Though the use of the ruby ball is extensive in almost every application, there are two instances where balls made from other materials are needed.
When operators are scanning heavy duty parts made of aluminum, that aluminum can build up on the surface of the ruby ball (known as adhesive wear). In this instance, the better ball to have would be a silicon nitride one. The same goes for heavy scanning applications on cast iron parts, but this time, abrasive wear happens to the ruby ball’s surface – in which zirconia balls would be a better replacement.
Renishaw makes many different kinds and variations of styli to suit whatever needs CMM operator may have. Options include straight styli, disk styli, and star styli, to name just a few.
Click here for more specifics on styli types