 is designed to securely hold the stored probe modules for automatic changing
and to protect them from airborne contaminants which may be present in the working
environment.
SCR600 The SCR600 is a passive stylus change rack for use with the SP600 &
SP600M, it requires no electrical connections. It is protected from overtravel (in
the probe entry direction) by a mechanism in the base which can be manually reset.
It houses up to 4 stylus modules per rack and any number of racks can be used in a
system.
FCR25 The FCR25 flexible change rack is a triple port unit that allows any
of the SP25M system elements to be rapidly exchanged in any of the ports. The FCR25
mounts directly to Renishaw's MRS modular rack system, providing configurations with
3, 6, 9 or 12 etc. ports. Alternatively, stand-alone racks are also available with
3 or 6 ports, ideal for smaller CMMs and optical CMMs where machine working volume
can be more restricted.
Probe autochange systems 
Autochange systems facilitate fast, automatic autojoint probe exchange without the
need for probe requalification.
Many Renishaw probes feature an Autojoint - a kinematic joint that enable repeateable
reconnection of sensors to a head such as the PH10M motorised indexing head. The ACR1
and ACR3 racks enable many sensors to be stored on a CMM, with automated switching
between them for greater measurement flexibility.
ACR1 Integrated CMM probe exchange system
Mounted within the CMMs working envelope, Autochange facilitates fast, automatic probe
exchange without the need for requalification. Fast "probing to probing" cycles are
achieved by the probe head docking one probe and selecting a different one. The high
repeatability of the 'Autojoint' removes the need to requalify between probes.
ACR3 system
A passive probe exchange system for DCC CMM's mounted within the CMM's volume on the
MRS.
The ACR3 probe changer provides an automated means to swap probes, allowing you to
use the best sensor for each specific measurement task you face. This makes your machine
more flexible and improves the accuracy of your measurements by ensuring that you
are always using the best probe for the job.
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