Common faults and maintenance guide for CNC machine tool probes (Renishaw/Marposs/Bolong)

CNC machine tool probes may experience various malfunctions during use due to battery depletion, mechanical collisions, optical pollution, communication interference, and other reasons. Based on the technical characteristics of various brands of probes, the common fault phenomena, possible causes, and maintenance methods of mainstream models are summarized below.

Renishaw – OMP40-2/OMP60/RMP60

OMP40-2 Common Malfunctions

Fault phenomenon: The probe does not trigger and there is no infrared signal

  • Possible reasons:Battery depletion, dirty optical window, misaligned or obstructed receiver (OMM-2)
  • Repair method:Replace 2 × 1/2 AA 3.6V lithium thionyl chloride batteries; Clean the bottom of the probe and the optical window of the receiver (using a dust-free cloth dipped in anhydrous alcohol); Check the installation position and line of sight path of the receiver

Fault phenomenon: Repetitive accuracy exceeds the tolerance

  • Possible reasons:The measuring needle is bent or damaged, the internal mechanical triggering mechanism is worn, and the installation handle cone surface is not clean
  • Repair method:Replace the standard measuring needle; Return to Jiangce Technology for testing internal mechanical mechanisms; Clean the taper surface of the tool handle and recalibrate it

Fault phenomenon: The battery consumption is significantly faster than normal

  • Possible reasons:Failure to close the probe through M code after use, internal circuit leakage, battery quality issues
  • Repair method:Confirm that there is an M code in the processing program to close the probe; Measure standby current to determine if there is leakage

OMP60 Common Malfunctions

Fault phenomenon: The probe does not trigger or triggers unstably

  • Possible reasons:2 × AA batteries are low, the installation position of the receiver (OMM-2) is offset, and there is cutting fluid or chips blocking the infrared transmission path
  • Repair method:Replace 2 x AA 3.6V lithium thionyl chloride batteries; Adjust the installation position of the receiver again; Clear obstructions on the transmission path

Fault phenomenon: Poor repeatability of measurement values, numerical fluctuations

  • Possible reasons:The locking nut of the measuring needle is loose, and the internal mechanical mechanism is worn (OMP60 has a high triggering force, and the wear becomes more obvious after long-term use)
  • Repair method:Check and tighten the measuring needle nut; Return to testing internal organization

RMP60 common faults

Fault phenomenon: Radio signal intermittent or completely lost

  • Possible reasons:Poor antenna position of RMI receiving module, interference from other wireless devices in the same workshop, transmission distance exceeding 15m
  • Repair method:Adjust the RMI antenna position until it is still visible when the machine opens the door; Check the frequency hopping settings; Confirm that the transmission distance is within the specified range

Fault phenomenon: The probe failed to pair with RMI

  • Possible reasons:RMI module ID configuration error, frequency hopping sequence mismatch, RMI module hardware failure
  • Repair method:Re execute the pairing process according to the manual; Replace RMI module for testing

Marposs – VOP40/WRP

Common faults of VOP40

Fault phenomenon: The probe does not trigger and there is no infrared signal output

  • Possible reasons:Battery depletion, infrared transmitter malfunction, incorrect receiver alignment
  • Repair method:Replace the battery (compatible with OMP40-2 with half AA specification); Check if the infrared emission window is clean; Confirm the installation location of the receiver

Fault phenomenon: Abnormal triggering force or probe not returning to its original position

  • Possible reasons:The internal triggering mechanism was damaged by collision and the sealing ring aged, causing chips to enter the mechanical structure
  • Repair method:Return to detect internal triggering mechanisms; Replace the sealing ring and clean the inside

Fault phenomenon: Accuracy deviation exceeds 1 μ m

  • Possible reasons:Wear or bending of the measuring needle, damage to the conical surface of the tool handle, improper installation of the measuring head
  • Repair method:Replace the measuring needle; Check the taper surface of the tool handle; Reinstall and calibrate

Common faults of WRP radio series

Fault phenomenon: Frequent disconnection of wireless connection

  • Possible reasons:WRP receiver antenna too far away (over 20m), too many metal obstructions, and interference in the same frequency band
  • Repair method:Shorten the distance between the receiver and the probe; Reduce metal shielding; Change communication channel

Fault phenomenon: The probe cannot establish a connection inside the machine

  • Possible reasons:After the machine tool protective door is closed, the signal attenuation and the installation position of the receiver are not ideal
  • Repair method:Install the receiver antenna inside the machine tool protective door or choose a closer installation point

Bolong Blum Novotest – TC50/TC52

Common faults of TC50/TC52

Fault phenomenon: The probe does not trigger or triggers with delay

  • Possible reasons:Insufficient battery voltage, obstructed optical transmission path (cutting fluid mist, oil stains adhering to the emission/reception window)
  • Repair method:Replace the battery (TC series uses a half AA specification lithium battery); Clean the optical emission and reception windows

Fault phenomenon: shark360 ™ Mechanism stuck, abnormal return of measuring needle

  • Possible reasons:Residual cutting fluid drying up leads to mechanical mechanism sticking and collision, resulting in internal deformation of shark360
  • Repair method:Ultrasonic cleaning trigger mechanism; If stuck after collision, return to the shark360 mechanism for detection

Fault phenomenon: Repetitive accuracy exceeds the tolerance (beyond 0.80 μ m specification)

  • Possible reasons:Wear of measuring needle, insufficient installation torque of measuring needle, and damage to the cone surface of the tool holder
  • Repair method:Replace the original measuring needle and tighten it according to the specified torque; Check the taper surface of the handle

通用建议

  • After removing the measuring head for maintenance or replacing the battery, it must be recalibrated when reinstalled on the machine tool
  • After collision, the probe should be immediately checked for damage, and even if there are no abnormalities in appearance, the repeatability accuracy should be checked
  • The optical transmission probe should regularly clean the emission and reception windows, with a recommended frequency of at least once a month
  • When the battery is not in use for a long time, it should be removed to prevent leakage and corrosion of the circuit

Ningbo Jiangce Technology (jcetech. cn) provides professional detection, maintenance and calibration services for Renishaw, Marpos and Bolong CNC probes. It can submit fault information through WeChat official account “Ningbo Jiangce” to obtain diagnostic suggestions.

This article is compiled by Ningbo Jiangce Technology.

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FAQ Selected Q&A

**Q: If the probe does not trigger, what should be the first step to check? ** **Answer: * * First confirm if the probe is activated (check the receiver status light), then check the battery level, and finally check the SKIP signal link (PMC diagnosis checks the X address level). The most common reason is battery depletion. **Q: How to troubleshoot the accuracy deviation of the measuring head? ** **Answer: * * First confirm if the calibration data is valid (recalibrate and compare again), then check if the measuring needle is bent or if the ruby ball is stuck, and finally check if the installation base is loose. Troubleshooting in this order can locate accuracy deviation issues of over 80%. **Q: Are the common failure modes of Marposs and Polon probes the same as Renishaw? ** **Answer: * * Overall similar, but due to different triggering mechanisms (Renishaw three-point Kinematic, Marposs piezoelectric, Polon photoelectric), there are differences in fault performance. Marposs common signal drift (piezoelectric element aging), Polon common light source attenuation (optoelectronic element lifespan), Renishaw common signal discontinuity (mechanical contact wear).

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Consultation Hotline:157-5780-7400 / 132-2194-1413
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