DLC-Coated Stylus Tip With Low-Protrusion Surface for 3D Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stylus tips for two-dimensional and three-dimensional measuring apparatuses face issues with wear, breakage, and scratches, leading to reduced measurement efficiency and reliability, particularly during high-speed scanning measurements, and conventional hard coatings do not adequately address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A stylus tip with a hard coating on its outer periphery, where the number of protrusions exceeding 1 μm in height is limited to 5 or less per 0.10 mm², optimized through physical vapor deposition (PVD) methods, such as ion plating or sputtering, to enhance wear resistance and reduce scratches on the workpiece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a DLC coating is formed by PVD method to improve wear resistance, then wear resistance is improved, but the number of protrusions increases causing scratches on workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the arc current density during PVD coating formation. By controlling the arc current density within a specific range (0.5-2.0 A/dm²), the coating structure is modified to reduce protrusion formation while maintaining wear resistance. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between achieving high wear resistance and minimizing scratches on the workpiece.
2Productivity
If measurement speed is increased to improve productivity, then productivity is improved, but stylus tip wear and breakage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming a DLC coating on the stylus tip before measurement operations. This coating serves as a protective layer that withstands high-speed measurement conditions, preventing tip wear and breakage. By preparing the protective coating in advance, the system can operate at high measurement speeds without compromising stylus durability or measurement reliability.
3Strength
If a super hard material is used for stylus tip to reduce wear, then wear resistance is improved, but cost increases and risk of breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a metal substrate (such as stainless steel or tool steel) with a DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating. This composite structure provides wear resistance comparable to super hard materials while maintaining the toughness and ductility of the metal substrate. The result is a cost-effective solution that reduces wear without the high costs and brittleness associated with purely ceramic or diamond tips.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The stylus tip effectively reduces wear and damage, extending its service life and minimizing scratches on the workpiece, thereby improving measurement efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a DLC coating formed by physical vapor deposition (PVD) using solid carbon as a raw material
Implementation Method 2
physical vapor deposition (PVD) methods, such as ion plating or sputtering
Implementation Method 3
physical vapor deposition (PVD) methods, such as ion plating or sputtering
Implementation Method 4
a DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating having a high hardness and a high wear resistance
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a stylus to be provided at the tip of a measuring probe,wherein the stylus includes:a stylus tip whose outer peripheral surface is brought into contact with an object to be measured; anda stylus shaft whose one end is connected to the stylus tip;wherein the stylus tip has a hard coating on the outer periphery thereof, andwherein, when a protrusion of the hard coating extending locally from the outer peripheral surface and having a height of 1 μm or more is defined as a coating protrusion, a 0.10 mm×0.10 mm region of the outer peripheral surface of the stylus tip in which region the number of the coating protrusions is 5 or less, can be selected.