Table of Contents
3D Touch Probe Quick Start Guide
Introduction. The 3D Touch Probe is a precision touch probe for CNC machines. It triggers in ±X, ±Y, and +Z, with unidirectional repeatability under 0.01 mm and a trigger life of more than 3.5 millio…
Table of Contents
Introduction
The 3D Touch Probe is a precision touch probe for CNC machines. It triggers in ±X, ±Y, and +Z, with unidirectional repeatability under 0.01 mm and a trigger life of more than 3.5 million cycles.
Use it for edge finding, center finding, circle-center finding, and surface probing. It ships with a ruby-ball tungsten-carbide stylus, a 1/4" (⌀6.35 mm) shank and a 5V–24V DC supply, and works with gSender, grbl-plotter and similar software.
The examples in this manual apply to the Forge and Spark control systems. Read the Safety Precautions before installing, wiring, or using the probe.
Specifications
Item | Value |
Model name | 3D Touch Probe |
Stylus trigger directions | ±X, ±Y, +Z |
Stylus overtravel protection | XY: ±4 mm; Z: 1 mm |
Unidirectional repeatability | < 0.01 mm (standard stylus) |
Trigger life | > 3.5 million cycles |
Shank diameter | ⌀6.35 mm (1/4") |
Power supply | 5V–24V DC |
Output type | NPN-NO |
Cable length | 2 m |
Compatible software | gSender, grbl-plotter, etc. |
Dimensions
The probe body is 31.5 mm wide and 66 mm long, including the shank and stylus ball. The standard stylus is 16.7 mm long.
3D Touch Probe | Dimension |
Shank diameter | ⌀6.35 mm (0.250 in) |
Shank length | 15 mm (0.591 in) |
Body length | 32 mm (1.260 in) |
Stylus protrusion below body | 19 mm (0.748 in) |
Body diameter | 31.5 mm (1.240 in) |
Standard stylus | Dimension |
Thread | M2.5, 4.5 mm (0.177 in) long |
Stylus base diameter | 5 mm (0.197 in) |
Shaft length | 10 mm (0.394 in) |
Ball diameter | 2 mm (0.079 in) |
Overall length | 16.7 mm (0.657 in) |
Connection and Pinout
Power off the machine before connecting. Confirm the wire order and signal definitions against your machine's interface so the wiring is correct.
Wire color | Signal |
Yellow | IO, PROBE |
Black | GND |
Red | VCC (5V–24V) |
1. Genmitsu CNC models
The adapter cable fits Genmitsu series machines that support the Probe function. Connect the probe cable to the Probe (tool-setting / probe) input port on the CNC controller.
2. Other CNC machines
For other CNC machines, connect through the XH2.54 3P adapter cable. Before connecting, confirm the pin order and signal definitions of your machine's port, and wire according to its actual pinout.
Tutorial Video
Watch the tutorial video. It covers how to use the 3D Touch Probe, the operating procedure, and parameter settings.
Concentricity Calibration
Mount the 3D Touch Probe in the spindle and turn the spindle slowly by hand. Measure the stylus ball with a dial indicator. Using a hex key, fine-adjust the 3 adjustment screws on the probe until the ball's concentricity is ≤ 0.01 mm.
Troubleshooting
- The indicator does not light green and touching the probe has no effect. Confirm the machine is powered on. Unplug and re-plug both connectors and lock them firmly. Try a known-good cable.
- The indicator stays red, or the controller shows ALARM. Press the probe by hand and check that it springs back on its own. Check whether anything is mechanically pressing against the stylus.
- Repeat probing accuracy has dropped. Tighten the shank in the collet, re-secure the clamping, and recalibrate the probe.
- X/Y measurements are clearly off. Check whether the stylus is bent; replace it if deformed. Clear chips from the mounting area, then reinstall and recalibrate. Retry at a lower probing speed.
How did we do?
GRBL Error Codes
Mach3 Software Installation & Configuration
