Frequently asked questions
What buyers ask before they order a TP1 touch probe: which control it wires to, how it mounts, how accurate it is, and how returns and warranty work.
Choosing a probe
What is the difference between the wireless TP1-IR and the wired TP1-W probes?
Both are the same probe: a kinematic 3-point seat with 0.005 mm repeatability on a 30 mm stylus, sealed to IP65. The TP1-IR sends its signal over 950 nm infrared to a receiver up to 5 m away on direct line of sight, so no cable runs to the spindle. The wired probes carry the signal on a 5 m cable: TP1-W-R with a radial exit, TP1-W-R-PH with the first metre in a stainless steel conduit, and TP1-W-A with an axial exit. That is why the sets pair the TP1-IR with the CS16 clamping shank for the spindle, and the wired probes with the BP58 base plate for the table.
Which CNC controls does the TP1 work with?
The TP1 has no control-specific variant. Its output is set to what the control’s input expects — normally open or normally closed, PNP, NPN or push-pull — on a 5 – 24 VDC supply. The machines and controls it is wired into include Siemens, Heidenhain, Fanuc, Haas Automation, Mitsubishi Electric, Mazak, Okuma, Brother, Makino, Citizen, Tsugami, Mach3 and LinuxCNC. Wiring diagrams, machine integration and G-code probing cycles are in the TP1 documentation at https://docs.dynamitech.cz/tp1-family/, and our technical support helps with integrating the probe into your machine.
What machines can the probes be used on?
CNC machining centres, milling machines and lathes, for workpiece setup, tool measurement and position checking. They are also used on CNC routers and woodworking machines, on laser, plasma and waterjet cutting machines, and in industrial automation as high-precision limit switches.
How accurate is the TP1?
Repeatability is 0.005 mm with a 30 mm stylus. A kinematic 3-point seat returns the stylus to the same position after every deflection. The probe measures in ±X, ±Y, -Z at up to 2 m/min, and the TP1-IR reports a touch 2 ms after the stylus deflects.
What is in the box, and what has to be ordered separately?
The TP1-IR ships with the probe, the receiver with its bracket and 5 m cable, a SAFT LS14250 battery and the adjustment tool set. A wired TP1-W ships with its 5 m cable and the adjustment tool set. An M4 stylus, the CS16 clamping shank for the spindle and the BP58 base plate for the table are ordered separately. Ordered together, they arrive as a pre-centered assembly — or choose one of the sets, which include them.
Installation and wiring
How do I wire the TP1 to my control?
Two settings make the output: the resting state — normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC) — and the drive type — PNP, NPN or push-pull. On the TP1-IR both are set on a switch on the receiver’s board, where the legend is printed. On the wired TP1-W they are set by linking conductors at the cable end with the supplied PCT-414 terminal. The TP1-IR leaves the factory set to NO / PNP, the TP1-W to NO / Push-Pull, and both run on 5 – 24 VDC. Each probe’s product page draws the connection for whichever combination you pick.
How is the probe mounted on the machine?
In the spindle, as a workpiece probe, on the CS16 clamping shank: four M6 screws around its collar centre the stylus on the spindle axis. On the machine table, as a tool probe, on the BP58 base plate. Every TP1 takes any stylus with an M4 thread.
Which styli fit the TP1?
Any stylus with an M4 thread. The range covers ruby-ball styli with Ø2 and Ø3 mm balls, 20 to 40 mm long — from the M4 D2×20 for tight spaces to the M4 D3×40 — and, for tool measurement, a cubic boron nitride measuring disc and measuring cube.
The wireless TP1-IR
How far can the TP1-IR be from its receiver?
Up to 5 m on direct line of sight, over 950 nm infrared. Range depends on conditions: parameter P1 matches the infrared duty cycle to the working distance, and a higher duty cycle shortens battery life.
How long does the TP1-IR battery last?
One SAFT LS14250 lithium cell (3.6 V / 1.2 Ah) lasts ≈ 800 days in standby and ≈ 150 h measuring, at the factory settings. Deflecting the stylus wakes the probe; it returns to standby after the idle time set by parameter P2. A spare battery can be ordered on its own.
Is the probe sealed against coolant and chips?
Yes. Every TP1 is sealed to IP65, and the TP1-IR’s body is stainless steel. Coolant emulsion, cutting oil, chips and dust stay outside, which keeps the kinematic seat clean. The PH versions protect the cable in a flexible conduit. Working temperature is +10 to +40 °C.
Does the TP1-IR need software to set up?
No. Its two parameters — P1, the infrared power, and P2, the time before it sleeps — are entered by deflecting the stylus and read back from the LED on the probe. No software, cable or computer is needed; the procedure is on the product page.
Ordering and returns
Can I return a probe?
Yes. As a consumer in the EU you can withdraw within 14 days of receiving the goods, without giving a reason, and then have 14 days to send the goods back at your own cost. We refund everything you paid, standard delivery included. Purchases made as a business may fall outside this right. How to withdraw, and the full terms, are in the refund policy.
What warranty do the probes have?
Consumers are entitled to the statutory warranty for defects, generally 24 months. Report a defect with a short description and photos where possible; we handle complaints without undue delay, normally within 30 days. We also service the probes: ruby styli, repairs and calibration.
Can I order in quantity, or build the probe into my own machines?
Yes — for a whole shop floor, for machine builders who fit a probe to every machine they ship, or for setup on site, write to our sales team through the contact form.
Still have a question?
Tell our sales team about your machines through the contact form.