The Blum-Novotest TC53 is a modular infrared 3D touch probe for automated workpiece measurement and inspection on CNC machining centers and mill-turn machines. At its core is the patented shark360 measuring mechanism — a face-geared, wear-free design that uses optoelectronic light-barrier shading to generate trigger signals, eliminating the mechanical switch contacts that wear and drift in conventional probes. This delivers a unidirectional repeatability of 0.4 µm 2σ with no degradation over the probe lifetime.

What makes the shark360 mechanism different from traditional probe designs?

Conventional touch probes rely on mechanical contacts — typically a kinematic seat of three cylindrical pairs or a spring-loaded plunger — that make and break electrical circuits. Over millions of cycles, these contacts wear, causing drift in the trigger point. The shark360 mechanism replaces mechanical switching with a face-geared coupling and a miniature optoelectronic light barrier. When the stylus deflects, the gear faces separate, shading the light barrier and generating the trigger signal without physical electrical contact. The result is a measuring mechanism with no preferred direction, no wear, and consistent trigger characteristics over the entire service life.

Infrared Transmission and System Integration

The TC53 communicates via modulated infrared light to the IF20 receiver unit mounted inside the machine work area. IR transmission offers high data rates with immunity to electrical noise, and DUO mode allows two probes to operate sequentially through a single receiver — useful for machines that combine a workpiece probe with a separate tool-setting probe. For radio-frequency applications where line-of-sight is obstructed, the TC63 variant with BRC radio transmission is available.

Size Selection and Modular Configuration

The TC53-10 (Ø 40 mm, 93 mm body length) suits compact machining centers and tool-change magazines with limited clearance, while the TC53-30 (Ø 63 mm, 113 mm) offers extended reach for larger machines. Both share the same shark360 insert and electronics. A range of modular extensions, elbow adapters, and cranked styli enable pulling measurements, undercut probing, and deep-cavity access that would be impossible with a straight stylus configuration.