Renishaw Extends 5-Axis Touch-Trigger Reach with PH20 PLUS

Renishaw has introduced the PH20 PLUS 5-axis touch-trigger system for coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), a direct replacement for its established PH20 head. The headline figure: over 50% increase in inspection reach compared to the original system, aimed squarely at features deep inside parts and in hard-to-access areas.

More reach, same foundation

The PH20 touch-trigger system launched in 2010 and built its reputation on head motion technology drawn from the REVO® 5-axis measurement system. The PH20 PLUS keeps that foundation and adds a redesigned kinematic mount that supports longer probe configurations.

The numbers matter here. With a 50 mm stylus, the PH20 PLUS head delivers a maximum working length of up to 300 mm from the centre of the A-axis. The redesign adds 107 mm of reach, expanding the accessible measurement volume without changing how operators work.

"With PH20 PLUS, we've focused on extending capability which we think will appeal to both existing PH20 customers and those with measurement requirements which could previously not be met by the existing head," said Nathan Fielder, Product Manager at Renishaw.

Upgrade path protects existing hardware

Compatibility is the quiet selling point. The PH20 PLUS system works with the existing range of TP20 probe modules, excluding the extended force module, via the PB20 adaptor. New PE20 modules interface directly with the head's larger kinematic mount. Existing part programmes and measurement strategies carry over, and the system can be configured to match the effective working length of current PH20 installations.

A new modular rack system supports automatic and repeatable probe module changing, mounting to an MRS2 rail on the CMM bed or machine frame. The powered PH20 PLUS PCR20 rack offers a standalone option for holding multiple modules and accessories. Integration runs through Renishaw's UCC controller, making the PH20 PLUS a drop-in replacement.

See it at IMTS

The PH20 PLUS system will be demonstrated at IMTS 2026 on the booths of various CMM manufacturers, with Renishaw staff available at the Quality Assurance booths 134314 and 134524.

M4S Take:: If your shop already runs PH20-equipped CMMs, this is a low-friction capacity upgrade: existing probes, programmes, and controllers stay in service while reachable measurement volume grows by over 50%. For shops quoting deep-feature or hard-to-access work that previously exceeded the PH20's working length, the 300 mm reach could bring that inspection in-house rather than losing the job or subcontracting metrology. The upgrade math hinges on how much work you've turned away for reach reasons.