Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: DIY probing

Alan,
The synthetic tips are used for several reasons that I know of, there may
be more. The most obvious is that they are virtually indestructable. They
are available in very tight tolerances and they look good. An added bonus
is that they are good insulators, non magnetic and impervious to normal
cleaning methods. They may pick up on aluminium though so if you are going
to use them for scanning across aluminium keep a watch out for accumulated
muck.
You say "lightly touch" a surface but if they are in use 24/7 for scanning
thats a lot of wear and the stylus have to be replaced at regular
intervals. Of course for lower accuracy, light duty an ordinary steel ball
bearing will work just as well.

Regards
Bill Phillips

>
>Back on the probe, why do they use emeralds (or some other synthetic
>jewel) for the contacts? I can see it for watch type movements, but
>just to "lightly touch" a surface?
>
>Gotta go with the probe, more fun!
>
>Alan KM6VV
>