M3 XXT, Cone shaft styli, ruby sphere

M3 XXT cone shaft styli have an enlarged adapter with the stylus tip directly connected to the adapter. This results in significantly better stiffness values for the entire stylus. Conversely, the usable length is reduced to the actual measuring length, since the conical contour subsequently provides a disturbing contour.

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.