M3 XXT, Star styli straight with clamping adapter, ruby sphere, tungsten carbide shaft

Star styli consist of 4 styli arranged in 90° increments and mounted at 90° to the shaft. M3 XXT T-styli with clamping adapter have a kind of clamping ring with which the star stylus can be mounted to a standard extension. The orientation of the star can be adjusted with a clamping screw (not included in the scope of delivery). These styli are particularly suitable for measuring opposing holes and undercuts, such as grooves. In addition, T-styli can also be used for measuring points that are difficult to access (e.g. on the underside of the workpiece).

Tungsten carbide is the most common shaft material, it combines a very good stiffness with an acceptable thermal expansion. Only the weight can have a negative effect when using large styli. The straight shaft is the simplest stylus design and the one with the longest usable length. The full shaft length can be used as measuring length. Tungsten carbide shafts represent a good combination in terms of weight, rigidity and thermal expansion.

Ruby styli are the standard for almost all applications and are available in a variety of different diameters. Another advantage is that ruby spheres can be produced in very small diameters (from 0.12 mm). On the other hand, ruby has weaknesses at the continuous scanning of certain materials and surfaces. With extremely soft materials, e.g. aluminum, material from the workpiece can be deposited on the ruby surface (material deposit). Very hard and rough surfaces, e.g. castings, on the other hand, cause abrasion of the sphere (material removal). The shape of the sphere changes as a result and loses accuracy.