Renishaw has introduced the RUP60, its first on-machine ultrasonic thickness measurement probe for machine tools, expanding the capabilities of automated manufacturing inspection. The new solution will make its public debut at IMTS 2026 in Chicago and AMB 2026 in Stuttgart, offering manufacturers a faster and more efficient way to measure the thickness of large metal components directly on the machine.
Designed for workpieces where access is available from only one side, the RUP60 eliminates the need to remove components for inspection or transport them to dedicated metrology equipment. The probe enables fully automated thickness measurement and verification within the machining process, reducing manual intervention while delivering consistent, traceable results without requiring specialist inspection expertise.
Traditional thickness measurement methods for large components are often labour-intensive, consume valuable factory floor space and can introduce measurement inconsistencies due to operator error. Renishaw’s ultrasonic solution addresses these challenges by performing accurate thickness measurements on materials ranging from 0.7 mm to 30 mm using a single stylus. The probe has also been engineered to operate reliably in demanding production environments, with or without coupling fluid.
The RUP60 supports adaptive machining workflows by allowing manufacturers to measure, adjust and continue machining without removing the workpiece. Each measurement takes approximately two seconds, delivering accuracy better than 10 microns and repeatability of 2 microns. By integrating inspection directly into the machining cycle, manufacturers can reduce production time, minimise handling and improve overall process efficiency.
The probe communicates with machine tool controllers through Renishaw’s QE radio transmission protocol using the newly developed RMM-QE radio receiver. It is also supported by the company’s new Universal Sensor Interface (USI), which has been developed to process the larger volume of data generated by advanced sensor technologies.
Commenting on the launch, Heather Ormston, Lead Product Marketing Engineer, Machine Tool Products Division, Renishaw, said, “Ultrasonic thickness measurement is a well-established inspection method, and the RUP60 brings that capability directly into the machining environment. By enabling fast, highly accurate and repeatable in-process measurements, manufacturers can monitor component quality in real time, improve productivity and optimise machining operations using a single automated solution.”
The RUP60 integrates with Renishaw’s Inspection Plus macro programming software and the Set and Inspect programming platform, allowing operators to create and execute measurement and calibration routines with ease. The probe is also compatible with Renishaw Central, enabling manufacturers to incorporate automated thickness measurement into existing digital manufacturing workflows while maintaining complete measurement traceability. With the launch of the RUP60, Renishaw expands its portfolio of intelligent manufacturing solutions, providing machine shops with an advanced inspection tool that combines precision, automation and productivity in a single on-machine measurement platform.
